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Uluwatu Temple is a sea temple located on the southwestern coast of Bali. Pronounced in Balinese, the temple is called Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Due to its Hindu religious background, it is one of the most important temples in Indonesia.
Ceremonies are constantly held in it. According to legend, the Pura Uluwatu temple was built in the 11th century before it was further expanded during the 16th century under the Hindu traveler and priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha. In this move, several padmasana made of stone were built, which are supposed to symbolize a throne for gods. Because the temple is supposed to protect Bali from demons and honor Dewi, a sea goddess.
The Uluwatu temple complex
In addition to the Uluwatu temple, there is also a temple of the dead and the underworld on the site, as well as two buildings. Each temple and building has its own courtyard. The entrance gate of Uluwatu Temple, decorated with demon heads, can be reached by climbing 70 steps.
assing the gate, one enters the temple courtyard, also called Jaba. Shortly after that is the central courtyard, which is also known as Jeroan. The entrance of the central courtyard shows the god Ganesha with his elephant head.
Where is the Uluwatu Temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located west on the Bukit Badung peninsula in southern Bali. The temple is located on a steep cliff about 70 meters above the waves of the sea.
The nearest airport is about 21 kilometers away. The closest cities are Kuta (25 kilometers), Canggu (35 kilometers) and Ubud (55 kilometers).
On good days you can even see the neighboring island of Java.
Sea temple address
The address of Uluwatu Temple is: Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia.
What activities are available?
When visiting the temple complex, you should not miss the one-hour performance of the Kecak dance. This traditional dance performance takes place every day around 6 pm in the open-air theater. Tickets are available to visitors at a booth on the temple grounds.
Kecak Dance as top highlight
The Kecak dance tells the story of Princess Sita, who is kidnapped by the demon king named Ravana. The prince Rama asks the monkey god Hanuman to free the princess Sita, which the monkey god finally succeeds in doing.
The dance is performed by 50 men. First they are topless and covered with a sarong before slipping into colorful masks and costumes.
Also recommended are the adjacent beaches, which are very popular with surfers due to the high waves. These beaches include Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach to the north.
Many tourists and locals come to the temple especially at sunset, because on some days the sun disappears directly into the sea.
Local rules of conduct
When entering the temple, one should wear a temple scarf, called a sarong. Incidentally, this can also be borrowed at the entrance. Furthermore, care should be taken that both thighs and upper arms are covered.
Photography is allowed on the temple grounds and during the performance of the Kecak dance, as long as it is within reason and not too intrusive.
It should be noted that monkeys can be found both at the temple complex and all along the way. Long-tailed macaques are not shy and will steal items such as sunglasses, hats or cameras at any opportunity. For this reason, you should not feed or pet them in any case. If you have been scratched or bitten by a monkey, you should go to a hospital to get rabies shots.
For whom is the sight suitable?
Every tourist and local can visit the temple complex. However, only Hindu believers and priests are allowed to enter the interior of the temple complex. Visitors who do not belong to the religion are allowed to go only to the sign of the temple. However, the inner area of the temple can be seen by all non-Hindu people due to the low stone walls of the complex.
Info and tips
1. the temple is open every day from April to October from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Open.
2. some food stalls and souvenir stands are set up at the parking lot of the temple.
3. you should always take enough to drink with you, because the vegetation there
dry and the temperatures are tropical.
4. as a visitor, you should not be alarmed if at some booths there are
Turtle meat is available for purchase.
Conclusion
Even though the temple cannot be visited by everyone, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. This is mainly due to the breathtaking and unique landscape, the performance of the traditional kecak dance and the colorful sunset.