Batu Jaran Bali, Uluwatu’s Best Sunset Spot
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- By: Peter Orsel
Uluwatu has so many cliffs to watch the sun go down from. Batu Jaran is one of my favorite spots among them. the literal translation is Horse Rock. Why? I have no idea.
It’s a popular spot these days and you surely won’t be the only one, but for a good reason. The views are amazing. One thing to know before you go: you can’t reach the beach or the water from here, this is a clifftop viewpoint only.
Some people say the view looks similar to Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida. I’ll leave that to your own imagination and appreciate Batu Jaran instead. One thing for sure: you won’t see the same amount of people here compared to Kelingking Beach.
New to planning a Bali trip? My Bali Travel Guide covers the bigger picture, visas, when to go, what to do. This article is just about the one spot.
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Where is Batu Jaran?
Batu Jaran sits in Uluwatu, southern Bali, the part of the island known for its cliffs and surf. I’d even say the south gets more sun overall than the rest of Bali. Follow these directions on Google Maps to get there. Once you arrive, park your bike near the lighthouse, or anywhere else that works.
The area right around the lighthouse is fine, but the view improves once you follow the tree-lined path south to the actual viewpoint. People usually split between the lighthouse parking and the actual spot, but I do prefer the original spot that takes a 5 minute walk.
Some visitors climb the lighthouse itself through a gap in the fence for an even higher vantage point. I can’t guarantee that’s still possible or officially allowed by the time you read this, so use your own judgment and don’t force it if it looks closed off.
Keep your safety in mind above everything else. The cliff is around 75 meters high. No photo or video is worth getting close to that edge for.
How long does it take to drive to Batu Jaran?
A scooter handles this drive better than a car, since the last stretch of road can be tricky for anything bigger. Rough driving times by scooter:
- From Balangan/Ungasan: about 30 minutes
- From Nusa Dua: about 40 minutes
- From Kuta/Seminyak: about 1 hour
- From Canggu: about 1 hour 20 minutes
- From Ubud: about 2 hours
Jl. Raya Uluwatu, the main road connecting the south to the rest of the island, is usually the slowest stretch, so take enough time for your journey.
Should I stay in Uluwatu or somewhere else?
You don’t have to stay in Uluwatu to visit Batu Jaran, but it makes things easier. Uluwatu is a great area to stay in Bali, with the best surfing in Bali, loads of great cafes and restaurants and spectacular accommodations. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Booking.com is my usual starting point.
If you’re weighing up Uluwatu against other parts of the island for your trip, my guide to the best areas to stay in Bali covers how they compare.
What's the best time for sunset in Bali?
Bali is close enough to the equator that sunset times barely change throughout the year, usually somewhere between 6:00 and 6:30 PM. To beat the heat and grab a good spot, arrive by 4:30 PM at the latest. It’s quiet at that hour, the light is still workable for photos, and you’ll have time to wait for golden hour. I always say: you can never be too early for sunset, you can only be too late.
Don’t leave the second the sun disappears either. The sky often turns a deep purple in the minutes right after, and that’s sometimes better than the sunset itself.
For the exact time on the day you’re going, check your phone’s weather app or search “sunset time” plus your location through Google.
Can I fly my drone at Batu Jaran?
If you’re carrying a drone at a spot like this, you’ll want to fly it. Indonesia is one of the more relaxed countries in the world when it comes to drone rules, and in practice, barely anyone enforces them here. Watch out for wind though, especially in the dry season between June and August, when the wind along the cliffs can get strong. If you’ve never flown before, practice somewhere safer first, not on a 75-meter cliff edge.
Want to get more out of your drone shots in general? I’ve written a separate guide on taking your drone photography further.
Photography tips
Of course you come to see the sunset, but you probably want to get home with some good photos too.
If you’re flying a drone, launch it about an hour before sunset. That gives you the best light, and still leaves you time to put the drone away and actually watch the sunset yourself afterward. Mix up your angles: top-down, high, low, different subjects. Keep an eye out for surfers too if you’re shooting video.
Personally I think drone photography is best as long as the sun ‘glows’. The last 15 minutes of sunset are usually too dark, so use this time to actually appreciate the sunset with your own eyes.
Even with just a phone, there’s plenty here worth shooting: water texture from above, the turquoise close to shore, the silhouette of anyone else on the cliff against the sky.
One technical tip: don’t point your camera straight into the sun the whole time. It can damage your sensor, and you’ll mostly get silhouettes since the bright background darkens everything in the foreground, including whoever you’re photographing. Angle slightly away from the sun instead, and you’ll get a proper golden-hour glow on your subject rather than a shadow.
Good to Know before you go
Batu Jaran doesn’t have any bins on site, so whatever you bring there, bring it back out with you. This includes bottles, or even organic trash. I believe it’s good to leave a place better than you first found it, so make sure you bring your belongings.
Getting back
Getting to Batu Jaran is the easy part. Getting back can be a bit more of a hassle. After sunset, the road back toward Ungasan or Jimbaran gets busy fast, as every tour group heads back at once. I personally prefer to grab food in Uluwatu when I decide to drive back to Canggu area. If you decide to go immediately, get ready for a long ride back. And whatever you do, don’t forget to wear your helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Batu Jaran
Is Batu Jaran free to visit?
Yes. There’s no entrance fee, and I personally have never seen someone taking cash for parking. However, it’s always smart to bring some spare cash, in case you need it.
Is Batu Jaran safe?
Batu Jaran is a cliff edge with a serious 75 meter drop and no fence along most of it. It’s safe if you keep your distance from the edge and don’t attempt any risky shots or poses. It’s not safe if you treat it like a photo prop.
Do I need a scooter to get to Batu Jaran?
You don’t strictly need one, but it makes things much easier. The final stretch of road isn’t ideal for cars, so most visitors arrive by scooter or take a Grab/Gojek instead. Don’t forget to wear your helmet.
Is Batu Jaran the same as Jaran Hill?
Yes, same location. “Batu Jaran” and “Jaran Hill” both refer to it, “Batu” simply means rock in Indonesian.
More articles about Bali
About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.