Uluwatu Temple Bali – A Guide to Visiting Bali’s Magnificent Sea Temple

The Uluwatu Temple popularly known as the ‘Pura Luhur Uluwatu,’ is one of the most famous temples in the island on Bali, with its magnificent clifftop setting overlooking plunging sea cliffs. The temple is known to have the best sunset spots in Bali. The temple is believed to be a protector from evil sea spirits, while the monkeys that continue to reside in the forest nearby are said to guard the temple from bad influences. 

The temple is filled with breath-taking viewpoints and is famous for the Kecak dance performances that take place on an everyday basis. It is recommended to book early tickets to save yourself a place at the amphitheatre where the Kecak fire dance takes place with a stunning sunset and the ocean as the backdrop. 

The exquisite architecture of the temple remains unmatched with its palm-front black roofs that are meticulously stacked towards the back of the temple, giving it majestic beauty that is divine. The Uluwatu temple can be enjoyed from two different points, one being the northern and the other being the southern part. 

History of Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu temple has a deep-rooted heritage and is said to have been established by ‘Mpu Kunturan,’ a Majapahit monk, who was also responsible for the building of various other temples in Bali.

The temple was hardly accessible to the general public until 1983 and this was followed by a lightning that struck the temple in 1999, setting some part of the temple aflame. The Uluwatu temple had to then be restored and today stands as an epitome to be marvelled at by tourists from across the globe. 

Uluwatu Temple Address & Map Location

The Uluwatu temple is located in the ‘Pecatu Village,’ which is at the southernmost tip of Bali; lying about 25kms South of Kuta. The average time taken to reach the temple from Kuta is about an hour by car. 

How to Get to Uluwatu Temple

The easiest way of access to the Uluwatu temple includes a guided tour to the temple with a view of the traditional Kecak dance and followed by a romantic dinner overlooking the Jimbaran Beach.

The temple lies about 45minutes away from the Denpasar airport and Kuta main city by road. It’s important to keep in mind that public transportation isn’t an option when it comes to the vicinity of the temple area. 

If you’re looking at a private transportation, one could opt for a taxi from anywhere on the main island or you could hire a rental car and discover Bali at its best. A cheap option to consider would be the rental of scooters, that can take you all the way up to the temple location at a minimal cost. 

Uluwatu Temple Entrance Fees

The Uluwatu temple has a standard entrance fee that visitors are required to pay in order to visit the main temple. The average costs for the entrance ticket ranges from about IDR 15,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 30,000 for foreigners, keeping in mind that the prices are subject to change at any given point. 

The tickets can be availed at the temple and the payment of the tickets can only be in Indonesian Rupiah. So, if you’re travelling with family or friends; always remember to have some cash in hand during your visit.

Uluwatu Temple Opening Hours

The Uluwatu Temple is open to visitors every day of the week, between 09:00 am to 07:00 pm and remains accessible for worship purpose 24 hours on a daily basis. 

Best Time to Visit Uluwatu Temple

The most recommended time for tourists to visit the Uluwatu temple would be between the months of March to September, as the sunsets during this period are phenomenal and is sure to take your breath away. 

For tourists who are looking to pray and would prefer a secluded atmosphere, then the best time to visit the temple would be in the morning; when the crowds within the temple are found to be considerably lesser.

Dress Code for Visiting Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple requires all of the visitors, both men and women, to wear a sarong / scarf or sash tied around your waist. The Sarong and the Sash will be provided within the temple premises and can be used free of cost, as long as you are found within the temple.

If this is your first time visiting the temple, here are a few quick tips for you to keep in mind. 

• Taking of photos of worshippers within the temple is strictly prohibited
• Be careful not to step over offerings called ‘Canang Sari,’ that are most often left on the temple grounds as it is believed to appease spirits

Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple witness’s tourists from around the world eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the traditional Balinese dance form called the ‘Kecak Dance.’ The fire dance is said to prelude the five-episodes depicted in the Ramayana; as the dancers enact a sequel of dance movements that range from a slow to fast pace. The troupe of dancers most often includes about 75 male dancers, shaking their hands while simultaneously chanting ‘Chak ke-Chak ke-Chak ke-Chak!’ throughout the course of the dance. 

The Kecak dance is scheduled during the latter half of the day, taking place on the onset of the stunning sunset in the backdrop and concludes on a beautiful note shortly after the sunset. The sunset at the temple is a sight you do not want to miss, as the sky looks ethereal from the exceptional viewpoint of the temple. The performances are purely considered to be a tourist attraction by nature and have no valid spiritual significance. 

There are mandatory tickets that need to be bought by tourists in order to get a glimpse of the dance. The cost for the ticket is about IDR 1,00,00 per person and can also be bought in advance. 

A small tip that tourists should keep in mind is that the spacing is limited and therefore it is recommended to be seated on the stage at least an hour prior to the commencement of the dance. 

Tourists soak in an unbelievably stunning sunset, overlooking the dramatic coastlines thus making the Uluwatu Temple, one of the most picturesque temples in Bali. The view from the cliff point of the Temple is a remarkable sight you wouldn’t want to miss. So what are you waiting for? Book your Bali Indonesia package now at Pickyourtrail and make your trip to the island of gods!