Uluwatu · · 2 min read
Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak fire dance: everything you need to know
Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's most important sea temples, perched on a cliff high above the Indian Ocean. Add the Kecak fire dance at sunset, and you get the evening most visitors to Uluwatu remember longest.
Quick facts
- Official name: Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Temple entrance: IDR 50,000 per foreign adult, sarong included (2026)
- Kecak dance: IDR 150,000 per person, a separate ticket (2026)
- Payment: cash
- Show time: daily at sunset, around 6 PM
- Best time to arrive: 4–4:30 PM
A little history
The temple dates back to the 11th century and is dedicated to Rudra, a form of Shiva. It stands on the edge of a limestone cliff about 70 metres above the ocean — one of the most dramatic temple settings in Bali.
What to wear
This is an active Hindu temple, so cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong is included with your entrance ticket and given out at the entrance.
The monkeys
The temple is home to a large group of monkeys, and they are famous for grabbing sunglasses, hats, phones and anything shiny. Leave loose items in your bag, hold on to your phone, and don't feed them.
The Kecak fire dance
Kecak is a Balinese performance that tells a story from the Ramayana epic — the rescue of Princess Sita. There are no musical instruments: the music is made by a large chorus of men sitting in circles and chanting a rhythmic "cak-cak-cak". As the sun sets behind the stage, fire becomes part of the show. The performance takes place in an open-air theatre on the cliff, with the ocean as the backdrop.
Tips for the Kecak
- Buy tickets on the spot early, or book in advance in high season — seats fill up.
- Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the show to get a good seat.
- The theatre faces west, so you get the sunset and the show together.
- Bring cash for both tickets.
Fun fact
Kecak as visitors see it today was created in the 1930s, when Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak and German painter Walter Spies turned a traditional trance-ritual chant into a performance telling the Ramayana story.
A perfect evening
Arrive around 4–4:30 PM, walk the cliff path and enjoy the views, then take your seat for the Kecak at sunset. When the show ends, it's dark and dinner time.
Dinner after the Kecak
Tarragon is a short ride from the temple, near Padang Padang beach, and open until 11 PM — easy to reach after the show. After an evening of fire and chanting, a Georgian table feels just right: shashlik straight from the open-fire grill, khachapuri with melted cheese and khinkali full of hot broth, shared with friends.
FAQ
How much is the entrance to Uluwatu Temple?
IDR 50,000 per foreign adult, with a sarong included. The Kecak dance is a separate ticket, IDR 150,000.
What time is the Kecak dance at Uluwatu?
Daily at sunset, around 6 PM. Arrive early for a good seat.
What should I wear to Uluwatu Temple?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong is provided at the entrance.
Are the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple dangerous?
They're known for snatching sunglasses and phones. Keep loose items in your bag and don't feed them.
Where can I eat after the Kecak?
Tarragon, near Padang Padang beach, is open until 11 PM.
