Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu, one of the favourite tourist destination in Bali is slightly more than an hours drive from the Kuta area.  Usually a destination after the Dreamland Beach.  It is officially known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu or translated to mean approximately “Temple at the rock of divine origin at land’s end” (or something of that nature, my apologies if my translation is wrong).  There is a small entrance fee to this place which guards the island from evil spirit coming in from the South Western seafront.

The pura at the northern end which I did not get to but viewing it alongside a sunset makes a spectacular view. A pre-sunset shot (excuse the reflection of my cheapo filter).  Love the great waves below the cliff.

As we get closer to sunset.

A quiet serene sunset viewing from the southern end of the temple premises.

Before entering the temple premises (not the temple itself as that’s out of bounds unless you are entering to pray), you are asked to put on a bandana like clothe to be tied across your waist.  You will also be warned about the cheeky monkeys who will try to snatch your glasses (it seems that they will return it in exchange for some food) and you will be asked to be careful with your camera as well.

I was late, so I saved Rp70,000 on the “must see” Kecak dance that is done with the sunset in the back-ground.  So, I walked around and the perimeter of the inner pura (temple) is guarded with many gargoyles.

It’s located just south of Dreamland Beach, guarding the island on the Southwestern ocean front.

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