Popular and less trafficked Temple sites: Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Visiting a temple, particularly one that is a having a ceremony, or a special dance performance, is on of the special aspects of visiting Bali. One temple that occupies a unique location, and that is accessible to tourists, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on the Bukit peninsula.

•History of Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s directional temples (kayangan jagat), and guards Bali from evil spirits, from the SW.

This means that the temple affects the island as a whole and has meaning for all Balinese, not just the Uluwatu locals. During the Galungan festival (the most important event in the Balinese calender that occurs every 210 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil) people from all over Bali come to worship here.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the west side of the Bukit peninsula.

The temple was founded in the 10th century by Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, and a shrine here, as well as at other key locations along the Balinese coast.

In the 17th century, Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, including Pura Rambut Siwi,also adding to Uluwatu.

•Getting to Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
From Kuta from you take the Bypass, and head in the direction of Nusa Dua. Uluwatu is 18kms down the Bypass from Kuta and the turnoff is to the right.

The road Jl. Uluwatu takes you through the local area of Jimbaran, past some big hotels, before heading up the steep hill, and into the heart of the Bukit. Follow Jl. Uluwatu to the very end, where it terminates at a parking area, with Pura Uluwatu another 100 meters further on.

•Parking:
Parking is monitored by a uniformed attendant in a booth and the price is 1,000rp for motorbikes. He will to look after your helmet too for no extra charge, if you don’t want to leave it on your bike. Locals offering their services as guides can be found to, although its not pressure scene.

•Exploring Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Walking towards the entrance of the temple, you will see the stone archway, with a set of rules and regulations for visitors, including the fact there was and entrance fee. The little office to the left of the entrance accepts the 3,000rp fee and lends you a ceremonial sash and sarong. This now means you are properly dressed. Staff at the office will warn you, the temple monkeys are aggressive. I have seen toursits lose their glasses and hat, as the monkeys will rush to grab any loose items.

The regulations say visitors can only walk around the temple, which may be a bit confusing. They are referring to the temple compounds themselves not the temple complex. When you have your sarong, sash and ticket, you can stroll through the 2 archways, (candi bentar) and down and long pathway towards the main temple courtyard.

Continuing straight, (bypassing the temple) you will see a cliff top path, that leads to a view point after several minutes. There was nothing special up there except this one lady with a both offering drinks and souvenirs. This route offers good view of the temple high up on the opposite cliff, great for photos.

It is possible for a visitor to navigate around and peer into the temple compounds although signs say not to enter. The temple compounds are made from white-grey coral blocks and are not really decorated in any special way. There are a pair of Ganesh’s (elephant Gods), guarding the entrance to the outer courtyard.

At the highest point has a view both north and south and has meru’s, the multi tiered structures featuring thatched roofs. This is the jeroan (inner courtyard) that most people do not have access to.

Monkeys were present in this part of the temple and as well as lingering in the branches of trees were happy to patrol the temple walls looking for an unsuspecting tourist. I had no problems with the monkeys on my visit but I have heard they can be a pest.

Descending the wide steps on the western side to the main part of the temple I passed the kulkul, belltower, which contains a wooden bell, slit down the middle, used to summon villagers. I also noticed a wantilan structure used for meetings. This seemed newer than the other stone temple structures and the monkeys were using this at home base.

Its possible to check out Pura Luhur Uluwatu in 1 hour if you are pushed for time.

Check out Made Wijaya’s site for some great pics of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. In particular, look at the large photo of the Balinese people praying at the jaba tengah (middle courtyard). Beyond that far wall, the temple drops off of a cliff, straight down to the ocean.

•Food & Drinks:
Drink vendors are outside. For food you’ll have to either go back down the hill and take a left, down to the Uluwatu surfing beach, for a few warungs (15 minutes), or take Jl. Uluwatu back the way you came, looking out for local warungs.

•Where to stay at Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
There is no accomodation Pura Luhur Uluwatu. If you need to stay in the area, check out the cliff top place at Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan.

•Temple dances:
Daily temple kecak dances are held at 6-7pm. You can arrange these from every travel agent in Kuta. Shop around.