An Honest Review of the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple (2026)

I was staying at a hostel in Jimbaran during my month travelling solo in Bali and the staff recommended I join a group tour to see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. I almost didn’t go as I had already seen a Kecak and fire dance performance in Ubud. So is it worth going down to the southern tip of Bali to see it in Uluwatu? This is my review of what the performance is like, plus useful information and how to get the best seats.

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Quick overview of the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

• You can see it performed elsewhere in Bali but at Uluwatu Temple it’s bigger, louder and far more atmospheric
• The setting itself is spectacular: the temple is located on a 70-metre cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and the show takes place at sunset
• There’s one show a day, from 6pm to 7pm
• Seats fill quickly – there are no fixed places, it’s first come first served
• The temple gate opens at 4pm – to grab the best seats make sure you arrive before 5pm
• Tickets are IDR 150,000 (around $8), in cash only, unless you book an organised tour like I did
• There are monkeys at the temple who may snatch your sunglasses or phone, so keep them hidden

What is the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple?

The Kecak is a traditional Balinese performance that tells the story of the Ramayana, the Hindu epic. There are no instruments – instead, a chorus of around 70 men sit in concentric circles and chant “cak-cak-cak” in a trance-like rhythm. Meanwhile, dancers in elaborate costumes act out the tale of Prince Rama, Sita and the monkey god Hanuman. The performance has a fiery finale as the sun sets over the ocean.

Is the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple worth it?

Yes – this show is the best on the island. What makes the Uluwatu performance special is the setting. I had already watched the Kecak and fire dance at a temple in Ubud, so I knew what to expect. But the Uluwatu version is staged on the edge of the cliff, against the open ocean with the sun dropping behind it. The show has a far bigger scale and it’s more impressive than other ones you may see. They also engage audience members here, which other places don’t.

How to book tickets for the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple

There’s one performance a day at Uluwatu Temple, from 6pm to 7pm, so it’s timed to finish around sunset. In high season (roughly July to August and around the December holidays) the show sells out, so come early or book ahead.

You can buy tickets at the official booth by the temple entrance. They cost IDR 150,000 (around $8) for adults and IDR 75,000 ($4) for children under 10. It’s cash only and you will need to bring the exact amount. Parking and the entrance fee to the rest of the temple aren’t included in the ticket price.

The easiest way is to book your ticket online in advance, so you can use your credit card and you don’t need to queue at the entrance.

Book your ticket in advance to the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple here.

How to get the best seats

The gate opens at 4pm, and arriving before 5pm gives you the pick of the seats. The seating is a stone amphitheatre facing the stage and the ocean, so almost every seat has the sunset behind the dancers.

Aim for the middle-to-upper rows on the right as you face the sea – you get the fire, the performers and the sun going down in one frame. Arriving by 5pm for the 6pm show gives you the pick of them. Bring a light layer; the wind picks up on the cliff once the sun drops.

My experience at the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

We were watching the Kecak and Fire dance at Uluwatu temple, when one of the performers looked at me and held out his hand. He was inviting me to dance in front of the 300-strong crowd. I accepted his invitation.

The performance of the epic Ramayana tale, set against the backdrop of the evening sky, was magical – especially to take part in it for a moment.

Watching the flames flicker as the sun set over the ocean, while performers brought this ancient story to life, is an evening I’ll never forget.

Where to stay near Uluwatu Temple

If you decide to stay overnight after the Kecak Fire Dance, there are accommodation options close to Uluwatu’s temple and beaches.

Davu Sundara Villa Uluwatu is a short distance from Uluwatu Temple. This villa has a modern Balinese design with a private infinity pool.

For more hotels and the best deals in Uluwatu for your dates, explore the map below:

How to get to Uluwatu

Often, travellers staying in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud or Jimbaran will visit Uluwatu for the day by private car hire or as part of a guided tour, like I did.

If you’re in Seminyak or Canggu, Uluwatu is about an hour away by car, while from Ubud the journey takes around two hours depending on traffic. Jimbaran – where I stayed – and Nusa Dua are closer to Uluwatu, only 30 to 45 minutes by car or scooter.

Book a guided tour including dinner and the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple here.

More things to do in Uluwatu

If you’re staying longer in Uluwatu, don’t miss the chance to see one of the world’s tallest statues and visit some of the best beaches in Bali.

Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is in nearby Ungasan, about 20 minutes from Uluwatu. The park is home to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, one of the tallest statues in the world.

Standing at 121 metres – almost 30 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty – it depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The park also hosts traditional Balinese dance performances, art exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.

Book your ticket to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in advance here.

Relax on Padang Padang beach

A short drive fter lunch, take the short drive to Padang Padang Beach. This beach was featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love and it’s accessible via a steep staircase through a narrow cave opening.

Spend your afternoon here swimming, sunbathing and watching the surfers tackle the waves. The beach has a few small warungs selling drinks and snacks if you need refreshments during your visit.

Where to eat in Uluwatu

Uluwatu has some spectacular cliffside restaurants where you can enjoy lunch before the show.

Single Fin has a relaxed atmosphere, while Ulu Cliffhouse serves fusion cuisine – both are famous for their sea views.

Frequently asked questions about the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple

Can you take photos during the Kecak dance?

Yes you can take photos (I did), but flash photography isn’t allowed and nor are drones. This is because they would disturb the performers and the sacred setting. There’s plenty of light early on for your photos, but the fire finale after dark is harder to capture.

Is the Kecak dance suitable for children?

Yes, there’s a reduced child ticket for ages 2 to 9. The show is only an hour but please note the fire finale is loud and dramatic, so very young children might find it intense.

Does the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple get crowded?

Yes, especially during high season. Make sure you arrive as soon as you can once the gate opens at 4pm so you get good seats.

Final thoughts on the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple

I almost didn’t go to see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple and I’m so glad I did. The clifftop setting with the sunset behind it turns the performance into something special.

So yes, it’s worth the trip down to the southern tip of Bali. Build an easy afternoon around it, arrive before 5pm for a decent seat, and keep an eye on the monkeys.

And if a performer holds out their hand, take it.