During our stay in Medewi, we wanted to venture away from the surf for an afternoon and see a bit more of the local culture. Rather than renting a scooter or hiring a driver, we decided to do what we do best: lace up our walking shoes and hike there from The Nyamo Surfschool & Stay, where we were staying.
It turned out to be a hot, sweaty trek, but it’s a brilliant way to experience the coastline at a slower pace—just make sure you pack plenty of water and, crucially, a sarong.
Rambut Siwi Temple: Practical Visitor Info
- Location: Yeh Embang Kangin village, Mendoyo District, Jembrana Regency, Bali (roughly a 10 km drive east of Negara).
- Opening Hours: Technically open daily for visitors and worshippers during daylight hours (typically around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
- Entrance Fee / Donations: Usually requires a small donation or registration fee (standard for most Balinese temples).
- Dress Code: You must wear a sarong and a sash around your waist as it is an active, sacred Hindu temple.
The Walk from Medewi to Pura Rambut Siwi
The walk down the coast towards Rambut Siwi Temple isn’t overly complicated, but Bali’s tropical heat can catch you off guard if you aren’t prepared.
We really enjoyed walking instead of just zooming past on a scooter. It turns a quick sightseeing stop into a proper mini-adventure. You get a much better feel for the surrounding neighborhoods, the crashing waves of the west coast, and the rhythm of daily life outside the main tourist hubs. Just remember: wear comfortable footwear, pack a sarong in your day bag, and don’t underestimate how thirsty the sun will make you!
What to Expect at Rambut Siwi Temple
Perched dramatically on a low cliff overlooking the ocean, Pura Luhur Rambut Siwi is one of the most important and sacred Hindu sea temples on Bali’s west coast.
Because it’s far removed from the bustling crowds of South Bali, visiting here feels entirely different. When we arrived, we practically had the place to ourselves. It gave us a quiet, peaceful space to wander around, take in the architecture, and look out over the dramatic black volcanic sand beaches stretching out below.
The dark sand here is a striking reminder of Bali’s volcanic origins—a sharp contrast to the bright white-sand postcard beaches you find elsewhere on the island.
A Well-Deserved Stop at Wide Sands Beach Resort
Our little afternoon walk ended up morphing into a full-blown day out. On the walk back toward Medewi, the midday heat had thoroughly worn us down, so we decided to pull into Wide Sands Beach Resort for a refreshing glass of wine.
The relaxed, beachfront vibe completely won us over. One drink turned into staying for dinner, where we dug into some fantastic seafood and curries. The staff were lovely, and since it was a quiet afternoon, they invited us to use the pool and sun loungers. After a hot walk in the humidity, lounging by the pool with a cold drink was absolute heaven.
We aren’t backpackers anymore, and Wide Sands is definitely the kind of place we’d love to book for our next stay in Medewi. You can read more about what it’s like in our Wide Sands Beach Resort review.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you are staying in Medewi for a few days and want to mix up your surf routine, visiting Rambut Siwi Temple is well worth the effort. Just respect the local customs (bring that sarong!), prep for the heat, and reward yourself with a cold drink or a dip in a pool on the walk back.
More things to do in Medewi
There is more to Medewi than surfing. Take a look at our guide to Things to Do in Medewi for more ideas, or explore our other Medewi travel guides.
Looking to stay in Medewi?
If you’re looking for accommodation in the Rambut Siwi Temple area, take a look at our complete guide to Where to Stay in Medewi, covering everything from hotels and resorts to villas, home stays, guesthouses, and surf camps, or fin the right spot on the map below.
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This Rambut Siwi Temple post was last updated in October 2026.