7 Best Attractions in Uluwatu - Top experiences you don't want to miss

Known locally as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's most famous landmarks. Perched on the edge of a limestone cliff that is surrounded by dense forests, home to wild monkeys that are said to protect the temple from evil spirits. The temple features traditional Balinese architecture, intricately detailed gates and stone statues of Hindu gods placed around the courtyard. Uluwatu is one of the best places for sunsets, with panoramic views over the beach below and the Indian Ocean. The best time to visit is when the sun is just starting to dip. A traditional dance is performed every evening adjacent to the temple at a cliff top amphitheatre, with the sunset in the backdrop. Visitors to the temple are required to wear appropriate clothing as well as a sarong and sash. There's no public transport directly to the temple - so it is advised to hire a taxi and keep them waiting or get a car from one of the Bali beach resorts for the day.

One of Bali's premier courses, the New Kuta Golf features a champion standard course with variety to suit all golfing skill levels. The course has 18 holes, with its cliff-top hole 15 overlooking the stunning Balangan beach. On-site facilities include a restaurant, a gold pro shop and a spa, and the course is located next door to a water park so there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

A beach lover's paradise, Padang Padang is a secluded beach with crystal clear waters, white sands, and surf swells that attract surfers from around the island. Surprisingly, while the beach is just a few minutes away from resorts like Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, it has remained relatively peaceful when compared to the more crowded beaches in the area. Accessing the beach requires climbing down a steep flight of stairs and creeping through a hollow rock crevice, which opens out to the beach. There are a few stalls open along the beach that sells beverages, snacks and rent surfboards.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a cultural project located on the hillside of Jimbaran. Consisting of a massive statue of the Hindu god Vishnu and his guardian Garuda eagle. There's not much to do here other than taking pictures with the statues and shop at a nearby arcade.

A fascinating dance performance set high up on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Kecak is one of the island's most famous traditional performances. Also known as the monkey dance or fire dance, the Kecak is an interpretation of a story from the Ramayana, involving the monkey army and its main characters Rama, Sita and Ravana. The absence of any musical accompaniment makes the Kecak stand out, and the only choruses are created by the polyrhythmic singing of the male dancers. The best way to view the Kecak is to explore the temple to really get an idea of Balinese culture and then head to the amphitheatre to catch the daily performance.

Located along the southern coast of the island, fringed by limestone cliffs that are home to several statues depicting heroes from the Ramayana, Pandawa beach is great for swimming and water sports. There are a number of small shops selling local and international food on the strip of white sand.

Another world-class surf spot, just minutes away from Uluwatu, Bingin beach features big waves and a surf break that is strictly for advanced surfers only. Non-surfers can try snorkelling and swimming during low tides or climb the chills to enjoy great views over the beach.