Pura Luhur Uluwatu, commonly known as Uluwatu Temple, is one of Bali’s most iconic and spiritually significant sea temples. Perched dramatically on the edge of a steep, 70-meter-high limestone cliff overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, it offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island.
The temple’s name reflects its location: Ulu means “land’s end,” watu means “rock,” and Luhur means “divine.” It is considered one of the six main spiritual pillars (Sad Kahyangan) intended to protect Bali from negative forces coming from the sea. While its exact origins are ancient, it is believed to have been established around the 11th century.
Uluwatu is famously inhabited by hundreds of mischievous long-tailed macaques, who are considered the temple’s sacred guardians. Visitors must take great care to secure belongings like sunglasses and phones, as the monkeys are notorious for snatching items to trade for food.
A primary draw for visitors is the daily Kecak and Fire Dance performance held in an amphitheater near the cliff edge just before sunset. This mesmerizing cultural spectacle, which reenacts scenes from the Ramayana epic against the fiery ocean backdrop, makes Uluwatu an essential spiritual and cultural destination in South Bali.
