REVIEW · NUSA DUA
Uluwatu Temple, Beaches and Southern Bali Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali SUN Tours · Bookable on Viator
Uluwatu’s cliff views hit fast. This full-day private tour pairs Uluwatu Temple with parasailing at Tanjung Benoa, then sends you to Jimbaran for beach dinner. One thing to plan for: the sun and walking at Uluwatu can feel intense, especially if you try to stay for the fire dance.
I really like how the day mixes big scenery with real variety. You get a proper temple stop, short beach/photo breaks along southern Bali, and an active beach break—so you’re not stuck on one kind of travel mood all day.
The main consideration is timing and pacing. The tour is packed for a full 10 hours, so if you want a slow, deep cultural visit at the temple, you may feel rushed.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Price and logistics: does $67.67 feel worth it?
- Tanjung Benoa: where your water-sports hour actually happens
- Southern Bali photo stops: Padang-Padang, Pandawa, and Melasti
- Uluwatu Temple: cliffside views, steep steps, and monkey etiquette
- The part you need to prepare for: heat and the climb
- Monkeys: treat them like tiny, chaotic thieves
- Fire dance reality check (Kecak): optional, and timing can test you
- Jimbaran Bay: seafood on the beach with live music
- Driver quality: English-speaking, but pacing is everything
- Water sports costs: what’s included and what can add up
- Who should book this full-day southern Bali tour?
- Should you book? My take
- FAQ
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How long is the tour?
- What water sport is included in the price?
- Are other water sports included?
- Which stops are part of the day?
- Is the Uluwatu Temple entrance fee included?
- Is food included at Jimbaran Bay?
- Is Kecak dance included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you go

- Parasailing is included, and it happens at the water-sports area around Tanjung Benoa.
- Jimbaran Bay is set up for sunset dinner, with seafood on the beach and live music.
- Uluwatu can be hot and steep, so water and sunscreen aren’t optional.
- Monkeys around Uluwatu can go for your stuff, especially sunglasses and hats.
- Your English-speaking driver matters, and good ones help you avoid crowds and fit optional add-ons smoothly.
- Optional shows cost extra, including Kecak tickets if you choose to attend.
Price and logistics: does $67.67 feel worth it?

At about $67.67 per person, this tour is priced like a “do a lot in one day” package—and it mostly earns that value by covering the essentials. You’re not just getting a transfer. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, entrance fees, and parasailing. Insurance is included too, which you’ll appreciate when you’re the one strapping in for water sports.
The trade-off is that food isn’t included. Jimbaran is famous for beach seafood, but you’ll still be paying for your own meal and drinks. If you’re the type who expects the package to handle everything, budget for that upfront.
One more practical note: the tour runs about 10 hours. That long window is great for seeing multiple areas of southern Bali in one stretch, but you’ll want to pack smart—sun protection, swimwear, and comfortable shoes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nusa Dua.
Tanjung Benoa: where your water-sports hour actually happens

The day kicks off with a drive from your hotel to Tanjung Benoa, a beach zone known for water activities. You’ll spend about an hour here, and this is where the real action starts.
Your included activity is parasailing, handled at the water-sports stop (Bintang Beach Club Dive & Water Sport). This is the kind of add-on that’s usually the most expensive item on day trips. So having it included is a big value point.
You may also see options like jet skiing or banana/doughnut boat rides. Those are extra costs. The tour structure makes sense: one hour for water fun keeps the rest of your day moving, so you don’t lose the sunset parts to long ticket lines.
What to do to make this hour easier:
- Wear swimwear under your clothes if you can. Changing later can be slower than you expect.
- Bring sunscreen. Even if you’re not on the beach the whole time, the day is sun-heavy.
- Plan to be flexible. Water sports schedules can shift a little based on conditions.
Southern Bali photo stops: Padang-Padang, Pandawa, and Melasti
After Tanjung Benoa, the itinerary shifts from “play” to “view.” You’ll continue toward southern Bali and get several shorter beach stops that are built for scenery.
You’ll hit Padang-Padang Beach for around the sunset glow. This is the moment that turns the day from active to scenic. The coast here is dramatic, with white stone formations and strong ocean views. Even if you only have a short time, it’s a good place to slow down and let the ocean do the talking.
Then you’ll get smaller breaks at:
- Pandawa Beach (around 30 minutes), tucked behind carved limestone cliffs.
- Pantai Melasti Ungasan / Melasti Beach (around 30 minutes), a white sand beach with a large limestone cliff framing it.
These stops are short by design. That’s good if you like variety and hate sitting in a bus for too long. It can be less ideal if you want deep beach time. Think of them as scenery stops where you can stretch, take photos, and reset before the big temple.
If your goal is sunset photos, prioritize your timing. The beaches come in quick succession, so you may want to keep your phone charged and your outfit ready.
Uluwatu Temple: cliffside views, steep steps, and monkey etiquette

This is the emotional center of the tour. You’ll visit Uluwatu Temple, a sacred Hindu site on a cliff bank at the southern end of Bali’s peninsula. You’ll have about one hour here, including time to walk, take photos, and watch the temple area settle around you.
The views are the reason you’re here. From the cliff edge, the ocean stretches out and the coastline looks endless. It’s one of those places where the effort pays off quickly—if you manage the heat and walking.
The part you need to prepare for: heat and the climb
Plan for a warm, sometimes punishing walk up to the temple. Even the best legs can feel it in the sun. Pack like you’re doing a small hike:
- Bring water.
- Use sunscreen before you start climbing.
- Wear shoes with grip.
A guide can help you pace it. In particular, drivers like Mario were noted for planning ways to get great photos without getting stuck in the worst crowd crush.
Monkeys: treat them like tiny, chaotic thieves
At Uluwatu, monkeys are a real factor. Keep sunglasses, hats, and anything dangling secured. If you set them down, you might not see them again. The safest approach is simple: hold your valuables and avoid teasing or feeding.
Fire dance reality check (Kecak): optional, and timing can test you
Kecak dance tickets are not included, so if you want to see a performance, plan for the extra ticket cost and time. One key thing to know: seating can be limited, and you may end up waiting in the sun. If you’re hot, tired, and mainly in it for the temple views, you might prefer skipping the show and using that time for better photos or a calmer return.
Your driver can sometimes help you make that call. For example, Dewa was able to accommodate a luwak coffee plantation stop when a guest chose to pass the Kecak performance. That sort of flexibility depends on timing, but it’s a reminder: ask questions and don’t assume the only option is to sit through everything.
Jimbaran Bay: seafood on the beach with live music

You’ll finish at Jimbaran Bay for about one hour. This is the laid-back, romantic end of the day—fishing village energy with dinner right along the sand.
Jimbaran is known for beach seafood meals, and the setup here leans toward sunset dining. You’re not just ordering and eating in a corner. The experience is framed by the setting: ocean views, the beach atmosphere, and live performance.
A highlight is the live group music with a local singer. You may also be able to request an international song title, which adds a fun personal touch if you like a bit of theater with dinner.
Again, plan for food costs. Food and drinks are not included, so treat this as the part of the day where you choose what you want to spend.
If you want a smoother dinner moment, go in with realistic expectations: you’ll be tired from walking and sun, and you’ll likely be ready for something easy—fresh seafood, a cold drink, and a slow end to the day.
Driver quality: English-speaking, but pacing is everything

This is a private tour with an English-speaking driver. That matters more than you might think, because the day has several moving parts: water sports timing, beach/photo stops, and the temple walk.
The best experiences tend to feel well-paced and explained. Drivers like Juli were praised for friendly guidance and for adding context as you drive toward Uluwatu. Dewa also earned compliments for being sweet and accommodating, especially when guests wanted to skip the Kecak performance and still add something else. Mario was recognized for knowing how to avoid the worst crowds for photos.
There’s also a lesson here: the tour can feel rushed or smooth depending on the driver’s style. If you prefer an unhurried temple visit, communicate that early. If you want more time for sunset photos at the beaches, say so.
Water sports costs: what’s included and what can add up

Here’s the clean breakdown based on what’s included:
- Included: hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, English-speaking driver, entrance fees, parasailing, and insurance.
- Not included: food and drinks.
- Extra: other water-sports options (like jet ski, banana/doughnut boat rides), plus optional extras such as Kecak dance tickets.
So your total budget depends on how adventurous you get once you’re at Tanjung Benoa. If you only do parasailing, you’ll likely stay close to the package price. If you add more rides and a show, costs climb.
My practical advice: pick one main water-sports thrill (parasailing is a strong choice) and then decide about extras based on how your energy level holds up.
Who should book this full-day southern Bali tour?

This one fits best if you want a day that mixes:
- A major temple viewpoint with Uluwatu’s cliff drama
- Active beach time at Tanjung Benoa (parasailing included)
- Scenic beach stops along the southern coast
- Sunset dinner energy in Jimbaran
It’s a solid pick for couples and friends who like variety and want to tick off big sights without arranging multiple separate day trips.
You might think twice if:
- You hate hot, steep walks and don’t want to handle temple crowds.
- You’re the type who wants a long, slow temple experience rather than a timed stop.
- You want a fully food-covered package (Jimbaran meals are extra).
Should you book? My take
If you’re going to southern Bali and want one day that covers temple views, a real water-sports highlight, and a sunset dinner, this tour makes sense. The biggest value win is parasailing included plus entrance fees and hotel pickup.
Just go in with the right mindset. Bring sun protection. Hold onto your glasses and hat at Uluwatu. And treat the Kecak show as optional—decide based on your heat tolerance and how much time you’re willing to wait.
If you want a packed-but-fun day with a driver who can keep things organized, this is worth booking.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, and the tour uses private transportation.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 10 hours (approx.).
What water sport is included in the price?
Parasailing is included as part of the water-sports time at Tanjung Benoa.
Are other water sports included?
No. Activities beyond parasailing, like jet skiing or banana/doughnut boat rides, are at your own cost.
Which stops are part of the day?
You’ll visit Tanjung Benoa, Padang-Padang Beach, Pandawa Beach, Pantai Melasti Ungasan, Uluwatu Temple, and Jimbaran Bay.
Is the Uluwatu Temple entrance fee included?
Yes. Entrance fees are included, including for the Uluwatu Temple visit.
Is food included at Jimbaran Bay?
No. Food and drinks are not included. Jimbaran dinner is a paid add-on during the stop.
Is Kecak dance included?
Kecak tickets are not included. If you want to attend, it’s listed as an optional expense.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel within 24 hours, there is no refund.























