Information
Landmark: Uluwatu TempleCity: Bali
Country: Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia, Asia
Overview
Perched high on a cliff at the southern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a breathtaking Hindu shrine where waves crash far below.Perched high on a cliff some 70 meters above the crashing blue of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple stands as one of Bali’s six sacred directional temples, each believed to guard the island from harmful spirits.Perched on a rugged cliff, the temple draws visitors with sweeping ocean views, deep cultural roots, and a quiet spiritual pull that makes it a place you shouldn’t miss.Perched high above the sea, Uluwatu Temple traces its origins to the 11th century, when the Javanese Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha built it and helped carry Hinduism across Bali.Perched at the island’s edge, the temple honors Lord Shiva and serves as a place of deep worship, its windswept cliffs believed to guard Bali from harmful forces.Widely regarded as one of Bali’s most important temples, it attracts both worshippers and travelers, drawn by the scent of incense in the air, the quiet hum of prayer, and the breathtaking views.Perched high on a sheer cliff, Uluwatu Temple gazes out over the Indian Ocean, where waves crash below and the coastline stretches wide in every direction.At sunset, this spot draws the biggest crowds, when the sun slips into the ocean and bathes the temple in warm, golden light.Perched on the Bukit Peninsula-known for its towering limestone cliffs and sweeping coastal views-Uluwatu Temple stands out as one of Bali’s most striking landmarks.Pura Luhur Uluwatu remains an active Hindu complex, home to several shrines honoring different deities.Perched on the cliff’s edge, the main temple stands ringed by smaller shrines and other structures, its grounds spotless and alive with detail-stone carvings worn smooth by time, tiered terraces, and airy pavilions that catch the sea breeze.You can wander through the temple and its grounds, taking care to honor local customs and spiritual traditions.As the sun dips low, the amphitheater comes alive with the rhythmic chants and flickering torchlight of the Kecak Dance, one of Uluwatu Temple’s biggest draws.The Kecak Dance, a centuries-old Balinese tradition, brings the Ramayana to life with fierce chanting, synchronized movement, and the crackle of fire under the open sky.Dancers perform against a backdrop of an ancient temple and the vast sweep of the Indian Ocean, a sight that stays with you.Just beyond, the sacred monkey forest teems with long-tailed macaques swinging through the trees.The monkeys, considered sacred here, wander freely across the temple grounds.Visitors should watch their belongings-one might dart past and snatch a hat, a pair of glasses, or even a piece of fruit.Still, they’re woven into the temple’s spiritual life and help shape its one‑of‑a‑kind atmosphere, where winding stone paths slip through manicured gardens and end at cliffs above the shimmering sea.Stroll at your own pace through the temple grounds, where the air feels still and frangipani blossoms scent the path, then head to nearby beaches like Padang Padang or Suluban for a taste of Bali’s coastline; you’ll find Pura Luhur Uluwatu at Jl.Uluwatu, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali, about a 45‑minute drive from Denpasar and roughly 40 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.You’ll find it in Pecatu, just minutes from some of Bali’s most famous beaches.Uluwatu Temple welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and if you want to catch the Kecak Dance with the sky turning gold at sunset, aim for a late-afternoon arrival.General admission is about IDR 30,000-roughly two U. S. dollars.There’s an extra charge for the Kecak Dance-about IDR 100,000 (roughly USD 7) per person.Since it’s an active Hindu temple, you’ll need to dress respectfully, such as wearing a sarong before stepping inside.If your outfit isn’t modest, you can pick up a sarong at the entrance before stepping inside.Remember to carry yourself with respect-it’s part of honoring the temple’s traditions.Just a short drive away, Padang Padang Beach waits, a pocket of golden sand framed by cliffs and bright, clear water.Suluban Beach-locals call it Blue Point-sits tucked near Uluwatu Temple, reached by winding down through a cool, echoing cave, and it’s perfect for a swim, catching a wave, or just stretching out in the sun.Surfers love it.Just a short drive from Uluwatu, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park showcases a towering statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, along with lively performances, art exhibitions, and sweeping ocean views.Nearby, Dreamland Beach stretches out in soft white sand and water so clear you can see your toes.It’s perfect for unwinding on the shore or diving into water sports, and Uluwatu Temple is a must-see for anyone visiting Bali.Perched high on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, the temple offers sweeping views, a deep sense of history, and the magic of watching a Kecak Dance as the sky glows orange at sunset-capturing the very spirit and beauty of Bali.Whether you’re drawn to the temple’s rich history, the fiery chant of the Kecak Dance under the setting sun, or the sweep of cliffs against a turquoise sea, Uluwatu Temple has something to captivate every visitor.
