Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is one of the six major temples known as "sad kahyangan" in Bali. It is located in the southern part of Bali, in Uluwatu Village, Badung Regency. Hindus in Bali worship Bhatara Rudra, who is the manifestation of the almighty God "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa," who resides in the south of the region.
Uluwatu temple was built by a Hindu priest from Java named Mpu Kuturan during his religious trip to Bali in the 11th century. During the Regency period, Bali experienced a cultural and religious revival that saw the resurgence of Hinduism on the island.
The temple's location on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean made it a popular destination for visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and breathtaking views. Today, Uluwatu temple remains an important site for Balinese Hindus, who come to offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies throughout the year. The temple's intricate carvings and stunning architecture are a testament to Bali's rich cultural heritage and enduring devotion to Hinduism.
Sun set at Uluwatu Temple, Bali
The Luhur Uluwatu temple, perched on the cliffs, provides breathtaking views of the surfing beaches below. But it's not just the view that makes this spot unique. During the sunset hours, the temple also hosts cultural performances, such as the famous Ramayana ballet and Kecak dance, in a designated amphitheatre. The performances are a stunning combination of traditional Balinese music, dance, and storytelling that will leave you speechless.
Many tourists recognise Uluwatu temple as the "cliff temple," as it is located on the cliff of the southern region of the island. Tourists can see a spectacular view of the ocean and rocky cliffs around the temple, which can be easily accessed on foot along the thousands of stair steps leading from the main entrance of the temple to the exit gate. The temple on the cliff in the southern region of the island is a must-visit for tourists.
The spectacular view of the ocean and rocky cliffs around the temple is breathtaking and unforgettable. Accessing the temple on foot is an adventure in itself, with thousands of stair steps leading from the main entrance to the exit gate. As you climb up, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and a serene atmosphere that will transport you to another world. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
The temple itself is a marvel of architecture and design, with intricate carvings and beautiful statues that are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this temple on the cliff is an experience not to be missed.
Priest purifying Kecak Dancer before the show
Additionally, tourists will also be welcomed by hundreds of friendly monkeys immediately after the sash or sarong counter. Tourists can just watch them for a few minutes before going further to the temple gate, which is surrounded by flowers, which makes the atmosphere more religious. Please be aware of your valuable goods, as the monkey may take them at any time. Keep them in a safe place!
As you make your way towards the temple gate, you'll come across a small counter where locals sell offerings for the gods. The colourful array of flowers, fruits, and incense sticks is a sight to behold. It's fascinating to watch the devotees haggle with the vendors over the prices of these offerings.
As you move closer to the temple gate, you'll notice that the atmosphere becomes more serene and religious. The fragrance of flowers and incense fills the air, and you can hear soft chants in the distance. However, be cautious of your belongings, as monkeys are known to roam around this area and snatch anything they can get their hands on. It's best to keep your valuables in a safe place or avoid carrying them altogether. Once you've taken in all that this beautiful place has to offer, head towards the temple gate and prepare yourself for an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Kecak Dance at Uluwatu
Uluwatu temple has been set as background of Kecak Dance performance located in the parking area of the temple. The temple looks very great and amazing when the sun sets view from the Kecak Dance stage. Hundred of tourists show the daily performance of Kecak Dance at Uluwatu before the continue their dinner to Jimbaran or Kedonaganan area where they can have seafood dinner on the way back home to thier hotels.
Kecak dance at Uluwatu tourism site, Uluwatu Temple, Bali
Temple Regulations at Uluwatu Temple
There are some regulations applied by the tourism management of this temple to preserve the sanctity of the temple sites. Therefore, all tourists visiting this temple are obliged to obey the following temple regulations:
Tourists must wear sarong and sash. This aimed to respect Hindu worshippers and also traditions of Balinese that have been practised for hundred years. More importantly to respect the temple that served as a public worshipping site.
Women on menstruation period is strictly forbidden to enter the temple. Hindus in Bali believe that during this period, women are being in impure condition and liable to taint the sanctity of the temple.
No tourists allowed to climb any of the temple shrines located within the temple sites including outer, middle and inner courtyards. Please note that shrine is the symbol of the god’s house where Hindus serve their offering that dedicated to the god. It would be very sinful and surely disrespect local culture if you do so.
Tourists entering the most sacred courtyard of the temple shall stand behind the worshippers conducting rites. Please never walk in front of the worshippers praying within the inner courtyard.
It is important to behave accordingly and be as quiet as possible to assure that you are not bothering worshippers applying their beliefs in the temple.
If you need to take pictures or record the procession of the rituals, please make sure you are not taking them from very close distance as this may disturb them. Please estimate the appropriate distance that suitable for you. Preferably not using “flash camera” while taking pictures.
Please note that smoking and littering are not allowed in the temple.
These regulations are primarily aimed at preserving the holiness of the temple. Let's help the local people to preserve this temple!
What do the tourists say about Uluwatu temple?
Tourists visiting Uluwatu temple shared thier traveling experiences to Uluwatu temple, Bali in different impressions:
This Australian tourist for instance, she was impressed with the performance of Kecak Dance at Uluwatu. The dance is performed on the stage located within the sacred site of Uluwatu temple near by the carpark:
Kecak Fire performance. "Fabulous views and the show was an hour, which was a good time. Beautiful place, enjoyed the performance" (Michelle, Australian tourists, TripAdvisor, September 2019)
Another tourist from Utah was impressed with the location of Uluwatu Temple which is located on the edge of the high rock of the Sourthern Ucean of Bali:
Mesmerizing cliffs. One of Bali's oldest temples (~1000AD) situated on the tip of a massive 250-300 foot cliff! It is breathtaking (the cliff and it's views) (FLynn, Utah, TripAdvisor, September 2019)
A similiar expression argued by a British tourist visiting the temple recently that the temple has great views of blue ocean:
Excellent views. A really lovely place with some amazing views along the quite rugged coastline (British Tourist, Liverpool, United Kingdom TripAdvisor September 2019)
Written by: I Nengah Subadra, PhD
Bali, 30 July 2015
*****
Bali Tourism Directory:
Bali Tourism Research and Information Agency
Lembaga Informasi dan Penelitian Pariwisata Bali
Certified Translator in Bali, Certified Translator in Pecatu, Certified Translator in Ubud, Certified Translator in Nusa Dua, Certified Translator in Jimbaran, Certified Translator in Seminyak, Certified Translator in Kuta, Certified Translator in Sanur, Certified Translator in Denpasar, Certified Translator in Bali, Penerjemah Tersumpah Dalung, Tersumpah untuk Denpasar, Jasa Penerjemah Tersumpah untuk Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Tersumpah Seminyak Bali, Penerjemah Tersumpah Dalung Badung, Penerjemah Tersumpah Dalung Badung Bali, PPenerjemah Tersumpah di Bangli, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Jembrana, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Tabanan, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Singaraja, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Buleleng, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Klungkung, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Gianyar, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Karangasem, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Bangli, Penerjemah Tersumpah Bali, Penerjemah Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Inggris Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Prancis Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Jerman Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Jepang Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Belanda Tersumpah di Denpasar Bali, Bali Penerjemah Tersumpah, Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, English Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, Japanese Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, Dutch Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, German Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, French Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, Sworn Translator in Denpasar Bali, Certified Translator in Denpasar Bali, Kantor Penerjemah Tersumpah Bali, penerjemah tersumpah di bali, sworn translator in bali, translation service in bali, harga penerjemah tersumpah Bali, jasa translate bali, jasa penerjemah bahasa Inggris murah bali, Bali Denpasar translator Service, sworn translator Bali, Public Notary Bali, Sworn Translator Bali, Certified Translator Bali
Uluwatu Temple Bali, Temple in Bali, Uluwatu Kecak Dance Bali, Uluwatu Cliff, Sewa Bus di Denpasar Bali, Sewa Mobil di Bali, Sewa Bisa di Bali, Sewa ELF di Bali, Tourist Information Center Bali, Tourist Information Centre Bali, Best Tourism Sites to Visit in Bali, Bali's Best Tourism Sites, Bali Journal of Hospitality Tourism and Culture Research, English Speaking Driver in Bali, Private Tour in Bali, Lembongan Bali Tour, SCOOT Fast Boat to Lembongan, ROCKY Fast Boat to Lembongan, MARLIN Fast Boat to Lembongan, TAMARIN Fast Boat to Lembongan, SANUR EXPRESS Fast Boat to Lembongan, Best Boat Service to Lembongan Bali, Ferry to Lembongan, Chepest Boat Ticket to Lembongan, Batur Natural Hot Spring Water, Batur Hot Spring Water, Hot Spring Water Batur, Spring Water Bali, Penerjemah Artikel Ilmiah di Denpasar Bali, Penerjemah Jurnal Internasional di Bali, Penerjemah Artikel Jurnal di Kota Denpasar, Penerjemah Jurnal Bali, Bali Arts Festival, Pesta Kesenian Bali, PKB Bali, Pesta Kesenian Bali di Denpasar, Bali Arts Festival, Bali Art Festival, Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar Bali, Pesta Kesenian Bali, PKB Denpasar Bali, Cultural Events in Bali, Religious Events in Bali, Events in Bali, Bali Tourism Calendar Events and Festivals, Bali Arts Festival, Pesta Kesenian Bali, PKB Bali, Gateway to the endless rites island - BALI, Bali Tourism Directory, Tourism Information and Research Centre, Pakar Pariwisata Bali, Ahli Pariwisata Bali, Pakar Pariwisata Budaya Bali, Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pariwisata Bali, Lembaga Pengembangan dan Penelitian Pariwisata Bali, Bali Tourism Research and Development Agency, Bali Tourism Scholars, Bali Tourist Information Centre, Bali Tourism Information, Bali Tourism, Bali Attractions, Bali Festivals, Bali Culture, Bali Events, Bali Tourism Expert, Heritage Sites in Bali, Bali Heritage, Cultural Heritage Bali, Natural Heritage Bali, Bali Tourism Hub, Bali Tourism Watch
