Uluwatu Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located on the cliff facing the southwest of Bali. Located high above the cliff, the temple offers spectacular views.



Go at sunset to enjoy the beautiful sunset and watch their Kecak Dance performance in the open air theater. There are many aggressive monkeys on the temple grounds so guard your belongings with care. This little monkey climb onto our backpack and took our mineral water before we can figure out what is going on.

Kecak Dance

" It's the only dance which I like" Kat, who had seen all the dances at Bali told me as I asked about her experiences. A search on the web tells me that it is the dance to watch if you are only going to see one dance in Bali. Inquiring about Kecak dance with our guide point us to the one at Uluwatu Temple. It is a temple on the cliff and offers beautiful sunset views. You get to see the dance at an open air theater facing the sea. It cost 50.000 Rp per pax, starts at 6:00 pm before sunset and finishes after dark.

A traditional story is told through the dance and we are given a detailed story line on what each scene is about. The male dances chant "Kecak kecak" repeatedly thoughout the dance.

My 3 yr old son quite enjoy the dance especially when the story line involve a white monkey after seeing so many monkeys around the temple. He got pretty excited after dark as they make a boom fire right in the middle of the theater. We choose the wrong seat though. If you go, be sure to choose the seat facing the sea. You will get the full view of the sunset as you watch the dance.

Travelling around Bali from Kuta

It is easy to find transport in Bali. We live in Kuta during our 5 days trip but one can easily get a driver who will bring you to sights around the island and back for a very reasonable price.

Here 's what our estimate cost and travel time to the places we visit:

1. From Kuta to Jimbaran bay for dinner and back
Cost : Approx $5 SGD
Traveling time: The guide says it is 5 mins but a more realistic time frame is 15 mins each way.
Tip: Hear say is that the guides will bring you to certain more expensive places. If you have your eye on a certain restaurant, try calling them to see if they will pick you up from your hotel and send you back.

2. From Kuta to Uluwatu
Cost : We hired the driver for the day and he bring us to other places besides Uluwatu for the whole day from 11:00 to 8:00 for 350000 rupiah (about $50 SGD)
Traveling time: Our trip back to our hotel from Uluwatu is about 45 mins
Tip: The monkeys here are aggressive! It took our water bottle that is at the side pocket of our haversack. Make sure your things are sercured or hidden from view.

3. From Kuta to Ubud
Cost: This is included as part of our travel package but hiring a driver for a full day cost about the same each day.
Travelling time: It is about an hour drive from Kuta to Ubud. It is good to plan the trip so that there is stops along the way.

4. From Kuta to Kintamani
Cost: Our guide charge us the same price as the day previously.
Travelling time: It took us almost 2 hours to Kintamani. The road is a little narrow and we went up the mountain.

5. Around Kuta and nearby places like spas.
We saw plenty of taxis and horse carriages round. Spas from as far as Sanur will come and pick you up at your hotel and send you back FOC (Free of Charge). Call and check to see if they have that service.

6. From and to the airport
Kuta to the airport is only 10 mins. But if you are getting off your flight at say 3:30, cater for more time at the check out in the airport. We took about 30 mins. By the time we got to the hotel and settle down, it's 5:30.