Melo Villareal
Uluwatu Temple Travel Guide
Imagine a majestic temple majestically perched atop a rugged, steep cliff at the very edge of a vast plateau, soaring 250 feet above the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean below. Guarding this sacred place is a vigilant protector, steadfastly warding off evil spirits and ensuring the site’s sanctity. What’s not to admire in such a breathtaking and mystical setting?
Sunset in Uluwatu
It was my fifth day exploring Bali, and as I savored the diverse offerings of the buffet breakfast at Adi Dharma Resort, I overheard a lively discussion from a nearby table. A group of travelers was excitedly sharing their recent sunset experience at Uluwatu Temple, describing the breathtaking views and the vibrant atmosphere.
After hearing their vivid and detailed description of the place, including its history, architecture, and the serene atmosphere, I immediately booked a van and scheduled an afternoon trip to the temple.
Blooming Bougainvillea inside the Temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, or Uluwatu Temple, is a Balinese sea temple located in Pecatu Village, Kuta South District of Badung Regency in Bali. It is among Bali’s most spectacular temples and is considered an architectural wonder built of black coral rock, exquisitely designed with outstanding views.
Locals believe the place was expanded in the 11th century by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan, while others claim the temple was built in 1546 AD by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu monk from the Daha Kingdom in East Java. However, several archaeological remains indicate that the temple is megalithic in origin, dating to around the 10th century.
In the old language, Luhur means “something of divine origin,” ulu means “land’s end,” and watu means “rock.” The name itself fittingly defines what this exceptional temple is all about. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is regarded as one of the nine key directional temples of Bali and is meant to protect Bali from evil.
Uluwatu Temple has two entrances, one from the south and one from the north. The entrance doors are stone Bentar gates. Standing across from each gate are two figures of elephant-headed men.
The forward-facing part of the gate is festooned with sculptures depicting flowery patterns. Behind the gate, stone steps lead to the inner court, and trees are planted along the steps to provide shade.
A small forest lies at the front, and hundreds of monkeys dwell here. They are believed to guard the temple against bad influences, but in reality, and on a note of caution, the monkeys can and will come and grab off your small belongings. Therefore, keep your valuables in your pocket at all times.
The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls along the cliffside. It takes about an hour to get from one end to the other, with several fenced points along the way to stop. The gaps between the gate and the walls are filled with a surface covered in relief sculpture, and there is a small rectangular court stretching out above the sea to the south.
If you are planning a trip to Bali in the near future, I highly recommend adding Uluwatu Temple to your must-visit list. Perched spectacularly on a precipice overlooking the Indian Ocean, this ancient Hindu temple offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset when the sky transforms into hues of orange and pink. Watching the sun dip below the horizon as the silhouette of the dramatic temple cliffs creates a mesmerizing scene is truly unforgettable.
While doing so, you should also take the opportunity to watch a captivating performance of the dramatic “Kecak Dance,” which is named after the onomatopoeic sound of the chant that forms its core.
The men’s chorus chants the words ‘Cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak’ in rhythm over and over again while dramatizing the famous epic Hindu story of the Ramayana. As the sun sets during the performance and the sky dims, the story builds to a climax as well! The ticket fee is Rp 75,000 per person.
Uluwatu Sunset by Si and Amy via Flickr
If you’re into surfing, the place is also a popular spot for surfers, though most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers; the waves are really big there.
Caption: Don’t forget our game plan! Get an iPhone, not a Samsung, OK??
The temple is only accessible from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for visiting vacationers. The entrance fee is Rp 20,000, and visitors must be properly dressed to enter. It’s a good thing sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.
Caption: Stop snatching Lollipop, son, we can’t sell them on eBay!
The temple is inhabited by a large number of monkeys. Beware, they are not friendly and extremely adept at snatching visitors’ belongings, including bags, cameras, mobile phones, and eyeglasses. I’m not sure if they sell it on eBay, LOL, but I personally saw a monkey holding an iPhone running away from the poor victim.
The Tribe
There are people in the area who serve as “Monkey Police” who try to reclaim some snatched items, but it’s a best-effort thing.
How to get there?
Here are the easiest ways to get to Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) in southern Bali.
Location
- Area: Pecatu, South Kuta (Bukit Peninsula)
- Distance: About 25 km from central Kuta / airport
- Travel time: 45–90 minutes (depending on traffic)
Option 1: Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Most Convenient)
Best for: Comfort, first-time visitors
You can use:
- Grab
- Gojek
- Blue Bird Taxi
How:
- Set destination: “Uluwatu Temple / Pura Luhur Uluwatu.”
- Ask the driver to wait if you plan to return with them
Cost (one way, approx.):
- Kuta/Seminyak: IDR 150k–250k
- Ubud: IDR 300k–400k
Pros: Easy, air-conditioned
Cons: More expensive at peak hours
Option 2: Rent a Scooter (Cheapest & Flexible)
Best for: Confident riders
How:
- Rent scooter: IDR 60k–100k/day
- Use Google Maps -> “Uluwatu Temple.”
Route (from Kuta):
Kuta -> Jimbaran -> Uluwatu -> Pecatu -> Temple
Tips:
- Wear a helmet (mandatory)
- Roads near Uluwatu are narrow
- Avoid riding at night if unfamiliar
Pros: Cheap, flexible
Cons: Not ideal in rain or heavy traffic
Option 3: Private Driver (Best for Day Trips)
Best for: Groups, sightseeing
Many visitors hire a driver for 4–8 hours.
Cost:
- IDR 500k–700k (half day)
- IDR 700k–900k (full day)
You can combine with:
- Padang Padang Beach
- Suluban Beach
- Jimbaran seafood dinner
Pros: Stress-free, local knowledge
Cons: More expensive than a scooter
Option 4: Public Transport (Not Recommended)
Bali has very limited public transport to Uluwatu.
- No direct buses
- Requires multiple transfers and walking
Not practical for most tourists.
Best Time to Visit
For views and Kecak Dance:
- Arrive: 4:30–5:00 PM
- Sunset: Around 6:00 PM
- Kecak Dance: 6:00–7:00 PM
For fewer crowds:
- Morning: 9:00–11:00 AM
Entry & Tips
- Entrance fee: About IDR 50k
- Sarong included
- Watch out for monkeys (secure glasses, phones, hats)
- Wear comfortable shoes for cliff paths
Quick Recommendation
| Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| First visit | Taxi / Grab |
| Budget traveler | Scooter |
| Group / Day tour | Private driver |
| No driving | Taxi |
If you tell me where you’re staying in Bali, I can suggest the best route and estimate the cost.
Entrance Fees for Uluwatu Temple
Temple Entry Ticket
- Foreign Adult: IDR 60,000
- Foreign Child (4–12): IDR 40,000
- Indonesian Adult: IDR 40,000
- Indonesian Child: IDR 30,000
Parking
- Car: IDR 4,000–5,000
- Motorcycle: IDR 2,000
Kecak Dance Show (separate ticket)
- Adult: Around IDR 150,000
- Child: Around IDR 75,000
Notes
- A sarong and sash are usually provided for free at the entrance.
- Tickets are normally bought at the on-site counter.
- Prices may change slightly depending on the season.
If you’d like, I can also convert these prices into your local currency.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Opening Hours
- Visitor hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Worship access: Open 24 hours for religious purposes
Notes:
- Hours may vary slightly on religious holidays or during special ceremonies.
- Sunset visits and evening Kecak dance performances usually take place near closing time.
Accurately, the Uluwatu Temple fulfilled its ancestral role, maintaining its remarkable pedigree with fitting dignity.
Cebu Pacific Air flies direct between Manila and Denpasar (Bali) every Tuesday and Saturday. For the latest seat sales and bookings, go to www.cebupacificair.com, call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020888 or (032) 2308888, or follow Cebu Pacific Air’s official Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Read:
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- Top 7 Most Beautiful Temples in Bali
