Best Things to Do in South Bali | Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot & Canggu (4K Travel Guide)

Welcome to South Bali, Indonesia. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf spots, breathtaking cliffside temples, and vibrant nightlife, South Bali has it all. We stayed here for four days and we are going to show you all the things to do in this buzzling part of Bali. The South Bali coastline is one of the most stunning and diverse stretches of shore in all of Indonesia. From the vibrant beaches of Kuta and Seminyak to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Uluwatu, this region offers something for every type of traveler. We stayed in Canggu, a laid-back coastal town known for its trendy vibe, black sandy beaches, boutique shops, street art, and lively beach clubs like Old Man's and Fin's Beach Club. Canggu was the perfect base for us to relax, indulging great food and sipping cocktails while watching Bali's famous orange-hued sunset. As for accommodation, we stayed at Thiana Villa and Spa, a luxurious escape nestled in the heart of Canggu. This tranquil retreat offers stunning private villas. Each villa comes with its own private pool, giving you the perfect spot to relax in complete privacy. The villas, featuring an open living area, a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathtub, and large glass doors that open to your private pool and tropical garden. Inside the villa, you'll find a comfortable king-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom, and all villas are equipped with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and European cuisines, catering to diverse tastes. Thiana also offers an excellent room service with a variety of dining options delivered directly to your villa, ensuring a private and personalized meal experience. And what are you going to do on a rainy day? A serene spa offering rejuvenating treatments and massages, perfect to unwind and relax. Strolling the streets of Canggu is a mix of charm and chaos. The town is filled with narrow roads, trendy shops, and stylish cafes, making it fun to explore on foot. People walking in beachwear and flip-flops, giving the area that signature laid-back island vibe. However, it's important to know that Canggu is busy, especially during peak hours. The roads can get very crowded with scooters, taxis, and delivery bikes. When the sun sets, Canggu comes alive. There's a thriving nightlife with beach bars, live music, and DJ nights at places like Old Man's. But beyond the crowds, there's so much more to discover here. So, enough about Canggu for now. And one of our favorite places we visited was Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, located on the island's southwest coast, perched on a dramatic rock formation in the ocean. The temple is situated about 20 meters from the shore and connected to the mainland by a small pathway. During high tide, the rock is surrounded by water, making the temple appear to float. Tanah Lot is dedicated to the sea gods and is a key spiritual site for the Balinese. On site, you can explore the surrounding area, which includes scenic walks, a market, and cultural performances. At the base of the temple, there are a few caves inhabited by sea snakes, which are considered sacred and are said to protect the temple from evil spirits. Across the base of the temple, there's a small cave where local priests keep and care for the holy snakes. For a small donation, you can enter the cave, receive a blessing from the priest, and even touch the snake. Locals believe that if you touch the snake with pure intentions, it will bring you good luck and protection. The most magical time to visit Tanah Lot is at sunset, when the temple is silhouetted against the vibrant colors of the sky. As the sun begins to set, bats start flying out of their cave in large numbers, creating an incredible sight against the golden sky. This adds to the already magical sunset experience at Tanah Lot. Another incredible site we visited was the famous Uluwatu Temple, built in the 11th century, perched dramatically on a cliff, where you can watch the traditional fire dance, one of the temple's biggest attractions, with a stunning backdrop of the sunset and the ocean. As you walk along the cliffside pathway, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery, rugged rock formations, and the sound of waves crashing below. The pathway extends along the edge of the cliffs, giving you multiple vantage points to admire the stunning seascape, especially during sunset, when the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple. The Uluwatu Temple is also home to a group of mischievous monkeys that inhabit the surrounding forest. While the monkeys are fun to watch, they can be cheeky and may snatch your belongings, so keep a close eye on your personal items. Garuda Vishnu Kenchana, one of Bali's most impressive cultural landmarks. This iconic statue, standing at over 120 meters tall, depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. Located 20 minutes from Kuta, this massive sculpture is set within a sprawling cultural park, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Balinese art and mythology. At the parking lot, you can purchase a shuttle service ticket. The shuttle takes you to the entrance of the park. Once inside, you'll come across some stone panels illustrating the Hindu epic of Vishnu. You'll also find a theater where they perform traditional Balinese dances. Through the stairs, you reach Plaza Kura Kura, often used for cultural performances. At the pond, you can toss a coin while making a wish to bring prosperity, happiness, and success. At the top of the stairs, you'll enter Plaza Garuda, where you can see a sculpture of Vishnu and Garuda before reaching the main statue. Inside the main Garuda Vishnu statue, you can explore a space filled with mythical figures. For an additional fee, you can go up the statue, but first, you will be required to seal your shoes. After that, a guide takes you up to the top floor and leads you through the building, explaining the history, cultural significance, and the engineering behind this enormous statue. And at the end, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over Bali. Outside again, you can walk back through the massive limestone walls. These towering cliffs, carved from the natural landscape, create a dramatic and awe-inspiring pathway through the park. Another fun thing to do is visiting a Barong Dance, a must for anyone who wants to experience the island's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This traditional Balinese performance tells the epic battle between good and evil, with Barong, the mythical lion-like creature, representing good, and Rangda, the fearsome witch, symbolizing darkness and chaos. The show is vibrant and dramatic, featuring elaborate costumes, mesmerizing gamelan music, and hypnotic trance dances. Watching a Barong Dance gives you a deeper insight into Balinese Hindu mythology and rituals. As well as the artistic mastery of the island's dancers and musicians. The best place to watch this dance is in Batu Balan, 30 minutes drive from Denpasar. It's fantastic to see the Barong Dance performed in a traditional and authentic settings. Another incredible temple we visited was Pura Taman Ahun, one of Bali's most beautiful and revered temples. Known for its stunning architecture and serene surroundings, dating back to the 17th century, Pura Taman Ahun was once the royal temple of the Mengui Kingdom. As you approach the temple, you're immediately struck by its location, surrounded by moats and reflecting pools of water, adding to the sense of tranquility and beauty. The temple complex is a true oasis, with lush gardens that enhance its peaceful atmosphere. The standout feature of the temple is its multi-tiered pagodas, or meru, which rise majestically toward the sky, dedicated to various Hindu deities. Walking through the inner courtyards, you're surrounded by intricate stone carvings and pavilions, each reflecting Bali's spiritual traditions. So, what do you think of South Bali? What kind of vibe do you like? Please let us know in the comments below. And we see you in the next video.