Published
The sea temple at the end of the Bukit, the macaques along the path, and the kecak performance that fills the amphitheatre at dusk.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on the western tip of the Bukit, set right on the edge of the cliff with the Indian Ocean below. It is one of the six key sea temples of Bali, and the walk along the clifftop path to reach it is part of the point: sheer drops on one side, low forest on the other.
The macaques who live around the temple grounds are used to visitors and unbothered by them. Sunglasses, earrings and anything loose are worth tucking away before you walk in. A sarong is required to enter, and they are provided at the gate if you come without one.
The kecak dance runs most evenings in the amphitheatre just south of the temple, timed to finish as the sun drops into the sea behind the stage. There is no gamelan orchestra. The rhythm comes entirely from a circle of bare-chested men chanting in unison, telling the Ramayana story of Rama, Sita and Hanuman through voice and fire alone.
Arrive with time to spare. The amphitheatre fills early for the sunset shows, and the seats with the clearest view of both the stage and the horizon go first. Tickets are sold at the gate rather than online.
It sits close enough to the resort to fold into a quiet afternoon: a slow walk along the cliffs, the temple itself, then the kecak as the light goes. Come back unhurried and the evening still has room in it.
