Rambut Siwi Temple
A cliff-top temple on the southwest coast with direct ocean views at sunset, entry fees starting from Rp 5,000, and fewer visitors than Tanah Lot or Uluwatu.
Rambut Siwi Temple is on Bali's southwest coast in Jembrana Regency, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Denpasar and 30 to 45 minutes from Medewi. It sits on a cliff above a black sand beach, with rice terraces behind it and the Indian Ocean stretching west toward Java. It is one of Bali's six sea temples and much quieter than Tanah Lot or Uluwatu.
Built in the 16th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha, the same priest behind Tanah Lot, Rambut Siwi is linked to a local legend about a lock of his hair left here as a protective blessing. Rambut Siwi means 'worship of the hair,' and the hair is believed to be preserved in the central shrine. The temple remains an active pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus.
Entrance fees and opening hours
Rambut Siwi is one of Bali's most affordable temples. The grounds are run by the local community, and entry fees help fund maintenance.
| Item | Cost (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Rp 5,000 |
| Sarong rental (if needed) | Rp 10,000 |
| Parking (motorcycle) | Rp 2,000 |
| Parking (car) | Rp 5,000 |
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though ceremonial days may restrict access for non-worshippers. Sarongs are required for inner temple areas, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected.
Layout and access
There are two entrances. The main west entrance passes the parking area, crosses a bridge over a small river, and climbs a steep staircase to the gate. The north entrance stays at the temple's elevation and requires less climbing, but first-time visitors tend to use the west entrance.
The complex is arranged across three terraced courtyards in a traditional Balinese layout. The outer courtyard has open pavilions and sea views, the middle courtyard contains the main shrines, and the inner courtyard — home to the sacred hair — is reserved for worship and closed to general visitors.
Best time to visit
Early morning between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM offers good light over the ocean and fewer crowds. Sunset is also impressive from the clifftop viewpoint because the temple faces west, giving a direct, unobstructed view over the Indian Ocean.
How to get there
| From | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denpasar / Kuta | 2.5 to 3 hours | Via Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway |
| Medewi | 30 to 45 minutes | West along the coastal road |
| Ngurah Rai Airport | 2.5 to 3 hours | Through Denpasar and Tabanan |
| Gilimanuk | 45 minutes | South from the ferry port |
The temple sits right on the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway, making it an easy stop for those heading west toward Medewi or the ferry to Java. Most visitors arrive by private driver or scooter. Many tours pair it with Medewi Beach, the Bunut Bolong tree tunnel, or other stops along the Jembrana coast.
