Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu sea temple located in Uluwatu, South Kuta, Badung, Indonesia. It is one of the six sad kahyangan temples that are dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra, the god of storms and winds. The temple is built on a 70-meter-high cliff that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It is a popular tourist attraction for its scenic views, cultural performances, and mischievous monkeys.
The ticket price for visiting Uluwatu Temple is 50,000 IDR (about 3.5 USD) per person for adults and 30,000 IDR (about 2 USD) per person for children.
The Uluwatu Temple is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, but the best time to visit is in the late afternoon to catch the sunset and the Kecak dance show.
To get to Uluwatu Temple, you can take a taxi, rent a car or motorbike, or join a tour. The temple is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Ngurah Rai International Airport and 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. If you are driving by yourself, you can follow the signs to Uluwatu along the main road.
There are many things to see and do at Uluwatu Temple. You can admire the architecture and sculptures of the temple, which date back to the 11th century. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and the cliffs from various viewpoints around the temple. You can watch the Kecak dance performance, which is a traditional Balinese dance based on the Ramayana epic. The dance is performed daily at 6 pm on a stage near the temple entrance. You can also interact with the monkeys that live in the temple area, but be careful as they might snatch your belongings. They can be lured back with fruits or nuts if they do.
If you want to explore more of Uluwatu, you can join a tour that includes other attractions nearby. Some of the popular tours are:
- Uluwatu Sunset Tour: This tour takes you to Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach, and Jimbaran Bay for dinner. You can enjoy the sunset views, the Kecak dance show, and a seafood barbecue on the beach.
- Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Tour: This tour takes you to two of Bali’s most famous sea temples: Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple. You can also visit Taman Ayun Temple and Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest along the way.
- Uluwatu Temple and Water Sports Tour: This tour combines Uluwatu Temple with some fun water activities in Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa. You can choose from parasailing, banana boat, jet ski, snorkeling, diving, and more.
Some tips for visiting Uluwatu Temple are:
- Wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You will be given a sarong and a sash to wear before entering the temple area.
- Respect the local customs and beliefs. Do not touch or disturb any offerings or sacred objects in the temple.
- Beware of scams and touts outside the temple. Do not buy anything from them or accept their services.
- Keep your valuables safe and secure. Do not leave them unattended or visible to the monkeys.
- Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks. The temple area can get very hot and sunny during the day.
Some prohibitions for visiting Uluwatu Temple are:
- Do not enter the temple during menstruation or if you have an open wound.
- Do not enter the inner sanctum of the temple unless you are a Hindu devotee.
- Do not climb or sit on the walls or fences of the temple.
- Do not feed or tease the monkeys.
- Do not litter or damage any part of the temple.
