Bali's Cliffside Charm - Uluwatu Temple

On our second day in Bali, we explored Uluwatu Temple, one of the island’s most sacred and breathtaking temples. Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the temple is not only a spiritual landmark but also a popular spot to witness Bali’s famous sunset. Like many visitors, we timed our visit to experience the mesmerizing Kecak dance performance at dusk. The Kecak dance, rooted in the ancient Hindu epic *Ramayana*, is a captivating retelling of Prince Rama’s battle to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. What made the performance truly astonishing was its lack of instrumental music—unlike most traditional dances that rely on gamelan orchestras, the Kecak dance is accompanied solely by the rhythmic chanting and vocal percussion of a choir of about 70 men. Their synchronised chants of *“cak-cak-cak”* created an almost hypnotic atmosphere, drawing the audience into the story’s intensity and drama. Before heading to Uluwatu, we stopped by a local coffee tasting spot where, for just 50,000 rupiah, we sampled a variety of Balinese coffees. It was a delightful experience, allowing us to savor unique flavors, including Bali’s famous Luwak coffee. For dinner, we visit a, a charming spot known for its traditional Balinese cuisine. The meal was a perfect conclusion to our temple visit, giving us a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage after immersing ourselves in its cultural and spiritual traditions.