Uluwatu Temple Bali | Famous Sunset & Cliff view

 

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple Bali | Tour to Uluwati Temple Bali Indonesia

The Pura Uluwatu Temple (Balinese: Pura (Luhur) Uluwatu) is a Balinese Hindu sea temple (Pura Segara) located in Uluwatu (South Kuta, Badung). The temple is regarded as one of the sad Kahyangan and is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra. It is an iconic seaside pagoda that sits on a cliff in the far south corner of Uluwatu Bali.

The Pura Uluwatu is a 1,000 year old temple and one of the most famous tourist sights of Bali islands, it’s an impressive cliffs, sunset views, traditional Kecak fire dance, and the notoriously sneaky monkeys that like to hang out near the temple.

History and etymology

Uluwatu view

Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu temple 

The Pura Uluwatu is a 1,000 year old temple and one of the most famous tourist sights of Bali islands. The temple (Pura in Balinese) is built at the edge of a 70-meter-high (230 ft) cliff or rock (Watu) projecting into the sea.  In folklore, this rock is said to be part of Dewi Danu's petrified barque.

Though a small temple was claimed to have existed earlier, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the Padmasana Shrines and it is said that he attained moksha here, an event called Ngeluhur ("to go up") locally. This has resulted in the temple's epithet Luhur.

Monkeys at Uluwatu Temple

Monkey in Uluwatu

There are hundreds of wild monkeys roaming the temple grounds at Uluwatu, and they’re notoriously sneaky thieves. The temple is inhabited by monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), who are notorious for snatching visitors' belongings, such as flip-flops, cameras, and sunglasses. They can usually be persuaded into ransoming the items for fruit, nuts, or candies, although this only encourages them to steal more.

Scientist and experts on primate behavior have conducted studies on the Macaque monkeys in the area and have collected data suggesting that they learn bartering behavior. This trade is passed down to the young offspring. New groups of Macaque monkeys introduced into the area quickly adapt and learn the new skill from the locals.

You actually can’t go inside the temple itself or see the pagoda up close, you only view it from the outside while walking along the cliffs. That may be a bummer for some, but I think the cliff views are the best part anyway.

Uluwatu Cliff 

If you plan to take pics at Uluwatu with a smartphone, be very careful and keep your head on a swivel! The monkeys can sneak up very quietly and steal it in a blink.

If you wear a cap, make sure it’s not a loose fit or they’ll try to grab that too. Cameras are generally okay, because they’re too heavy for their little monkey arms.

The temple staff can help if you lose something to the monkeys. They’ll try to barter them with bananas, and usually they’re successful, but no guarantees.

Sunset View at Uluwatu Temple

Sunset View Uluwatu 

It’s a bit of mesmerizing Bali magic to see the waves crashing on the 250-foot high limestone cliffs at Pura Uluwatu while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. The ancients picked a perfect spot for this pagoda.

Uluwatu Bali is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset, so hundreds of people (and monkeys) flock here for sunset every evening. It gets pretty crowded, and always makes me wish tourists would branch out to some of the less known temples in Bali.

You can avoid some of the crowds by coming earlier in the day, but then you have to deal with the heat. Personally I think it’s best to brave the crowds so you can enjoy the sunset.

Opening Hour

7 AM – 7 PM

Entrance Fee Foreigners: 50k IDR (~$3 USD)

Domestic: 30k IDR

Fire Dance: 150k IDR

Uluwatu ticket prices are current as of 2021, but they increase a little bit every year since it’s such a busy tourist attraction.

What to Wear

To visit Temples in Bali You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter most temples in Bali, including this Uluwatu.

A sarong is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist that can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than a dollar).

In this case, the sarong is included for free in the ticket price for the temple. 

How to reach Uluwatu Temple

It’s a 1 hour drive from Kuta, Canggu, Sanur, and other popular tourist areas in south Bali, although it can take longer if there’s heavy traffic (especially after sunset when everyone is leaving).

The best way to get there is generally to book a day tour of the Uluwatu Bali area, or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

I wouldn’t recommend coming here with a one-way taxi, because the location is remote and you’ll end up having to pay an extortionate fare to go back to town (especially after sunset, when all the taxi drivers evaporate).

If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with a driver, my top recommendation would be Klook.

Their price is 450-500k IDR ($30-35 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a steal.

If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 85k IDR (~$6) and include a helmet, rain coat, and pickup in the south Bali area.

We've used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.

Where to Stay at Uluwatu

Uluwatu Hotels

Hotel Adhiloka

Green Escape Eco Resort

Villa Santai Bali

Mule Malu Tropical Stay

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu

One who wants to stay in Uluwatu can explore travel booking website for more options.

As Uluwatu is 1 hour drive from Kuta, Canggu, Sanur, and other popular tourist areas in south Bali many people prefer day vist & stay in Bali.

Uluwatu Temple campus

 

Uluwatu Temple Location

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