Pura Luhur Uluwatu
This cliff-top temple is truly impressive. Built on a steep cliff, visiting here can feel like sitting on the throne of Bali. During sunset, the atmosphere becomes mystical, making it a popular time to visit.
General Information
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu or Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples (Pura Kayangan Jagat). While a small temple may have existed earlier, inscriptions suggest that it was either built or expanded by Javanese sage Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Empu Kuturan was a Majapahit monk who established several other temples across Bali.
Another sage from East Java, Danghyang Nirartha (also known as Dwijendra), is credited with constructing the padmasana shrines and is believed to have attained Moksha at Uluwatu. According to legend, he reached spiritual oneness with the gods in a lightning strike, disappearing completely.
You can enter the temple through two split gates, flanked by Ganesha statues (elephant-headed deities). Behind the main shrine is a Brahmin statue facing the Indian Ocean. Access to Uluwatu was challenging until the early 1980s.
Location and Setting
More remarkable than the temple itself, which may not be as grand as some of Bali’s other major sites, is its location. Perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu offers breathtaking views. The surrounding cliffs and sunsets are spectacular, making it a favorite spot for visitors and photographers alike. Below the temple is a scenic cave with rock formations leading to a nearby beach popular with surfers.
In the evenings, visitors can watch a Balinese Dance Performance. Although it can be a bit crowded and touristy, it’s still a unique experience worth attending.
Walking the length of the temple grounds takes about an hour, though not many visitors explore the entire site. However, those who do will be rewarded with stunning views along the way.
Good to Know
As with all temples in Bali, proper attire is required to enter. Sarongs and sashes are available at the entrance. While guides used to be persistent, they are now more relaxed, though they may still offer to “protect” you from the monkeys for a tip. The central courtyards are usually closed and only accessible during special rituals, but visitors are free to walk around the outer grounds.
Take your time to explore, sit down, and soak in the spectacular views. The name “Uluwatu” comes from “Ulu” meaning head and “Watu” meaning rock. The temple’s additional title “Luhur” signifies something heavenly, original, or ancestral.
The Monkeys
Uluwatu is home to a large number of monkeys, who are notorious for snatching visitors’ belongings, including bags, cameras, and glasses. Hold onto your belongings tightly, and avoid wearing glasses if possible. If something is taken, you can usually exchange it with fruit, though rewarding the monkeys encourages more theft. Locals or temple priests will often help retrieve your items, but they’ll expect a tip (Rp 10,000-50,000). The monkeys are believed to guard the temple from bad influences.
Sign Board at Entrance
At the entrance of every major temple in Bali, you’ll find signboards (often in English) detailing rules, entrance fees, and other important information. It’s advisable to take a moment to read these signs, even if a guide offers to explain everything to you. At Uluwatu (as at the Monkey Forest in Ubud), visitors are strongly advised to remove glasses, earrings, hats, and other loose items due to the monkeys.