Uluwatu 1-day itinerary

Start early at Padang Padang Beach, a small crescent of white sand reached through a narrow gap in the limestone cliffs. The beach is sheltered, the water turquoise, and the surrounding rock formations create a natural amphitheatre. After swimming, walk the cliffside paths that connect Uluwatu's beaches — the views from the clifftops down to the breaking waves and hidden coves are spectacular.

Visit Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of Bali's six most important directional temples, perched on the edge of a 70-metre cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The temple dates to the 11th century and guards the island from evil sea spirits. Walk the clifftop path through the temple grounds — the views down the sheer limestone walls to the crashing waves below are breathtaking. Cheeky long-tailed macaques inhabit the grounds and will grab anything shiny.

Stay at Uluwatu Temple for the daily Kecak fire dance performance — an open-air amphitheatre on the cliff edge hosts this mesmerising Balinese performance at sunset. Over 70 bare-chested men chant "cak-cak-cak" in interlocking rhythms while dancers enact scenes from the Ramayana epic. As the sun drops into the ocean behind the performers, the fire dance section lights up the dusk. This is Bali's most atmospheric cultural performance.