Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, 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. Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
The original name is Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Pura means "Temple," Luhur means "Something of divine origin," and Uluwatu can be broken as Ulu means "land's end" or "the edge" and Watu means "rock" in the old Balinese language. Its located at the edge of the rock hills called peninsula hill at Southernmost point of Bali.
Its 45 minutes from Nusa dua or 1 hour 15 minutes from Kuta and Tuban area, or about 1 hour 45 minutes Southern from Denpasar. From Nusa Dua, the hilly road will pas through Pecatu, (in)famous for its uncompleted monument and luxury homes. The Bukit Peninsula is connected to Kuta through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Continue on this road into the heart of the peninsula, and this road will end up at Uluwatu Temple parking lot, if you not making any turn.Along with Besakih Temple (The Mother Temple), Tanah Lot Temple at Tabanan regency, Rambut Siwi Temple at Negara regency, Uluwatu temple is important to guards Bali island from the evil spirits of the outsider.
Implicit at papyrus Padma Bhuwana that Uluwatu Temple draw in the direction that is located in Southwest functioning to worship the Rudra God, one of the god in nine god (Dewata Nawa Sanga). Rudra God is the Deity Siwa as Pemralina or return to provenance. In this papyrus also mention that Uluwatu Temple is the Kahyangan World worshiped by entire Hindu people. Since this area is opened for public, it is visited by many people from all over the world because it has beautiful panorama with spectacular sunset and stunning view of Indian Ocean and deep the cliff bank. It is the perfect to visit in Bali.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more.
There is also a very scenic cave underneath with rock formations leading onto a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.
Kecak Dance (monkey dance) performances are held at Uluwatu temple daily between 6PM and 7PM. Tickets for the visually spectacular, if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s), cost Rp 50,000.
Chosing to get married or renewing vows in Bali is increasingly popular, and the Bukit Peninsula is the most popular destination for such ceremonies. There is a stunning, modernist, purpose-built cliff-front wedding chapel close to Nyang Nyang Beach and the Bulgari Hotel, and a number of resorts offer specialist wedding packages and planning.
There will be an entrance fee to enter and local guide is recommended. Sarong are available for rent at entrance, to wear it is required and prohibited for the women who are in her period to enter the temple, to keep the holy spirits of it.
Sources: http://www.uluwatu.org
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