Uluwatu: cliff temple and the Kecak fire dance

A temple on the edge of a 70-metre cliff and a hypnotic dance performed at sunset by dozens of chanting men.

Area

South coast

Start from

Jimbaran or Canggu

Distance

about 30–60 minutes

Time needed

half a day

Best season

All year; dry season sunsets are clearest

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Taxi or scooter

Tickets & rules

Entry ticket; dance ticket; sarong required

Why go

Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands on the edge of a sheer limestone cliff above the Indian Ocean, at the south-western tip of the Bukit peninsula. The views along the coast are breathtaking.

At sunset, the Kecak dance is performed in an amphitheatre near the temple: a circle of men chanting 'cak-cak-cak' tells a story from the Ramayana, with dancers in elaborate costumes, while the sun sets over the sea.

The surrounding area has some of Bali's best surf breaks and beaches tucked under the cliffs.

The story

Uluwatu is one of the six sacred temples guarding Bali, and its origins are linked to the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who is said to have achieved spiritual liberation here.

The Kecak dance in its current form was developed in the 1930s, when the Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak and the German artist Walter Spies adapted a trance chant into a performance for audiences.

The Bukit peninsula was once considered dry and poor, but surfers discovered its waves in the 1970s, and it became one of the world's famous surf destinations.

Getting there

Drive south from Jimbaran or the airport area. Arrive in good time for the Kecak; tickets sell out in high season.

A suggested plan

1. 16:00Arrive and walk the cliff paths around the temple.
2. 17:30Kecak dance at sunset.
3. 19:00Seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach.

Where to stay

Uluwatu has stylish clifftop hotels and surf guesthouses.

Good to know

• Book Kecak tickets in advance in busy periods.
• Visit a beach like Padang Padang or Bingin in the morning.