Uluwatu Guide
Cliffs and Sunset
The beaches, the temple and the kecak dance at sunset, ticket prices, where to eat and stay, and how many nights you need.
Uluwatu is dry, dramatic and raw – and that’s exactly what makes it so different from the rest of Bali. Here the jungle meets the ocean on cliffs more than 70 metres high, and a late afternoon with the temple, the Kecak dance and a cocktail at the edge of the world is one of Bali’s best experiences. Here’s how to do it right.
The short version: stay 2–3 nights, spend your days on Melasti, Padang Padang or Bingin, and save one late afternoon for Uluwatu Temple and the kecak fire dance at sunset. It’s 30–60 minutes from the airport, and you’ll want a driver or scooter to get around.
We arrange a private driver, temple ticket and Kecak dance – all included, from $99.
See our Uluwatu day trip →
Pura Luhur Uluwatu – the temple on the cliff
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six most important temples and hangs dramatically over a 70-metre cliff with the Indian Ocean below. It’s one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away the first time you see it. Sarongs are lent at the entrance – remember to cover your shoulders.
About the monkeys: The temple is known for its light-fingered monkeys. They’re fast and clever – put away your sunglasses, phone and anything loose in your bag before you go in. If you want something back, the guards will often offer fruit as a trade.
The Kecak dance – Bali’s most beautiful performance
The Kecak dance is performed in an open-air amphitheatre right at the edge of the cliff, with the sunset as a backdrop. Around 50–100 men sit in concentric circles performing the rhythmic “cak” chant while a story from the Ramayana unfolds with fire, costumes and drama. The performance usually starts at 6 pm and lasts 45–60 minutes.
Arrive by 5 pm at the latest – arriving early gets you good seats and time to explore the temple in the evening light before the show begins. An afternoon of the temple at 5 pm → Kecak at 6 pm → Single Fin afterwards is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Bali.
Kecak ticket, private driver and temple ticket – all included in our day trip.
See everything included in the Uluwatu day trip →
Beaches in Uluwatu
| Beach | Atmosphere | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Melasti Beach | White sand, turquoise water and dramatic cliffs – far quieter than Kuta and Seminyak | Couples, families and anyone who wants a beautiful beach without the crowds |
| Balangan Beach | A surf beach with bars and views – perfect for watching the waves | Experienced surfers and those who want to enjoy the view from a bar |
| Padang Padang | A small, intimate cove known from the film Eat Pray Love | Those who want the iconic experience – come early |
| Bingin Beach | A laid-back cove with small cafes and rock pools, reached by steps down the cliff | Couples and anyone who wants a quieter beach day |
| Dreamland Beach | A wide, easy-to-reach beach with sunbeds and big waves | Families and those who don’t want to climb steps |
| Nyang Nyang Beach | Long, wild and almost empty, with a steep 20-minute path down | Those who want a beach almost to themselves |
| Uluwatu Beach (Suluban) | A legendary surf beach with a long staircase down from the cliff | Experienced surfers – not for beginners |
Surfing in Uluwatu: The waves break over shallow coral reefs and are for experienced surfers only. Beginners should take surf lessons in Canggu or Seminyak instead.
Swimming: go at low to mid tide, when the water is calmest. At high tide, some beaches almost disappear and the waves get strong.
Restaurants and bars
| Place | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single Fin | Clifftop bar and restaurant with surf views | Uluwatu’s iconic meeting place – live music on Sundays, come early |
| El Kabron | Spanish food with clifftop views | One of Bali’s most dramatic restaurant locations – book a table |
| Sundays Beach Club | Beach club with a pool | The entry fee gives you credit for food and drinks – a perfect full-day experience |
| Savaya | Nightclub in the cliff face | Bali’s most spectacular nightclub, with world-class DJs and an infinity pool |
| Milk & Madu | Breakfast and lunch | A favourite for coffee and healthy food |
Where to stay in Uluwatu
| Hotel | Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Resort & Villas | Luxury | Spectacular views, an infinity pool and full service |
| Hilton Bali Resort | Premium | A large, well-equipped clifftop resort near Nusa Dua, about 20 minutes from Uluwatu – good for families |
| Bubble Hotel | Boutique/unique | Sleep in transparent bubbles under the stars – very limited capacity, book early |
Not sure whether Uluwatu or another area suits you best? Read Uluwatu vs Canggu and where to stay in Bali.
Uluwatu is Bali’s most romantic area. We set up the villa, the driver and a clifftop dinner – for your honeymoon or a luxury holiday.
See Luxury Bali → See the honeymoon →
Uluwatu practicalities
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from the airport | About 30–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic |
| Recommended stay | At least 2–3 nights |
| Best season | April–October (dry season) |
| Climate | 28–33 °C, dry and windy |
| Transport | A scooter (requires experience and an international driving permit for motorcycles) or a private driver |
| Kecak dance | Sunset show around 6 pm, sometimes a second show at 7 pm. Arrive at 5 pm for good seats |
| Tickets | Temple about IDR 50,000 and kecak about IDR 150,000–200,000 per adult, paid separately at the gate. Included in our day trip |
| Surfing | Experienced surfers only – waves over coral reef |
| Monkeys at the temple | Put away anything loose before you go in – they’re fast |
Uluwatu on your Bali itinerary
Most travellers do best with Uluwatu at the end of the trip, after Ubud or Canggu, so you finish with beach days and sunsets close to the airport. Our Bali Highlights package follows exactly that route, and our 7-day itinerary shows how to fit it into a week. Staying elsewhere? Uluwatu works well as a day trip from Seminyak, Canggu or Nusa Dua.
Vegard’s tips
Plan the temple and the Kecak dance for the same afternoon: arrive at 5 pm, see the temple, the dance at 6 pm and then Single Fin for a sunset drink. It’s one of Bali’s best afternoons. Rent a scooter if you’re used to riding – Uluwatu is spread out, and that gives you freedom. Watch out for the monkeys and put away anything loose. Get to Single Fin early on Sundays for live music and the best spots.
We pick you up, arrange tickets for the temple and the Kecak dance, and drive you there and back. From $99.
Book the Uluwatu day trip →
Uluwatu: FAQs
Is Uluwatu worth visiting?
Yes. It has Bali’s best swimming beaches, the clifftop temple and the kecak dance at sunset. For many travellers it’s the highlight of the trip.
How many days do you need in Uluwatu?
2–3 nights is enough for the beaches, the temple and a few sunsets. Stay longer if you surf or want a slow end to your trip.
What time should I go to Uluwatu Temple?
Arrive around 5 pm, see the temple in the evening light and stay for the kecak dance at about 6 pm.
Is Uluwatu good for families?
Yes, especially Melasti and Dreamland, which are easy to reach. Many other beaches have steep steps, and the reef breaks are not for children.
Uluwatu or Canggu?
Uluwatu for beaches, sunsets and peace, Canggu for cafes, nightlife and beginner surf. See Uluwatu vs Canggu.
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