Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu sea temple perched on a dramatic clifftop at the southwestern tip of Bali, roughly 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. Built in the 11th century and expanded over the centuries, it’s one of Bali’s six key directional temples believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits, and it’s especially famous for panoramic sunset views along the cliffside walking path.
The temple grounds are open daily from 7am to 7pm, with the most popular time to visit being the late afternoon before sunset, when the Kecak fire dance performance takes place at the adjacent open-air amphitheater. The Kecak show runs twice nightly at 6pm and 7pm and is ticketed separately from temple entry; two rotating community groups perform on alternating days of the week.
Visitors should dress modestly and will be given a sarong and sash to wear if needed, and should be cautious of the temple’s resident long-tailed macaques, which are known to grab sunglasses, hats, and phones from unwary tourists. Arriving before 5pm allows time to explore the clifftop paths before claiming a seat for the sunset Kecak performance.
