The Kecak Fire Dance at the Uluwatu Temple is a ceremony that everyone should see when visiting Bali. The traditional performance combines song, dance, and theatre, all with the Uluwatu sunset as your backdrop! So what else can you expect at an Uluwatu fire dance? We’ll give you the run down on how to get your tickets, the history of the event, and even where to see the Uluwatu Temple Monkeys!

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Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm Nightly

Cost: 100 IDR ($7 USD)

Dress Code: Conservative dress, but sarongs are also provided at entry.

Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali



Getting Tickets

When arriving at the Uluwatu Temple you’ll want to grab your tickets to the Kecak Fire Dance right away. However, they don’t actually go on sale until an hour before the show starts (around 5pm) and will quickly sell out. People will start lining up earlier than that between the temple and where the Uluwatu fire dance stage is located. Don’t worry, if you can fight your way through the local tour guides you’ll be first in line! Between the time you get your ticket and the start of the show at 6pm, you’ll have plenty of time to walk around and explore the temple!

Story of Ramayana

Before you can understand the Uluwatu fire dance you first need to know the story of Ramayana. Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that was written sometime in 5th century BC about the return of a prince. Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, won the hand of the beautiful Sita, but then was exiled through the evil plotting of his stepmother. When Princess Sita was kidnapped in the forest by King Ravana of Lanka, Rama goes with an army of monkeys to get her back! Crazy story right? That’s the short version of a very complex tale, and the background for what you’ll see at the Uluwatu fire dance.

Kecak Fire Dance

This legendary performance at the Uluwatu Temple is a combination of Kecak chants and dance with theatre mixed in. It comes from an ancient Balinese ritual of Sanghyang, which combines the sacred dance with repetitive chanting. Interestingly enough, the show was actually created by a German man in the 1930’s! Walter Spies was a musician and painter who studied the Kecak, and adapted it to the story of Ramayana. There are so many things that separate this from anything else we’ve seen before. Despite it being a musical show, no instruments are actually used. The voices and rhythm of the dozens of Balinese men carry the presentation, and expressively tell the story. The characters and costumes blend with unique Bali sound, and create an evening you’ll never forget!

Uluwatu Sunset

The sunset at the Uluwatu Temple is one of the most magical you’ll ever see! Watch in awe as the orange and red colors flow through the sky, stretching over the colorful costumes as singing and dancing commence. Towards the end of the show the stage will be set ablaze, enhancing the colors even more as they blend with the fire. With so much intense action going on at the Uluwatu fire dance, the beautiful sunset can’t be overlooked. Do your best to take it all in!

Uluwatu Temple Tips:

Tickets: It costs 40,000 IDR (around $3 USD) to enter the temple, and another 100,000 IDR for your fire dance ticket. They don’t take credit cards so make sure to bring enough cash for entry.

It costs 40,000 IDR (around $3 USD) to enter the temple, and another 100,000 IDR for your fire dance ticket. They don’t take credit cards so make sure to bring enough cash for entry. Beat the Heat: With the way the temple is positioned perched high on the cliffs, it gets extremely hot up there. The seats at the fire show also face directly into the sun, so you’ll be sweating it out until the Uluwatu sunset comes down. Make sure to pack plenty of water and bring sunscreen so you don’t fry.

With the way the temple is positioned perched high on the cliffs, it gets extremely hot up there. The seats at the fire show also face directly into the sun, so you’ll be sweating it out until the Uluwatu sunset comes down. Make sure to pack plenty of water and bring sunscreen so you don’t fry. Dress Code: Like any other religious temple in the world, you’ll want to dress conservatively. Still, even if you won’t wear pants or a dress they pass out traditional sarongs to wear as you walk in. These special garments are actually used to protect visitors from evil spirits, so make sure you put yours on!

Like any other religious temple in the world, you’ll want to dress conservatively. Still, even if you won’t wear pants or a dress they pass out traditional sarongs to wear as you walk in. These special garments are actually used to protect visitors from evil spirits, so make sure you put yours on! Monkeys: Watch out for the Uluwatu Temple monkeys! The infamous primates are EVERYWHERE, and will 100% steal your valuables. A man working at the temple told us there are six separate gangs of Uluwatu Temple monkeys, and over SIX HUNDRED of them in the area in total. They are known to hang out near the cliffs until sunset, and then move to the parking lot as everyone is leaving. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Have questions about the Kecak Fire Dance or have any run ins with Uluwatu Temple Monkeys?? Comment Below and let us know!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where To Stay In Uluwatu

Ultra Luxury (High End) – 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 (Mid Range) – PinkCoco Bali – PinkCoco will add a fun twist to your Bali vacation with it’s unique and colorful decor. This hotel is located perfectly near Padang Padang beach, and just a few minutes from the temple.

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Pondok Indah Bungalow Bingin – We stayed here for a few days on our visit to Uluwatu and had a great time. The open air concept with the bathroom and windows was certainly different, but we grew to love it. They also have great food, and the pool is magical!

Hostel Life (Budget) – Pecatu Guest House & Hostel – Located just 10 minutes drive to the Uluwatu Temple, Pecatu is the perfect home base to explore the area. Bunk up and make some friends, or check out one of the private rooms.

For more places to stay in Uluwatu you can explore the latest prices here!

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