Bali Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance & Jimbaran Dinner

Summary

Melasti & Padang Padang Beach with Evening Kecak Ritual

Walk barefoot on Melasti Beach as locals prepare for rituals, spot monkeys at Padang Padang’s turquoise shore, witness Uluwatu’s sunset Kecak dance with a local guide, then end with fresh seafood dinner right on Jimbaran Beach — moments you’ll remember long after leaving Bali.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the day with my toes buried in cool sand at Melasti Beach, watching a group of local kids chase each other around a half-finished shrine. Our driver Wayan explained that “Melasti” isn’t just a name — it’s a whole purification ritual for Balinese Hindus. The air smelled faintly of incense even though the ceremony wasn’t happening that day. I tried to picture the beach crowded with families in white, but honestly, it was just us and a few fishermen pulling in nets. Felt like we’d stumbled into someone else’s morning.

Padang Padang was next — famous for surfing, apparently, though I’m more of a “watch from the shade” type. The water looked almost fake, turquoise and glassy, and there were monkeys everywhere (one tried to steal my bottle of water; not today, buddy). Our guide Li pointed out the spot where they filmed Eat Pray Love — she laughed when I admitted I’d never seen it. There’s something about sitting under an umbrella here that makes you forget about time passing. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

By late afternoon we wound up at Uluwatu Temple. It sits right on the edge of this wild cliff — you can hear waves smashing 60 meters below if you lean over (not too far). The temple itself is old stone and mossy carvings, but what got me was the Kecak dance at sunset. Sixty men chanting “cak cak cak” in this weird hypnotic rhythm while the sky turned orange behind them. It was loud and kind of chaotic but also… I don’t know, moving? Maybe it was just being surrounded by so many locals and travelers all staring at the same thing.

Dinner was on Jimbaran Beach — plastic chairs in the sand, grilled fish straight from someone’s boat. I got chili sauce all over my shirt (worth it). There were families lighting little lanterns nearby and a salty breeze coming off the sea. We talked about everything and nothing until it got dark enough that you couldn’t see your feet anymore. That last bit felt like Bali letting us go gently.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beach Visits and Cultural Experiences

• Visit Melasti Beach and learn about purification ceremony
• Relax or surf at Padang Padang Beach
• Explore Uluwatu Temple and cliff views
• Watch Kecak Dance performance at sunset
• Enjoy seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali Uluwatu sunset experience?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your booking.

What time does the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple start?

The Kecak dance performance begins at 6 p.m., timed for sunset.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

Is dinner included in this private wine tour bordeaux?

Dinner is included; you’ll enjoy fresh seafood on Jimbaran Beach.

Are entry fees to Uluwatu Temple covered?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

How far is Uluwatu Temple from central Kuta?

The temple is about 15 miles south of Kuta along Bali’s southern coast.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a local guide throughout your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, bottled water to keep you cool between stops, all entry fees for Melasti Beach and Uluwatu Temple (including the sunset Kecak dance), plus a full seafood dinner right on Jimbaran Beach before heading back in comfort.