Michelle Maria, Bali, Indonesia Uluwatu Temple – panoramio (3), CC BY 3.0
Bali, an island that many call paradise…Once you get to this island of many pleasures and wonders there’s many to see from its iconic rice paddy fields, forested volcanic mountain ranges, beaches and temples presenting the glory of days of yonder. Of the latter, one that undoubtedly stands out is the one perched on the edge of a hill by the sea. Standing 70 metres above sea level, it is the majestic Uluwatu Temple.
The Uluwatu Temple dates as far back as the 11th Century. A smaller temple was said to have existed before the great Javanese sage by the name of Empu Kuturan expanded it to its modern glory. This sea temple is dedicated to God Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the “All-In-One God” in Indonesian Hinduism. Also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the Uluwatu Temple is said to be built to protect Bali against evil spirits and forces.
So where is it? The temple is located about 1 hour away from Bali’s capital city of Denpasar in a little village called Pecatu. It’s all the way down in Bali’s southernmost at an area known to tourists as ‘Bukit Peninsula’. And don’t worry; though it’s a bit out of the way you will still be able to find a Bali luxury villa in Uluwatu in close proximity like the Alila Villas Uluwatu. The best time to go would be between the months of July to August when the temperature is at its coolest and also the driest. Sunsets at Uluwatu temple are absolutely beautiful and the best time to see the sunsets is from March to September, when the skies are the clearest.
The temple of Uluwatu is designed according to the stunning Balinese Hindu architecture. During your explorations, you will be able to see the elaborate statue created in the ancient style of sculpture, a 10th century stone gate, and the captivating traditional Balinese Kecak or fire dance. According to the 210-day Balinese Pawukon cycle, the temple holds its anniversary celebrations in every six months. This is a big festival with wondrous displays of Bali’s culture.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting the temple is to stay clear away from the monkeys. Uluwatu Temple has quite an infestation of them and there are a few reports of monkeys snatching food from tourists. So, be sure to not get close to them and definitely do not offer them food.
Fantastic Balinese Hindu architecture, statue with an ancient style sculpture and Balinese Kecak and fire dance performance, then you should add Uluwatu Temple Bali on your things to do in Bali. There are also two stone troughs if connected make one sarcophagus.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.
