Exploring Pura Luhur: The Uluwatu Temple

Set in the cliffs of southern Bali is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which is also known as Uluwatu Temple. Ulu in Balinese means heart, and Watu means stone.

It is one of the most popular temples in Bali, with hundreds of people flocking to the temple every day catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean and watch the Kecak Dance performance.

About Pura Luhur

Built in the 11th century, it is one of nine directional temples of Bali that are meant to protect from evil spirits. The temple is perched on the edge of a staggeringly steep cliff that sit approximately 100 metres over the ocean.

The grounds of the temple are phenomenal with steep cliffs and the Indian Ocean on one side, and a thick forest full of monkeys on the other. You can also spot cheeky monkeys running all over the temple grounds.

At 6pm every day you can watch a Kecak Dance Performance, which is the best cultural fire dance show on the island. Heaps of visitors flock to the temple to watch the dance performance each night so it’s a good idea to get here early to make sure you can grab a good seat.

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Unfortunately, we were visiting Uluwatu Temple on our last day in Bali, and we couldn’t stay for the sunset or the Kecak Dance because we had to get to the airport and catch our flight. But the temple was still amazing! The views were spectacular and there were endless walking trails to explore around the grounds.

If you like, you can hire a local guide to give you a tour around the temple and help you understand more about it’s history and culture. Guides are also a great help to keep away the monkeys!

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There are heaps of monkeys around the temple who are all very confident and naughty and like to try and steal anything they can when you’re not looking. Make sure you keep a tight hold of all cameras, sunglasses and phones, and keep anything loose in a zipped up bag, because they have no problems getting right into your pockets!

Pura Luhur Temple Details

Take note of the following information to help you plan your visit to Pura Luhur.

Address: Jl. Raya Uluwatu, southern part of Bali, Pecatu 80361

Opening Hours: Uluwatu Temple is open from 9am to 6pm for visitors, but open 24 hours for worship purposes.

Admission: Admission to the temple is 50,000 Rp and sarongs are available to wear at the front of the temple if you’re not dressed appropriately. Access to the inner temple is for Hindu worshippers only, not for visitors.

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Also in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is actually a great place to spend the day and explore and is so much more than just Pura Luhur temple. There area heaps of great beaches around Uluwatu, with rocky cliff faces creating little coves and bays where the ocean sneaks in.

Also in the area is Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort in Uluwatu. Rock Bar became a social media hot spot for a while due to it’s wavy shaped pool and ocean side restaurant that was built into the side of the Uluwatu cliffs. The open air bar is just stunning and offers beautiful views over the ocean.

As it’s located in one of the most expensive resorts in Uluwatu prices here are very expensive. You’re looking at close to $20 AUD for a cocktail and even a soft drink was about $8 AUD! It’s definitely a splurge so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of coming down.

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