Also known as Pura Uluwatu, the Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s 9 directional temples. To explore this unique temple, look for one of the top Bali resort villas such as the Alila Villas Uluwatu, preferred by many out of the many Bali luxury villas located in the area. The temple is located on a spectacular spot, a rather precarious position as it is perched on a steep coral reef a large drop away from the roaring waves of the Indian Ocean, giving the guests a breathtaking view of the sea torrents lined with a bank of rocky white pebbled beach. Surrounded by the ‘Alas Kekeran’ forest which is inhabited by an astounding amount of monkeys who invade the temple from time to time, the Uluwatu temple is dedicated to God Rudra. The name “Uluwatu” itself is derived from the name of the temple “ulu” meaning ‘head’ and “watu” meaning stone as the temple stands on top of the reef like a stone head. However, visitors are required to dress properly when visiting the temple and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the temple gate for this temple.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.
