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Uluwatu Temple on its limestone cliff above the Indian Ocean

Uluwatu travel guide

Uluwatu: cliff temples, surf beaches and fire-dance sunsets.

Uluwatu sits on the limestone Bukit peninsula at Bali's southern tip. It is known for a temple on the edge of a sea cliff, the kecak fire dance at sunset, and surf beaches such as Bingin and Padang Padang. A half day is enough for the highlights if you arrive in the afternoon.

Best time
May–Sep
How long
Half a day to 2 days
From Ubud
1 h 30
Best for
Sunsets, surf beaches and cliff views

Things to do in Uluwatu.

  1. See Uluwatu Temple on its cliff

    Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's key sea temples, perched high above the Indian Ocean. Keep sunglasses and phones zipped away, because the resident monkeys are expert thieves.

  2. Watch the kecak fire dance at sunset

    A circle of chanting performers tells a story from the Ramayana as the sun goes down behind the amphitheatre. Arrive about an hour before the show for a good seat.

  3. Climb down to Bingin and Padang Padang

    Both beaches are reached by steep steps through the cliffs. Check the tide before you go, because high water can leave very little sand.

  4. Have grilled seafood at Jimbaran

    Tables are set out on the sand at Jimbaran Bay, a natural stop on the way back north. Fish is usually priced by weight, so confirm the price before it is cooked.

How to get there.

Uluwatu is about 50 minutes by car from Denpasar Airport (DPS) and around 1 hour 10 minutes from Seminyak or Canggu. Roads on the Bukit get busy after 16:00, so leave early if you want good seats for the sunset dance.

  • Bingin Beach
  • Green Bowl Beach
  • Jimbaran Beach
  • Melasti Beach
  • Padang Padang Beach
  • Thomas Beach
  • Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu questions, answered.

What time does the Uluwatu kecak dance start?

The performance is timed to the sunset, usually around 18:00. Times and ticket sales can shift with the season and with temple ceremonies, so check on the day and plan to arrive by 17:00.

Is Uluwatu worth visiting?

Yes, especially for the sunset. The combination of the cliff-top temple and the kecak dance is hard to match elsewhere in Bali, and it fits into a single afternoon from the south of the island.

Can beginners surf at Uluwatu?

The famous breaks here are powerful reef waves suited to experienced surfers. Beginners are better off learning on the softer waves around Kuta or Canggu and coming to Uluwatu to watch.

Private trips to Uluwatu.

All Uluwatu packages →

Road notes for this trip.

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More places to explore.

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Ubud Apr–Oct Nusa Penida Apr–Nov Munduk & Bedugul All year