About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification
with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is
an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel
experiences and creative writings.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
🌴 Blog 07 of 12 |
Uluwatu Temple – Finding Serenity Above the Waves
By Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
Visited in August 2024
This is the seventh blog in my 12-part Bali travel series,
based on my visit to this magnificent island in August 2024.
FINDING SERENITY ABOVE THE WAVES:
My Spiritual Journey to Uluwatu Temple of BALI
Your Balinese adventure would not have been complete without
a visit to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, and the reality far surpassed even
the postcards. Perched dramatically on a steep cliff approximately 70 meters
above the roaring Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is not just a temple; it is a spiritual
experience wrapped in breathtaking natural beauty.
The journey to the temple itself was a treat, with lush
greenery lining the winding roads. Unlike some of Bali's inland temples,
Uluwatu seemed to merge seamlessly with the cliff face; its ancient grey stone
contrasted beautifully with the deep blue of the ocean stretching out to the
horizon. Even before entering the main temple area, the views were simply
astounding. The vast expanse of the ocean, the crashing waves below, and the
salty air created an invigorating and humbling atmosphere. It is easy to understand
why this spot holds such deep spiritual significance for the Balinese people.
One of Bali’s five key temples, Uluwatu — locally
known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Luhur meaning “something of divine
origin”) — sits among the most important cultural sites of the region. It
provides a true slice of Balinese culture and a place of natural beauty, where
visitors can enjoy some of the most authentic experiences of Balinese life.
“Ulu” means “tip or end,” and “Watu” means “stone” or
“cliff.”
Stunning sunset views, cultural insights, a meditative
atmosphere and the celebrated Kecak dance are outstanding features of
this temple. It is renowned for its magnificent location: perched on a steep
cliff, soaring some 70 meters above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, it
provides perhaps the most beautiful sunset backdrop in Bali.
Balinese Hindus believe that the powers of the Hindu Trinity
— Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — merge here. Uluwatu Temple is a place of
worship for Siva Rudra, the Balinese manifestation of Shiva, and is one
of the key temples thought to protect the island from the sea’s anger.
HISTORY
Uluwatu Temple’s origins are ancient and layered. It was
established by Mpu Kuturan, a Majapahit monk who is credited with
founding several important Balinese temples. Mpu Kuturan likely built a small
shrine here, but the site expanded significantly over time. The structure grew
further under the influence of Javanese and Balinese sages; Dang Hyang
Nirartha is particularly associated with the construction of the Padmasana
shrines and much of the temple complex as it appears today. Nirartha is the
same sage linked to Tanah Lot, where he is said to have attained Moksha
(enlightenment). Uluwatu, dedicated to Sang Hyang in his Rudra aspect — the god
of storms and wind — therefore occupies a special place in Bali’s spiritual
geography.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
- Location:
Pecatu Village, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
- Opening
Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM daily (entry to the inner temple is restricted to
worshippers)
- Entry
Fee: Approximately IDR 50,000 (plus a small fee for the Kecak dance
performance)
- Dress
Code: Sarongs and sashes (available for rent at the entrance) are
required as a sign of respect
How to get there: Uluwatu Temple is about a 45-minute
drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The easiest way to visit is
with a private driver or a rented scooter.
Tips for visitors:
- Arrive
by 4:30 PM to secure good seats for the Kecak dance and the sunset.
- Keep
valuables secured — the resident monkeys are quick and clever.
- Wear
sunscreen and bring water, especially during the dry season.
- Combine
the temple visit with nearby beaches (Padang Padang, Suluban) for a full
coastal day.
EXPLORE TEMPLE: RULES & FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Temple Rules:
- Wear
respectful clothing that covers your knees — sarongs and sashes are
available to rent.
- Avoid
entering temple areas during menstruation (local custom).
- Speak
quietly and avoid loud behaviour.
- Do
not disturb ongoing ceremonies.
As you explore the mythical Uluwatu Temple, perched 70
meters above the roaring Indian Ocean, spirituality seems to envelope you.
Watch as the setting sun casts long shadows across ancient stones, creating an
unforgettable atmosphere. Hundreds of foreign tourists wander along the
elongated wide passage; a ticket counter for the Kecak performance sits at one
end of this walkway. The passage is lined by a waist-high stone compound wall
that forms a boundary beyond which the Indian Ocean thunders — an ever-present
reminder of the temple’s elemental context.
A wide stone staircase of 72 steps leads up to the
temple area; the inner temple remains closed to non-worshippers. From the
viewpoint above, you can gaze at the sea to one side with spectacular panoramas
and watch crowds below enjoying the atmosphere. Public washrooms are located at
the far end of the passage for convenience.
Take your time to explore the temple’s architecture.
Intricate carvings tell stories of the past; every corner invites a closer
look. These ancient designs and sculptures foster a sense of connection to
Bali’s deep cultural and spiritual history. After exploring, stay for the
sunset — it is the climax of the visit.
MONKEYS
The temple is home to a large population of long-tailed
macaques, considered sacred guardians. Their presence adds a touch of playful
chaos: they are notorious and sometimes bold. Monkeys will grab hats, towels,
toys, cameras, water bottles, jewellery and more. They can, however, often be
persuaded to ransom back items in exchange for fruit, nuts, or sweets.
My advice: remove all accessories (particularly shiny
jewellery — necklaces, bracelets, earrings). Lustrous items attract the
monkeys. Keep belongings zipped and close to your body. Wild monkeys roam
freely, but with care and attention they rarely cause serious problems. In
short: watch your belongings closely and hold them tightly!
SUNSET VIEWS LIKE NO OTHER
Uluwatu offers one of the finest sunset vistas in Bali. As
the sun sinks into the ocean, the sky turns hues of orange, purple and red,
casting a surreal glow over the temple and the cliffs. The silhouette of the
shrine against the vivid sky, combined with waves crashing on the rocks below,
creates a dramatic, calming tableau that needs no filter — pure, natural
beauty.
The dramatic setting and the vast horizon create a magical
moment that is hard to beat.
BALINESE KECAK DANCE
The highlight of my visit — and something I highly recommend
— was the Kecak dance performance at sunset. We arrived early to secure
good seats in the open-air amphitheatre that overlooks the ocean. This
amphitheatre accommodates around 2,000 viewers; two shows are performed
each evening, each lasting roughly 40 minutes, and tickets can be booked
online.
I suggest sitting in the top rows for the best combined view
of the sunset and the performance. The show draws large crowds; getting there
early helps secure a good vantage point.
The Kecak Dance is distinctive: a chorus of 50–75
bare-chested male performers chant “cak” and “kak” in hypnotic rhythm,
effectively replacing the gamelan orchestra with a human percussion. Their
synchronized chanting and movements create a trance-like atmosphere. As the sky
darkens, fire becomes part of the spectacle, heightening the drama.
The performance retells scenes from the Ramayana —
the abduction of Sita by Ravana and the heroic rescue by Rama and Hanuman.
Costumes, choreography and the occasional fire elements make the dance hypnotic
and immersive. Combined with the ocean backdrop and the sunset, the experience
is unforgettable — a cultural highlight that lingers long after it ends.
FINAL REMARKS
The temple’s dramatic setting, its spiritual energy, the
mind-blowing sunset and the captivating Kecak dance left an indelible mark on
my soul. Uluwatu is more than a tourist attraction; it is a place where nature,
culture and something deeper within converge. If you ever find yourself in
Bali, a visit to Uluwatu Temple is an absolute must. It is an unforgettable
Bali experience.
We left Uluwatu carrying with us the memory of chant, sunset,
and cliffs — images and feelings that stay with you.
Stay tuned for Blog 08: Bali Monkey Forest in this
12-part Bali travel series!