Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's six most important temples. Locals call it "Pura Luhur Uluwatu," which means "temple of divine origin." When you're looking at Bali tour packages, this special place should be on your list for experiencing true Balinese culture.
What makes Uluwatu Temple so amazing is that it is situated on top of a cliff about 70 metres above the ocean. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky turns orange and pink behind the temple.
Every evening, visitors can watch an exciting Kecak Dance Bali Uluwatu show. About bout 75 men perform the famous Kecak dance, moving their arms and hands while chanting "chak!" over and over. As darkness falls, they add fire to this magical performance.
Whether you're watching amazing sunsets or enjoying a dance performance, Uluwatu Temple gives you an unforgettable experience of Balinese traditions. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of Uluwatu temple, and complete tourist info below:
- Uluwatu Temple Bali Entry Fee: ₹156/- each per adults, ₹80/- each for children
- Uluwatu Temple In Bali Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
- Kecak Dance Bali Uluwatu Show Timings: Starts from 6 PM
- Duration For Exploring Uluwatu Temple Bali: 1- 2 hours
- Uluwatu Temple Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu Temple Bali History & Significance
History
Uluwatu Temple has a fascinating old story. A holy man named Mpu Kuturan first built a small temple here many centuries ago. He was known for creating many important temples across Bali.
In the 11th century, another religious leader from Java called Empu Kuturan made the temple much bigger. Later, a wise man named Dang Hyang Nirartha added more shrines and buildings that you can see today.
Significance
Balinese Hindus think this place is very special because three powerful gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva, come together here. This makes Uluwatu a sacred place where people worship Siva Rudra, who they believe controls all parts of life and nature.
The temple is situated on a high cliff above the ocean, which adds to its spiritual importance. For hundreds of years, people have been coming here to pray, making it one of Bali's most important religious sites.
Best Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
Let’s explore the best things to do in Uluwatu Bali’s Temple below:
- Experience The Magical Kecak Dance: One of the most captivating performances in Bali happens daily at Uluwatu Temple. The Kecak Dance features around 75 male performers who create rhythms using only their voices, chanting "chak!" while making synchronized movements. Truly a visual treat to watch.
- Explore The Ancient Temple Grounds: Stroll through the beautiful temple complex that has stood for centuries. The inner courtyard features hanging trees and sacred shrines that showcase traditional Balinese architecture. Don't miss the statue of Dhang Hyang Dwijendra facing the ocean—a significant spiritual landmark.
- Witness A Stunning Sunset: The clifftop location of Uluwatu Temple creates the perfect setting for unforgettable sunsets. As evening approaches, find a spot along the cliff edge and watch as the sky transforms into vibrant oranges and pinks over the Indian Ocean.
- Encounter The Temple Monkeys: The temple grounds are home to a community of playful macaque monkeys. Many visitors enjoy watching their antics, but maintain a respectful distance for both your safety and theirs.
- Admire The Ocean Views: The ocean views from Uluwatu Temple are simply breathtaking. It makes Uluwatu Temple one of the most photographed locations in Bali.
Best Time To Visit Uluwatu Temple In Bali
Let’s explore the best time to visit Bali’s Uluwatu Temple:
- Dry Season(April To October)
The best time to visit Uluwatu Temple in Bali is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is generally sunny, and minimal rainfall provides ideal conditions for exploring the temple and enjoying the surrounding area.
You can expect clear skies and stunning sunsets, which add to the overall experience of visiting Uluwatu Temple.
- Wet Season(November To March)
On the other hand, the wet season in Bali, which runs from November to March, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity.
While you can still visit Uluwatu Temple, Bali, during this time, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly, as heavy rainfall may hinder your experience and make the pathways slippery.
- Early Morning/ Late Afternoon
To make the most of your visit to Uluwatu Temple, consider going in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are more relaxed and the crowds are smaller.
How To Reach Uluwatu Temple In Bali
Wondering how to reach Uluwatu Temple in Bali? Let’s explore the best ways to reach Uluwatu Temple below:
1. By Flight
- First, fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali
- Once you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you'll need ground transportation to reach Uluwatu Temple.
- From the airport, Uluwatu Temple is approximately 25 km away and takes 1 hour or more, depending on the traffic.
2. By A Car With A Driver
- You can hire a car with a driver to reach Uluwatu Temple.
- The temple is located in southern Bali, approximately 25 km from popular tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak.
- The journey by car takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic conditions.
- The cost of hiring a car with a driver starts from ₹785/-
3. By Private Tour
- A perfect 6-day Bali Trip with Uluwatu Kecak Dance offers organised tours to Uluwatu Temple.
- These tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes additional stops at other attractions.
- Joining a tour can be convenient if you prefer a guided experience and hassle-free transportation.
- These private tours cost depend on various customisation factors and duration. However, you can expect to spend around ₹49,999/- for a 5 to 7-day trip.
Tips For Visiting Uluwatu Temple In Bali
Here are some simple guidelines to follow when visiting Uluwatu Temple:
- Everyone must wear a sarong (a cloth wrapped around your waist) and a sash. Don't worry about bringing your own - the temple provides these for free when you enter.
- Avoid taking photos of people while they're praying.
- Watch your step! Small offerings (called canang sari) are placed on the ground. Stepping on them is considered disrespectful.
- Keep your belongings secure, as the temple monkeys can be curious and may grab things.
- Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Go in the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunset views.
- If you want to see the famous Kecak Dance Bali Uluwatu, plan to arrive by 5:30 PM.