Insight Guides: Explore Bali

Treat any cut or abrasion immediately, as it can easily become infected in the humid climate. Betadine, a powerful non-stinging, broad spectrum antiseptic, is available in solution or ointment at any apotik (pharmacy).

Reputable money-changers are ‘Kuta Central’ and ‘BMC’.

performance takes place daily at 6pm (charge). Performed by around 100 male dancers, who are bare chested and hypnotically chant ‘cak cak cak’, the dance depicts a battle in which Prince Rama is helped to defeat the evil King Ravana by the monkey-like Vanara – hence it is sometimes called the monkey dance.
Uluwatu Beach
An alternative idea for sunset is to drive out of the temple car park and turn left. Follow the road to the end, and walk down the steps to the line of cliff-edge warungs (food stalls/cafés). En route, check out Uluwatu Beach by descending more steep steps to the left. The sandy beach is accessible at low tide through a cave. Afterwards relax in one of the many surfer hang-outs on the cliff above and watch a spectacular sunset over an ice cold beer. Only the most proficient

Monkey business
The area around the temple is inhabited by a band of mischievous monkeys, who snatch unguarded items, so don’t wear a hat, sunglasses, dangling earrings or anything else that can be yanked away. A traditional kecak dance perfor

babi guling (a slow-cooked spit-roasted pig stuffed with onion, garlic, peppercorns and herbs, and brushed with crushed turmeric), bebek betutu (duck stuffed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves and smoked overnight in an earth-oven), lawar (spicy raw meat mashed with grated coconut and blood) and sate lilit (satay of spiced, minced meat or fish with an infusion of coconut, pressed onto a lemongrass skewer).