Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple: Bali's Temple on the Cliff

A sea temple perched on a 70-metre cliff above the Indian Ocean, famous for sunsets and the Kecak fire dance.

Find Your Next Trip

About Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, stands on the edge of a steep limestone cliff about 70 m above the sea on the southern tip of Bali, dating back to around the 11th century with later additions. It is one of the island's most important sea temples and one of its most beautiful, especially when the sun goes down.

Paths follow the cliff edge past small shrines and gateways, with sweeping views across the ocean, though visitors cannot enter the inner sanctuary. In the evening an open-air stage hosts the Kecak dance, a group performance with chanting and fire, usually starting around sunset. The area is also home to many macaque monkeys that live around the temple and are known to snatch glasses, phones and hats.

Why Visit Uluwatu Temple, Bali?

A Dramatic Cliff Temple

A dramatic temple on a cliff above the ocean.

Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular sunset views.

The Kecak Fire Dance

The famous Kecak fire dance at the temple stage.

Close to Beaches and Surf

Close to beaches, cafes and surf spots.

A Key Spiritual Site

A key spiritual site for the people of Bali.

Local story

Good to Know

The temple suits families, couples, groups and photographers, for a visit of 1 to 2 hours, or 3 hours with the Kecak dance. A sarong and sash are required and lent at the entrance, and seats for the dance can sell out, so booking early is worthwhile.

Watch belongings closely around the macaque monkeys — remove loose items, glasses and hats, and do not feed them. Foreign visitors to Bali also pay a one-time tourist levy.

How to Reach Uluwatu Temple, Bali

  1. 01

    Pakistan to Bali

    Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Indonesia, usually with one connection through a Gulf, Malaysian or Singaporean hub. Check current routes and book early.

  2. 02

    Airport to Your Bali Base

    Take a taxi, ride-hailing car or hotel transfer from Ngurah Rai Airport to your hotel in the south of Bali.

  3. 03

    Hotel to Uluwatu Temple

    Drive to the Bukit Peninsula, about 45 minutes to 1 hour from most south Bali hotels.

  4. 04

    Explore

    Walk the cliff path, watch the sunset and stay for the Kecak dance.

Things to Do in Uluwatu Temple, Bali

01

Cliff Walk

Follow the path along the edge for ocean views.

02

Sunset

Watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.

03

Kecak Fire Dance

See the evening performance with a large chorus and fire.

04

Photography

Cliffs, waves and the temple gate make great photos.

05

Monkey Spotting

Watch the macaques, but keep your distance and your belongings secure.

06

Nearby Beaches

Visit Padang Padang or Suluban Beach after the temple.

Best Time to Visit Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Excellent

Peak Dry Season

July to September

The driest, sunniest and busiest time of year.

Recommended season
Excellent

Early Dry Season

April to June

Clear skies and comfortable days. Good for sunsets.

Recommended season
Good

Late Dry Season

October

Warm and mostly dry. Fewer crowds.

Good time to visit
Good

Wet Season

November to March

Humid with showers. Sunsets are often cloudy, though the ocean is dramatic.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Uluwatu Temple, Bali

A few useful things to know before you go there.

  1. Watch Out for Monkeys

    Remove loose items, glasses and hats, and do not feed them.

  2. Wear a Sarong

    Cover your legs and wear a sash, available at the entrance.

  3. Arrive Early for Sunset

    Good spots on the cliff fill up and parking can be busy.

  4. Book Kecak Tickets Early

    The show is popular and seats can sell out.

  5. Wear Comfortable Shoes

    The paths are uneven and can be slippery.

  6. Stay Behind Barriers

    Cliff edges are steep and unfenced in places.

  7. Respect the Temple

    Do not enter the inner sanctuary and be quiet at prayer times.

  8. Check Halal Food

    Pork is common in Bali, so choose halal-labelled restaurants.

Nearby Attractions

Borobudur Temple

A giant stone temple of terraces, stupas and carved stories, rising above the green plains of Central Java.

View Details

Komodo National Park

The only home of the Komodo dragon, surrounded by rugged islands, pink sand and some of the best diving in Indonesia.

View Details

Mount Bromo

A smoking crater in a sea of sand, with sunrise views over misty valleys and neighbouring volcanoes.

View Details

Nusa Penida Island

Tall cliffs, turquoise water and hidden beaches, including the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff of Kelingking.

View Details

Prambanan Temple

Tall, pointed stone towers carved with ancient stories, the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia.

View Details

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali

A holy temple on a rock in the waves, one of the most photographed sunset spots in Bali.

View Details

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Layers of bright green rice fields stepping down a valley, shaped by traditional Balinese irrigation.

View Details

Location

Find Us on the Map

Explore Uluwatu Temple, Bali in Indonesia and get directions easily.

Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Indonesia

Open in Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a Hindu sea temple on a high cliff on the southern tip of Bali.

Ready to Visit Uluwatu Temple, Bali?

Let us plan your Indonesia trip while you enjoy Uluwatu Temple without the stress of handling it yourself.

12 people are here