How to Plan a Day Trip to Uluwatu - Guide to Organising an Unforgettable Day Trip to Captivating Uluwatu

Ranked among Bali's most vibrant beach holiday hotspots, Uluwatu is the ideal day trip destination for those who are occupying the opposite end of the paradise island. The south coast beach haven is not only home to some of Bali's best cultural attractions but also its own share of pristine beaches and popular entertainment hubs. Here are some tips on how to plan the perfect day tour of Uluwatu that's full of fun, adventure and memories to last a lifetime. 

Make a Hotel Reservation 

Those who are planning to enjoy a memorable day tour of Uluwatu must first and foremost find a strategically located base in the area. Although day trippers may wonder why a room at Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is necessary for a single day in the south coast, the benefits of having a convenient base cannot be overstated in a tourist hotspot such as Uluwatu. This is particularly essential for tourists whose Uluwatu Things to Do lists are especially long. In addition to providing safekeeping for all of one's belonging, a hotel suite can also make any day trip in Bali a less stressful experience. 

Start with the Views at Balangan Viewpoint 

The first point of interest that day trippers should head to on a tour of Uluwatu is Balangan Beach. The venue offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes from its vaulted location. Setting vacationers up for a brilliant day ahead, this short stopover can set the tone for the remainder of the day as the 360-degree views are too picturesque to pass up. 

Go Beach Hopping  

A day trip to Uluwatu must include stopovers at some of its finest beaches. This includes the tranquil and secluded Thomas Beach and Padang-Padang Beach while Nyang-Nyang Beach is a 1.5-kilometre-long stretch that's right out of a picture postcard. Bingin Beach and Suluban Beach are other beaches worth one's time as the scenic beauty of these seaside locations is difficult to encapsulate in words. 

Sign up for Water Sports Activities  

Although a day trip does not allow much time to spend enjoying water-based activities, a tour of Uluwatu would hardly be complete without engaging in a spot of surfing or paragliding. Schedule a wave riding session at Nyang-Nyang Beach or Dreamland Beach for the post-lunch hours as it will be the best way to work off the calories gained by wining and dining at Suka Espresso or the Land’s End Cafe. 

Pencil in a Stop at GWK Cultural Park 

While it may be one of Uluwatu's newer attractions, a visit to the GWK Cultural Park is a must for all those who are touring the southern coast of Bali for the first time. Famed for its 121-metre-tall statue of Lord Vishnu, this recreational hotspot that took several decades to build is also a popular event venue and an exhibition hub in the area. 

Make Plans to Drop by Uluwatu Temple 

Uluwatu Temple is the most impressive temple in all of Uluwatu, and paying homage to the region's namesake Hindu temple must also be a top priority for day trippers regardless of their religiosity. The Kecak Fire Dance ritual, which takes place every evening at Uluwatu Temple, is another compelling reason to head to this iconic place of worship after sundown. 

Image via Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort 

Catch the Sunset  

The last hours of a day trip to Uluwatu can be spent at a beach bar such as Single Fin's or the abandoned villa near Suluban Beach as both locations provide spectacular sunset views. Single Fin's is better suited for groups of travellers on the lookout for a trendy bar while the abandoned villa is ideal for solo travellers and families in search of a quieter spot to spend the remaining hours of their excursion.