Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu

The Kecak performance at Uluwatu is one of Bali's best-known evening shows. It takes place in an open-air amphitheatre on the cliffs beside Pura Luhur Uluwatu, staged so that the sun sets over the ocean behind the performers. A chorus of dozens of bare-chested men sits in concentric circles chanting the rhythmic 'cak-cak-cak' while costumed dancers act out an episode of the Ramayana, ending with Hanuman dancing through burning coconut husks.

The show is run at the temple and starts shortly before sunset; confirm the start time on the day, as it shifts slightly through the year. Tickets are sold at the ticket booth by the temple car park. Seating is on stone tiers without backs, and it fills early in peak season, so arrive at least 45 minutes ahead if you want a seat with the sunset behind the stage. The upper rows give the best overview of the circle.

Combine it with a late-afternoon walk around the temple grounds, and keep belongings secure because of the monkeys. Expect slow traffic leaving afterwards.