The picturesque Uluwatu Temple is perhaps one of the most famous locations in all of Bali. The image of the ancient temple, perched on the edge of a plateau, overlooking the Indian Ocean, makes it one of the most sought after destinations by travellers. Located 25km south of Kuta, pass the beach parties and enchanting Bali resort villas, such as the Alila Villas Uluwatu, which is celebrated for its charming design; Uluwatu Temple is one of six directional temples which, according to legends, protects the island from evil spirits.
A serpentine trail leads up to the temple and is protected by a concrete rampart on the cliff side, with several vantage points along the way to stop and take pictures. Further up, in front of the temple is a small woodland, inhabited by hundreds of monkeys, which the Balinese people believe guard the temple from ‘bad influences’. Cute as they may seem, the monkeys are notorious thieves and are known for stealing items from visitors.
Once you reach the summit and enter the temple, there are various things to admire in and around the temple. Some of the highlights include a Brahmin statue near the main shrine, which is a depiction of Dhang Hyang Dwijendra; a Javanese holy priest who is believed to be the creator of Uluwatu temple. There are also several stone carvings which include human statuettes with elephant heads, and a winged stone gate carved out of a single stone slab, which dates back to the 10th century.
Uluwatu temple is one of the best locations in Bali to catch a gorgeous sunset, as it offers panoramic views across the Indian Ocean. However, if you can’t make it up in time for sunset, just the view from the bottom, of huge waves breaking against the sheer cliff, with a golden horizon in the distance is truly unforgettable.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.