8 Uluwatu Temple Tips For Your First Visit (Dress Code & More!)

The Uluwatu Temple is a special place that no visitor to Bali should miss out on! The stunning monument is built high into the cliffs of Uluwatu, highlighting the beautiful Bukit Peninsula. This sacred Hindu temple is still in use today and there are a few important things to be aware of. From the Uluwatu Temple dress code to the entry fee and nightly Kecak Fire Show, here’s everything to know before you go!

8 Tips For the Uluwatu Temple in Bali

1. How to Get to Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple is located on the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula in Southwestern Bali. Obviously, if you’re staying in Uluwatu it will be just a short drive away from many of the famous beaches.

It’s location also makes it easy to get to from other popular destinations in Southern Bali. It’s under an hour drive from Sanur, Canggu, or even Ngurah Rai International Airport. 

If you’re renting a scooter for your Bali adventures you simply drive yourself to the Uluwatu Temple. Otherwise, you’ll want to hire a driver or private transfer who can take you both ways.

2. Visit the Uluwatu Temple Early 

Open from 9am to 7pm daily, there are several reasons why being one of the first to visit will make for a great experience. Going early in the morning before the crowds and tours arrive is the best opportunity to truly see the Uluwatu Bali Temple.

Also, the heat in Indonesia can be harsh and unforgiving. Exploring the temple in Uluwatu early in the morning will be the coolest part of the day. Due to the direction it faces, as the day goes on the sun becomes stronger before setting directly in front of the temple.   

3. Uluwatu Temple Entry Fee & Parking

Bring cash for parking and entry tickets to the Uluwatu Temple! At the time of our visit, parking for a motorbike was only 1,000 IDR while an adult entry ticket was 50,000 IDR. 

First pay the parking fee at the gate when you arrive. Even though we were dropped off by a taxi we were still charged the small fee to enter the parking area. 

Three Steps Coffee is right next door if you need a drink or bite to eat before heading in. Check out our best restaurants in Uluwatu article here for more great eats in town!

Head to the main building where there is a counter to sell your tickets. Someone is also there to make sure you are properly dressed which we talk about more below! 

4. Follow the Uluwatu Temple Dress Code

It’s important to remember on your visit that this is a religious site and you need to follow the Uluwatu Temple dress code. For men and women that means wearing pants or a dress that falls below the knees and having your shoulders covered. 

Personally, we travel with “temple outfits” when in Southeast Asia. For me (Brigitte), that is a long conservative dress that’s still comfortable to spend the entire day exploring in. 

There are cloth wraps provided for men and women who are wearing shorts at the entry gate. Someone will help you tie it correctly and add a traditional orange sash.

The one thing to be aware of with the Uluwatu Temple dress code is to have a shirt on that covers your shoulders. That means no tank tops are allowed!

5. Watch Out For Uluwatu Temple Monkeys 

While this isn’t the official Monkey Forest in Ubud, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a massive amount of them! As soon as you arrive at the Uluwatu Bali Temple you will see signs warning you about the animals.

On our first visit we were actually told that there are six different monkey gangs that battle each other here. So when getting to the temple in Uluwatu don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take off our jewelry and glasses. Yes, the monkeys have been known to actually grab and steal things from visitors!

Please don’t get too close or provoke the monkeys. That means feeding them, taking selfies, or funny gestures.When we were younger traveling in Bali my sister had something in her hand which the monkey mistook for food.

She was bit and had to have weeks of rabies shots afterwards. This is an all too common occurrence in Bali and not the way you want to spend your holiday.

→ Are the Monkeys in Bali Friendly or Dangerous? (Our Experience)

6. Hire a Guide for the Temple in Uluwatu

At the entrance there are normally a handful of locals asking if you want a guided tour of the temple. The area isn’t super large, but it’s always nice having someone to share the history of this beautiful place.

As always if you decide to hire a local as a tour guide make sure to confirm the price before starting. You can also hire a driver and book a private tour of the Uluwatu Temple in Bali before you arrive.

7. Take the Uluwatu Temple Cliff Walk

One of the most incredible parts of the Uluwatu Temple is the long cliff walk.  This is hands down some of the most gorgeous scenery in Bali and worth the visit here in itself!

Watch out for monkeys on the path and take your time exploring. There are plenty of unreal photo spots and viewpoints to take in. It’s also one of the best places to experience the sunset at the temple in Uluwatu. 

8. Don’t Miss the Kecak Fire Dance 

While the best time to have an enjoyable and cooler experience is during the morning ,there is a nightly show that draws in thousands of travelers a year!

The Kecak Fire Show is an adaptation of the ancient Indian story of Ramayana. It involves singing, chanting, dancing, and intense fire! With the Uluwatu sunset setting behind it, the performance is truly unlike any we’ve ever seen.

Planning to go to the Kecak Fire Show? Make sure to read our article below for more information!

→ Kecak Fire Show & Dance: Why It’s a Must See in Uluwatu Bali!

Have any questions about this article or the Uluwatu Temple dress code? Leave us a comment below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

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Where To Stay Around Uluwatu Bali

Ultra Luxury – Alila Villas Uluwatu – If you have some money to spend and want a taste of luxury near Uluwatu Temple, this is the spot for you! Most villas include private pools and incredible views of the ocean.

Fun Vacation – Village Bali – Add a fun twist to your Bali vacation with this cool and colorful decor. This hotel is located perfectly near Padang Padang Beach.

Boutique Hotel – Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa – Upscale bed and breakfast surrounded by a beautiful jungle setting. On site spa & restaurant, Bali vibes, and an amazing swimming pool! 

Relaxing Stay – Davu Sundara Villa Uluwatu – A family run guesthouse with large rooms that overlook a lush jungle swimming pool. Quiet and relaxing area just outside of the main hustle and bustle of Uluwatu. 

→ 18 Best Uluwatu Hotels For a Dreamy Bali Holiday

Indonesia Travel Planning 

 Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Singapore to Bali for $60 USD, and Bali to Surabaya for less than $40! 

 Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Transportation: 12Go is where we look first in Asia for ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! From speed boats to the Gili Islands and bus transfers around the country. 

Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Bali. We recommend taking a sunrise Mount Batur hike with breakfast, an authentic cooking class in a local village, and the Ubud waterfall tour! 

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials! 

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