Karang Boma Cliff: Where the Sun Sinks in the Indian Ocean

The place that we are narrating is Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu Bali. 

The Karang Boma Cliff also known as the Uluwatu Cliff in Bali is located in the Uluwatu region on the Bukit Peninsula in south Bali. What makes a visit to Karang Boma Cliff in Bali so special is the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean which is an incredible experience. The view from the edge of Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu is spectacular. The Indian Ocean’s blue seas spread for as far as the eye can see, and the shoreline is breathtaking. 

You can walk up to the edge of the cliff to witness the serenity that will leave you in awe of the picturesque view of the landscape that surrounds the cliff. You can consider Bali Tour packages to explore the other magnificent places in Bali.

In this ultimate travel guide to the Karan Boma Cliff in Bali, all the necessary details about the best time to visit, where to stay, things to carry, and nearby attractions have been mentioned. Hope this guide encourages you to book your tickets and pack your bags for the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Significance of the Cliff

According to one legend, this location was the site of a fight between two powerful gods for control of the area. In the end, one god triumphed, and the cliff was named after him, Karang Boma, which translates to “God’s Rock”.

The Karang Bioma Cliff holds huge religious significance to the Bali People. It is considered a sacred site for religious gatherings, offerings, and rituals.

In the past, this cliff was the protector of the enemies. Due to its position at a high altitude, this place was used by the people as a lookout point for enemies and invaders. The strategic position gave the people enough time to prepare for the attack. 

It is also believed that this was the place where the Kings used to meditate and connect with their ancestors and supreme power. Once you can experience the gusty winds and extreme silence and only the sound of nature you can know this place has been an integral part of the lives of the Balinese people. 

Where is Karang Boma Cliff Situated

Best Time to Visit Karang Boma in Uluwatu

If you wish to experience some solidarity and serene surroundings away from the crowd then plan your trip to Bali from June to August. The rainfall at this season is menial and so are the crowds. 

It’s a complete no to planning a trip to Bali from September to January. This season is the peak monsoon season here and the roads leading to the cliff have erupted and not at all a safe option to visit a cliff on a rainy day.  If you are around Bali at this time, before visiting the cliff check for the weather condition before heading. 

In terms of the best hour of the day to visit the cliff, the ideal time is before sunrise which is around 5-6 am and at the time of sunset to witness the golden hour is a great option. At this time you may not expect any crowds except for like-minded travellers like you who are in search of tranquillity in the region. During the afternoon and sunset, it is normal for the cliff to be crowded and it takes a lot of time to snap a picture of the Karang Boma Cliff. 

Entrance fee at Karang Boma Cliff

Nearby attractions near Uluwatu Cliff

• Uluwatu Temple

According to the mythology of Balinese Hindu Brahma, Shiv, and Vishnu, the three powers merge here. As a result of this belief, the Uluwatu Temple is dedicated to Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu god of all elements and aspects of life. It is also believed that this temple protects the island from all the evils that seek an evil eye on it. 

The Uluwatu Temple is also the home of hundreds of macaque monkeys. The monkeys within the premises are quite mischievous and they steal valuables from the tourists like mobiles, cameras, and spectacles. They won’t return the valuables until and unless you treat them with fruits, nuts, and even candies. So be aware and keep your valuables safe and sound. 

The Kecak Dance performance is not to be missed at the temple premises. The dance is performed at the backdrop of sunset and is an excellent opportunity to witness the culture of Bali. Through their dance, they narrate the epic Ramayana. What makes the Kecak Dance unusual is its unique vocal routine which makes this dance form the most unique experience in Bali. Male performers form a kind of choir, which sits in a circle, and they chant the words “cak-cak-cak” over and over to create an almost hypnotic rhythm. As the sun sets the dance transforms into a fire dance and the dancers begin to dance across burning coal embers. 

An important tip when visiting the temple is not to visit the restricted areas of the temples and the areas where photography is prohibited also do follow the dress code and maintain the dignity of the place. 

• Suluban Beach

The beach is the perfect place for surreal sunrise and sunsets. Although the place is ideal for sunsets, after reading the details about its gorgeous sunsets over the internet, this place gets crowded. It is better to witness the sunrise in peace. 

The best thing to do here is to engage in a shopping spree. Shopping in Bali is a shopper’s delight and tourists can buy some of the most trendy and beach-friendly clothing and dresses. You can also visit the local shops near Suluban Beach to pick out some beautiful pieces of local artwork, junk jewellery, souvenirs, gift items, and much more.

• Balangan Beach

Balangan Beach, known for its beautiful white sandy shoreline and towering cliffs, certainly lives up to the region’s high reputation. The Balangan viewpoint is most popular among wedding photographers, Instagrammers, models, and visitors. So it is completely recommended to visit the beach in the morning or in the afternoon when you can have the place to yourself and feel like heaven. 

The beach is surrounded by some of the best and uptown cafes and restaurants to lavish on the local and authentic Indonesian dishes.

Things to Do in Karang Boma Cliff

• Watch Incredible sunset

We assure you that if you choose to watch the sunset at this place you are not going to regret the decision. Believe us the view is stunning. Some even refer to this time of sunset as the golden hour and that aura when the whole area is watching at the same place, that moment when the sun is going down into the waves, the scene is mesmerizing and a sight to behold and this is the miraculous thing to do in Bali. 

People from all over the world flock to Karang Boma Cliff just to witness that aura. Standing on top of the cliff looking out into the ocean, with no one else around, is a breathtaking experience that one can forget. Well, the place has become so popular now thanks to Instagram that it’s hard to witness that beauty in peace until and unless you wake up early and visit the cliff in the early morning hours. 

• Meditate & Yoga

The peaceful and serene surroundings are what is required for a rigorous Yoga session. Wouldn’t the yoga and meditation at Karang Boma Cliff be the best yoga session that you have ever done? It’s a symphony of tranquillity that can easily put you in a meditative state.

The cliff is a perfect place to take a break from the day-to-day tasks of life and to sit and relax and meditate and connect with your inner self. 

• Take the Iconic pictures

Isn’t that one of the Instagram pictures that inspired you to come all the way to Bali and on the Karang Boma Cliff? Then, taking that iconic picture on the cliff is mandatory for your Instagram story and the trip can’t be complete without it.

If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get to a cliff all by yourself will surely be God’s plan, otherwise be prepared to be in a queue. If you wish to avoid crowds for the pictures because you just don’t want to have a single picture, plan to visit the cliff in the early morning.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

• Mule Malu

Situated within walking distance of Bingin Beach and a short drive from the well-known beaches of Padang Padang, and Uluwatu, this resort is the best place to witness the splendour of the Bukit Peninsula. The resort serves authentic Indonesian food in Bali. The helpful staff and relaxing atmosphere of the resort will make your stay at Mule Malu a memorable experience. The resort’s central location and proximity to shops, beaches, and tourist places render this resort an ideal choice for a stay. This resort in Bali is eco-friendly and is working towards conserving the environment. The resort serves authentic Indonesian food in Bali. 

• Dreamsea Bali

This is a place to stay with the most impressive location and boho-chic interiors inspired by Indonesian artwork and decor. This is a budget-friendly accommodation at the best location in Uluwatu. The stay offers an uninterrupted view of the surfer’s site and direct access to the white sand. Just outside the hotel in Bali, numerous cafes sell scrumptious coffee and smoothies. The Cherry on the top of the cake is that this stay is pet-friendly. 

• Pink Cuco Uluwatu

Pink is the new colour of Bali at this contemporary stay in Bali Uluwatu. Pink Coco is bright, airy, and fuchsia-fantastic, right amid the busiest area with stores, cafés, and spas. This stay has several trendy rooms to select from, including garden views, patios, and even a rooftop suite with 360-degree views of the surrounding cliffs, surf breaks, and magnificent scenery. Relax by the pool, dine at the neighbouring cafés and restaurants, or head next door to Esthetic Spa for one of Bali’s top pampering sessions.

Suggested Read: Best time to visit Bali

How to reach Karang Boma Cliff

The other option is to go for a rented car where you can enjoy the splendid views and nearby attractions sitting at the back in your comfort on the hot summer days. Also, this is a good way to interact with the locals and to gain knowledge about the areas that are least visited and worth experiencing. 

For those of you who are coming from Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, it’s approximately a 1-hour to 1.5-hour journey to reach Karang Boma Uluwatu. 

Things to keep in mind before you go

1. The best time of the day to visit the Karang Boma Cliff is between 5 to 6 pm which is ideal to watch the sunset, however, due to the huge popularity of the cliff at this hour you will have to wait in line for your turn to take a snap. It would be better to visit the cliff during the afternoon to enjoy the place in peace. 
2. Before planning for a day out to Karang Boma Cliff check weather conditions and avoid visiting the area then strong winds and rain are predicted, and these conditions render the area hazardous. 
3. As this is a popular tourist place, keep an eye on your valuables and never leave them unattended. The place has a history of thieves.
4. Don’t risk your life just for a perfect picture. The Cliff is nearly 100 metres and you can imagine a drop from such a great height into an Ocean. The edges of the Cliff are unstable and there are no barriers and safety ropes.

Booking a tour to Uluwatu

What to pack for the Karang Boma Cliff

• Cash and hidden wallets: This is a place where you can easily get tricked by thieves and for the most part the internet connectivity might be too difficult to find. It’s better to carry some cash and find a place to hide it.

• Quick dry towel: Carry a towel with you because you may need to trek around a kilometer to reach the cliff.

• Reusable water bottles: Carry ample water with you as there are only one or two shops that are available near the cliff or snacks and water.

• Backpack: A backpack is necessary to keep all your valuables and essentials on the trip to the Karang Boma Cliff.

• Portable power bank: You might be spending a lot of time at the cliff and taking lots and lots of pictures in your memory album. So keep a power bank to get your mobile going.

• Cameras and Tripods: Capturing this memory for life with high-resolution cameras are the first and foremost essential to carry. 

• Drone: The drones are allowed in the area and hence you can carry the drone for award-winning pictures. You may need to pay an extra charge for the drone.

• Insect repellent: The place might not be clean as expected so carry insect repellents to protect from the dangerous biting. 

• Sunblock: At  High altitudes, the sun shines brighter, and hence summer essentials are required to protect from tanning. 
• Drinks and Snacks: Few shops and vendors are available but still it would be viable to carry your snacks for the craving after 1 kilometre of hiking.