Bali Beaches & Uluwatu Temple: Private Tour, Kecak Dance & Seafood Dinner

Summary

South Bali’s beaches, cliff temples and sunset fire dance before seaside dinner

You’ll sink your toes into Bali’s southern beaches, explore Uluwatu’s cliffside temple with a local guide, watch the kecak fire dance as sunset glows around you, then end with fresh seafood right on Jimbaran Beach. Every moment feels easygoing — there’s time for swimming or just soaking up the salt air before heading back full and sandy.

What’s the experience like?

We were already brushing sand off our legs when Wayan, our guide, pointed out the cliffs above Pandawa Beach — said they used to be just limestone walls before the road cut through. The water was that bright blue you see in postcards but never quite believe is real until your feet are in it. There was a salty breeze and the sun felt heavy on my shoulders. I tried saying “Padang-Padang” like a local — Li laughed, probably because I butchered it. We watched a couple of surfers paddling out, looking so casual about the waves that I felt jealous for a second.

Melasti Beach had these wild rock formations, kind of dramatic but not in an Instagram way — more like nature showing off without caring if anyone’s watching. Wayan handed us bottled water (he kept calling it “magic potion” which cracked me up), and we just sat for a bit listening to motorbikes buzzing somewhere above us. The air smelled faintly of clove cigarettes and sunscreen. If you want to swim here, bring extra clothes — I didn’t, so I just waded in up to my knees.

Later at Uluwatu Temple, monkeys darted between tourists — one tried to snatch someone’s sunglasses but missed. The temple sits right on the edge of this insane cliff; I got weirdly quiet for a minute just watching the sea crash below. We found seats early for the kecak and fire dance (they do it at Melasti now to dodge traffic), and honestly? The chanting gave me goosebumps. Sunset turned everything gold and smoky.

Dinner at Jimbaran Beach was simple: grilled fish, rice, candlelight, toes in warm sand. It wasn’t fancy but somehow felt perfect after all that sun and salt air. Our driver waited nearby but didn’t rush us — I still think about that view across the bay as we finished eating, not really wanting to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit beaches, temple, dance, and dinner

• Visit Julia Robert beach
• Visit Pandawa beach
• Visit Melasti beach
• Watch kecak and fire dance
• Visit Uluwatu temple cliff
• Enjoy seafood barbecue dinner

Top questions

How long is the private Bali beaches & Uluwatu Temple tour?

The tour lasts around 8-10 hours starting from 10:30 am with hotel pickup included.

Which beaches are visited during this day trip?

The tour includes Pandawa Beach, Melasti Beach, and Padang-Padang (Julia Roberts) Beach.

Is lunch or dinner included in this tour?

A seafood barbecue dinner by candlelight at Jimbaran Beach is included.

Does this day trip include entrance tickets?

Yes, all entrance tickets are covered in your booking.

Where is the kecak & fire dance performed?

The kecak & fire dance is performed at Melasti Beach area during sunset to avoid traffic jams near Uluwatu Temple.

Is swimming allowed during this Bali private tour?

You can swim at Pandawa or Melasti Beach; bring extra clothes and a towel if you plan to swim.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is hotel pickup provided for this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from your lobby is included in the day trip package.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup by car with a friendly local guide and driver, bottled water throughout the journey, all entrance tickets covered for each stop along Bali’s southern coast, reserved seats for the kecak & fire dance show at Melasti Beach around sunset, plus a relaxed seafood barbecue dinner right on Jimbaran Beach before returning comfortably in the evening.