Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level. As one of the 6 key temples considered to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, Uluwatu also shares the splendid sunset backdrops as that of Tanah Lot Temple, another important sea temple located in the island’s western shores.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is definitely one of the top places on the island to go to for a delightful sunset, with direct views overlooking the beautiful waves of the Indian Ocean and daily Kecak dance performances held at an amphitheatre nearby. Balinese architecture, traditionally-designed gateways, and ancient sculptures add to Uluwatu Temple’s appeal.
Without a doubt, what makes Uluwatu Temple spectacular is its cliff-top setting at the edge of a cliff and overlooking the waves of the Indian Ocean. Ulu means the ‘top’ or the ‘tip’ and watu is ‘stone’ or ‘rock’ in Balinese. Several archaeological remains found here prove the temple to be of megalithic origin, dating back to around the 10th century. There are 2 entrances to Uluwatu Temple, one from the south and the other from the north.
A small forest surrounds the temple where hundreds of monkeys dwell. They are believed to guard the temple against negative influences. The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. It takes about an hour to get from one end to another as there are several fenced points along the way where you can take a pause. The views from the bottom of the water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are breathtaking.
The Balinese Hindus believe that the powers of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva, merge here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. Pura Uluwatu is also dedicated to protecting Bali from evil sea spirits.
Inscriptions mention that Uluwatu Temple was instigated by Mpu Kuturan, a Majapahit monk who’s also credited for the establishment of several other key temples in Bali. A holy priest from eastern Java, Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, then chose Uluwatu Temple to be his spiritual journey’s final place of worship. Devotees believe that he reached the highest point of spiritual oneness by a strike of lightning and vanished.
Legend says that Dhang Hyang Dwijendra (also frequently referred to by name as Danghyang Nirartha) was the architect of Uluwatu Temple and several other temples in Bali, Lombok, as well as Sumbawa. Until 1983, Pura Uluwatu was hardly accessible and a lightning strike in 1999 set some parts of the temple on fire. The temple has undergone a series of restoration efforts since.
Precautionary signs warn visitors of the resident macaques grabbing attractive items such as sunglasses and cameras. They can be calmer when approached with peanuts or bananas, though, lending an opportunity to retake stolen possessions.
Visitors must wear a sarong and a sash which can be hired at the temple entrance. The best time to visit is just before sunset. A Kecak dance is performed every day at the adjacent cliff-top stage from 6pm and usually last an hour. What makes it the most favourite venue to watch a Kecak dance is the sunset background of the performance.
There’s no public transportation to get here and going back into town will be difficult without any prearranged ride or taxi. A guide is not necessary, though helpful.
