Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)
South Kuta, Bali, Bali
Situated just outside Kuta on Bali’s southwestern tip sits an ancient temple perched atop towering seaside cliffs. At Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), one of Bali’s most important directional temples, Ganesha statues welcome visitors who’ve come to enjoy spectacular views, observe wild monkeys, or watch a traditional Balinese dance at sunset.
The basics
Uluwatu ranks among the most popular of the more than 1,000 temples on Bali. Its clifftop location makes sunset visits particularly appealing, so many Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) tours culminate with watching the setting sun at the temple and watching the Kecak dance performance, an age-old Balinese cultural tradition. An evening Uluwatu Temple tour can be combined with a fresh seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach (Pantai Jimbaran). Tours to Uluwatu Temple often include pickup and drop-off in either Denpasar or South Kuta.
Things to know before you go
This Balinese Hindu temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Bali.
There’s an entrance fee for the temple; you can buy Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) tickets at the booth.
Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance to the temple complex.
Be aware of the wild monkeys that frequent the temple; they’re known to snag jewelry, cameras, and other loose objects.
How to get there
Uluwatu Temple sits about 45 minutes from the Denpasar airport by road. The most convenient way to get there is on a guided tour, but it’s also possible to arrive by taxi from just about anywhere on the island.
When to get there
Magnificent sunset views over Jimbaran Bay and the Indian Ocean make evening the most popular (and crowded) time for visiting Uluwatu Temple. If you’d like to explore the temple grounds with a bit more elbow room, plan to visit earlier in the day. Opening hours are from morning until evening.
The beaches of Uluwatu
The clifftop temple isn’t Uluwatu’s only appeal. The area is also deservedly famous for its white-sand beaches. While strong tides make for unsafe swimming, Padang Padang Beach and Jimbaran Beach attract surfers year-round with their consistent waves.
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