Day Trips From Uluwatu: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Southern Bali and Beyond

Uluwatu is often described as the dramatic soul of southern Bali. Perched high above the Indian Ocean, this area is known for its limestone cliffs, legendary surf breaks, temple sunsets, and a laid-back yet upscale atmosphere. Many travelers choose Uluwatu precisely because it feels removed from the busier parts of the island. Yet that doesn’t mean you should stay put the entire time.

On the contrary, day trips from Uluwatu open up an impressive variety of landscapes and experiences—from pristine beaches and cultural landmarks to waterfalls, rice terraces, and island escapes. Thanks to Bali’s compact size, even destinations that feel worlds away can often be reached within a single day.

This guide is designed for all types of travelers: backpackers, families, couples, digital nomads, and luxury seekers. The routes described range from short half-day outings to full-day adventures lasting up to 10 hours round-trip. You’ll also find a dedicated section on helicopter day trips, an increasingly popular way to see Bali from above while avoiding long drives.

Whether you are planning a relaxed beach-hopping day or a once-in-a-lifetime aerial journey, this article will help you choose the best Uluwatu day trips to match your travel style.

Why Uluwatu Is a Perfect Base for Day Trips

Uluwatu sits on the Bukit Peninsula, in the far south of Bali. At first glance, this location might seem isolated. In practice, it offers several advantages for exploring the island.

First, traffic around Uluwatu is generally lighter than in central tourist hubs like Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu. This makes short trips along the peninsula relatively easy and predictable. Second, Uluwatu provides quick access to the airport and southern Bali’s highlights, while still allowing longer excursions northward with an early start.

Finally, Uluwatu is uniquely positioned for helicopter tours, thanks to nearby helipads and clear coastal flight paths. For travelers who value time, comfort, and unforgettable views, this dramatically expands what’s possible in a single day.

Short Day Trips Near Uluwatu (1–3 Hours Total)

Padang Padang Beach

One of the closest and most famous beaches near Uluwatu, Padang Padang is ideal for a quick outing. Accessed via a narrow rock passage, this small cove is known for clear water, white sand, and consistent surf.

A visit here works perfectly as a short morning or late-afternoon trip. Non-surfers can relax on the sand or swim during calm conditions, while experienced surfers enjoy the reef break further out.

Bingin Beach

Bingin offers a more rugged, bohemian feel. Reaching the beach involves descending a series of stairs between cliffside accommodations, which helps keep crowds manageable. Cafés and warungs line the rocks above the sand, making it an excellent spot for lunch with ocean views.

This is a great example of a things to do near Uluwatu option that doesn’t require a full day.

Suluban (Blue Point) Beach

Hidden beneath steep cliffs, Suluban is accessed through rock caves that open directly onto the ocean. The setting feels almost cinematic, especially at low tide. It’s a favorite with surfers, photographers, and anyone looking for dramatic scenery close to Uluwatu.

Cultural and Scenic Day Trips (3–5 Hours Total)

Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance

Even if you’re staying nearby, visiting Uluwatu Temple as a dedicated outing is worth it. The cliffside setting is among the most iconic in Bali. In the late afternoon, many travelers combine a temple visit with the famous Kecak fire dance, performed against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Expect crowds, but also one of Bali’s most memorable cultural experiences.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Home to one of the tallest statues in the world, GWK Cultural Park celebrates Indonesian heritage through architecture, exhibitions, and performances. The scale of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue alone makes this a compelling stop.

This trip pairs well with a lunch stop or beach visit, making it an easy half-day itinerary.

Pandawa Beach

Once hidden behind cliffs, Pandawa Beach is now accessible via a dramatic road flanked by statues carved into the limestone. The beach itself is long, clean, and calmer than many west-coast spots, making it suitable for swimming and kayaking.

Day Trips From Uluwatu to Central Bali (6–8 Hours Total)

Ubud: Culture, Nature, and Cafés

Ubud is often described as Bali’s cultural heart. From Uluwatu, the drive takes around 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on traffic. A well-planned day trip can include highlights such as the Sacred Monkey Forest, central Ubud town, and nearby rice terraces.

While ambitious, this remains one of the most popular day trips from Uluwatu for travelers wanting a contrast to coastal scenery.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Located south of Ubud, Tegenungan is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Bali. It’s powerful during the rainy season and photogenic year-round. Visiting early in the morning helps avoid crowds.

Tirta Empul Water Temple

Famous for its holy spring, Tirta Empul offers insight into Balinese spiritual traditions. Visitors can participate in a purification ritual by wearing traditional sarongs and immersing themselves in the temple’s fountains.

East Bali Day Trips (8–10 Hours Total)

Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

Arguably one of the most photographed spots in Bali, Lempuyang Temple sits high on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. The famous “Gates of Heaven” frame Mount Agung in the distance.

From Uluwatu, this is a long but rewarding day trip. An early departure is essential.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Often combined with Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace known for its fountains, pools, and stepping stones. The gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the more crowded temple sites.

Island Day Trips From Uluwatu

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is known for dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and rugged landscapes. Popular spots include Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong.

A day trip typically involves a boat transfer from Sanur, which adds travel time. Still, many travelers consider it worth the effort.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

These smaller islands offer a more relaxed alternative. Snorkeling, beach clubs, and scenic viewpoints make them suitable for travelers seeking a slower pace.

Helicopter Day Trips From Uluwatu: See Bali From the Sky

For travelers who want to maximize their time and experience Bali in a truly unforgettable way, helicopter tours represent a unique category of Uluwatu day tours.

Helicopter flights allow you to bypass traffic entirely and reach destinations that would otherwise require a very early start and a long drive. In a single morning, you can fly from the cliffs of Uluwatu to central or eastern Bali, enjoy aerial views of volcanoes, rice terraces, waterfalls, and coastlines, and return the same day.

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour?

• Time efficiency: What takes 8–10 hours by car can take under an hour by air.
  
  
• Exclusive views: See Bali’s landscapes from perspectives impossible on the ground.
  
  
• Comfort and privacy: Ideal for couples, families, and small groups.
  
  
• Flexible routes: Coastal flights, volcano flyovers, or custom itineraries.
  
  

Helicopter Experiences With Balicopter

Balicopter specializes in scenic and private helicopter tours across Bali. From Uluwatu, guests can embark on flights that include:

• Southern coastline and Bukit Peninsula aerial tours
  
  
• Ubud and rice terrace flyovers
  
  
• Volcano routes around Mount Batur or Mount Agung
  
  
• Custom point-to-point transfers for day trips
  
  

These experiences are particularly appealing to luxury travelers, honeymooners, and anyone celebrating a special occasion. A helicopter day trip transforms travel time into part of the experience itself.

How to Choose the Best Day Trip From Uluwatu

When deciding among the many things to do near Uluwatu, consider the following:

• Travel style: Relaxed beach day, cultural immersion, or adventure
  
  
• Time available: Half-day vs full-day commitment
  
  
• Season: Rainy season may affect waterfalls and road conditions
  
  
• Group composition: Families, couples, or solo travelers
  
  
• Budget and comfort: Car, driver, or helicopter
  
  

Mixing shorter local trips with one or two longer excursions often creates the most balanced itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Uluwatu is far more than a destination in itself—it’s a gateway to some of Bali’s most diverse and spectacular experiences. From quick beach escapes and cultural landmarks to ambitious cross-island adventures, day trips from Uluwatu cater to virtually every type of traveler.

Whether you choose the winding coastal roads or take to the skies by helicopter, each journey reveals a different side of Bali. With thoughtful planning, even a short stay in Uluwatu can feel richly varied, immersive, and unforgettable.

If you want Bali to feel both expansive and effortless, Uluwatu is the perfect place to start.