Pura Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) Preview - Bali

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed, 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 is claimed to have attained Moksha here. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

The real attraction is the location for good angle, especially at sunset, walk around the cliff top to the left or south of the temple, watch out for the local monkeys, considered sacred leap along the grey temple walls and between the trees. The late afternoon here are balmy and breezy. the sunset against a backdrop of silver waves, the dark silhouette of the temple in front of the scene. This time to take the camera and capture the unforgetable uluwatu sunset.

Bali Tourism Info - Team