Rambut Siwi Temple Jembrana

If you’ve never heard of Rambut Siwi Temple, you’re not alone—most tourists skip it completely. And that’s exactly why I fell in love with the place.

Let’s be real. When people talk temples in Bali, it’s always Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, and Besakih this, Besakih that. But I’m telling you—Rambut Siwi Temple is different. It’s quiet. It’s perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It’s got this calming energy that’s hard to explain, and the best part? Hardly any crowds. You can actually hear yourself think.

I stumbled on it during one of those random motorbike trips when I had zero plans and just a tank full of gas and nowhere to be. It’s in Jembrana, West Bali—yeah, way past the usual Canggu-Ubud bubble. But trust me, it’s worth the haul.

Let’s dig into everything you need to know (and a few things no one tells you) about visiting Rambut Siwi Temple—from what to expect, how to get there, what locals believe about it, and why it totally deserves a spot on your Bali bucket list.

What Makes Rambut Siwi Temple So Special, Anyway?

Okay, so first off—the views. Oh man, the views.

This temple sits right on a cliff, with the Indian Ocean crashing against black volcanic sand below. You get this dramatic seascape, kind of like Tanah Lot, but without the madness. On clear days, the blue just stretches forever. I once sat on the edge for a solid hour just watching the waves and the locals fishing down by the rocks.

But the spiritual energy? That’s the real draw. It’s not touristy or commercialized. Locals still come here to pray, offer canang sari, and light incense. The vibe is genuine, like walking into someone’s sacred space, not a show built for Instagram.

What’s cool is that Rambut Siwi isn’t just one temple. It’s a complex of several shrines spread across different levels. Some are tucked in caves, others hidden in pavilions overlooking the sea. You kinda explore it like a treasure hunt.

There’s even one small pura (shrine) right down by the beach, almost at sea level. Super atmospheric when the tide is low. Be careful, though—waves can get a little wild.

The Story Behind the Name “Rambut Siwi”

So here’s a bit of Bali lore for ya.

“Rambut Siwi” literally translates to “Hair Worship.” Yeah, sounds strange at first, but here’s the deal. Legend says a high priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha—same guy connected to Tanah Lot—was traveling through West Bali back in the 16th century. He stopped here to meditate, and the locals begged him to leave behind a sacred token.

So what did he do? Cut off a lock of his hair (yep, actual rambut), blessed it, and placed it in the temple. That hair is said to still be kept there, enshrined in one of the sacred shrines. Locals believe it protects the area from evil spirits and natural disasters.

It’s why this place is so revered by Balinese Hindus. Some even do pilgrimages here, especially during Purnama (full moon) or during temple ceremonies, known locally as Odalan.

And you know what? Whether you believe in that stuff or not, the energy here is… different. Calmer. Stronger. Like you’re standing on sacred ground. Which you are, technically.

Getting to Rambut Siwi Temple: Not Easy, But Totally Worth It

Let me just say it straight—this isn’t a quick trip from Ubud or Seminyak.

Rambut Siwi Temple is located in Jembrana Regency, about 2.5 to 3 hours from South Bali depending on traffic. If you’re already staying in West Bali (like Medewi or Negara), it’s much easier—maybe 30 to 45 minutes tops.

I did it on a motorbike once from Canggu and… yeah, my butt was not happy. But with some coffee stops and beach breaks, it was still a pretty epic ride.

You could also hire a car and driver for the day. Expect to pay around 600k to 700k IDR depending on your haggling skills. Tell them to include a few stops—maybe Medewi Beach or even the Bunut Bolong tree tunnel while you’re out that way.

There’s a huge parking area right before the temple, and the entrance fee is pretty cheap—usually around 20,000 IDR (less than $2). Sarong is required, but they’ll lend you one if you forgot yours.

Rambut Siwi Temple:

What To Expect When You’re There (Spoiler: It’s Not Like Other Temples)

So here’s what I noticed right away—this place is big, but not in an overwhelming way.

It’s laid out across different levels. You’ll start at the top entrance near the parking area, which leads to a main pavilion and a few shrines. Then as you explore, paths lead down toward the lower temple areas, eventually taking you to the beach-level shrines.

Every corner has something different—a statue of Ganesha here, a moss-covered gate there. Some parts are super photogenic, but also peaceful enough that you don’t want to whip out your camera constantly.

I’d say give yourself at least an hour or two to explore. Don’t rush it. Just slow down, walk barefoot on the warm stones (if it’s not too hot), and soak it all in.

If you see a ceremony happening, keep your distance, be respectful, and do not try to insert yourself into it for the ‘gram. This ain’t that kind of place.

Best Time To Visit Rambut Siwi Temple (Weather, Ceremony Dates & Vibes)

Alright, here’s the scoop.

Dry season (May to September) is ideal. Less rain, clearer skies, and you get those dramatic sunsets. The cliff faces west, so if you’re a sucker for golden hour, aim to be there around 5:30 PM. I caught a sunset there in late August and it was fire. No filter needed.

Avoid rainy season if you can (Nov to March). The stones get slippery, the paths down to the beach are muddy, and the waves can get aggressive.

If you’re into culture, check if there’s an Odalan happening. These ceremonies happen every 210 days based on the Balinese calendar. Locals from all around dress in traditional attire, bring colorful offerings, and there’s this rhythm of gamelan music echoing through the temple. It’s magical… and very local.

But again—don’t just show up mid-ceremony and start snapping pics. Always ask. Always be chill.

What To Wear and Bring (Because No One Likes Being That Tourist)

So yeah, like all Balinese temples, there’s a dress code. But here’s the thing—people forget it’s not just about looking respectful, it’s about being respectful.

You’ll need:

A sarong (wrap it around your waist)
A scarf or sash (goes over the sarong at your waist)
Shoulders covered (so no tank tops, sorry)

If you’re menstruating, Balinese tradition asks women not to enter temple grounds. It’s a cultural and spiritual belief. Some tourists argue it, but honestly—just respect it.

Footwear: flip-flops are fine, but be prepared to take them off near the inner sanctums.

Bring water, especially if it’s hot. And maybe some cash for donations or buying snacks from the tiny warungs nearby.

Local Customs and Spiritual Etiquette: What No One Tells You

Rambut Siwi Temple might not be packed with tour guides or signs in English, but it’s still one of Bali’s most spiritually powerful places. Locals really take it seriously, and you should too.

Quick rundown of etiquette:

Don’t stand higher than the priest or ceremonial figures during prayer.
Don’t point your feet at the shrines or sit with your legs stretched out toward them.
Don’t step over offerings (those cute little baskets with flowers, rice, and incense).
Don’t film prayer ceremonies unless given direct permission.

There are signs that say “no drones”—and yeah, they mean it.

We always suggest travelers use a Bali car rental with driver to make the most of their Bali adventure.

Energetic Vibes: Something You’ll Feel (Even If You Don’t Believe in That Stuff)

Look, I’m not exactly woo-woo. But I do believe some places just feel… different.

Rambut Siwi Temple is one of those spots. It’s not loud with tourists, it’s not trying to sell you anything, and the people who visit are there for a reason. Whether they’re praying, meditating, or just looking for quiet, everyone’s energy kinda syncs up.

The air smells like salt and incense. The ocean roars in the background. The statues look like they’ve seen a thousand years of weather and prayers.

Even if you’re not religious, you walk out of there feeling like you left something behind—some stress, some noise, some nonsense from your normal life. And that’s rare.

Don’t Miss the Lower Temple by the Sea (Yes, It’s a Bit Hidden)

Most people stop at the upper sections and leave. But if you walk down the winding path to the lower beach temple, you’ll be rewarded.

It’s tucked away right near the shoreline, and it’s where some of the original shrines are believed to be. You might see fishermen stopping to pray before heading out, or families lighting incense before dipping their feet in the ocean.

If the tide is out, you can even walk along the rocky shoreline. Just go slow—some of those stones are super slippery. And wear proper footwear if you’re planning to explore.

Oh—and watch out for crabs. They’re everywhere, and they do not care that you’re trying to take artsy shots of the waves.

Nearby Places to Explore While You’re Out West

Since you’re making the trek to West Bali anyway, you might as well make a day of it.

Here are a few places close-ish to Rambut Siwi:

Medewi Beach – surfer town, super chill, black sand, good waves.
Bunut Bolong Tree Tunnel – this giant sacred banyan tree literally has a road going through it. It’s wild.
Juwuk Manis Waterfall – about 30 mins inland, totally worth the hike.
Negara Town Market – local af. Great for snacks and people-watching.

You won’t find big resorts out here. It’s mostly homestays, rice fields, and coastline. Which honestly makes it even better.

Where to Stay Near Rambut Siwi Temple

If you want to stay nearby, look at places in Medewi or Negara. There’s not much right next to the temple unless you’re okay with basic guesthouses.

In Medewi, I stayed at this little surf lodge with sunset hammocks and $2 mie goreng that was bomb. Rooms were clean, had AC, and the owners were super friendly. Total cost? Like $15 a night.

You won’t get big hotel chains here—just local spots run by families who actually live in the area. If that’s your thing, you’ll love it. If you need infinity pools and poolside cocktails, maybe keep it as a day trip.

Check also: Batur Lake Bali