 Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali
Pura Luhur Uluwatu (20 June, 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a beautiful cliff-top temple in Bukit Peninsula, Bali. It is one of the nine directional temples, or Sad Kahyangan Temples of Bali. At the same time, it is also one of the sea temples dedicated to worshipping the god of the sea.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is associated with two important figures in the history of Balinese religion. Mpu Kuturan is said to have built it in the 11th century, while the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who relocated from Java 500 years later, is said to have rebuilt it. Until the beginning of the 20th century, only priests from the Badung Kingdom in Denpasar are permitted of offer their worship at this temple, which is regarded as one of the most sacred in Bali.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset. Visitors are not permitted into the temple grounds, however, exploring the surroundings is sufficient. The temple itself was built of coral rock. A flight of stone staircase leads up to it, though the gate is always locked except during feast days.
Visitors to Uluwatu should beware of the monkeys. The cliff side teems with long-tailed macaques which have no fear of humans. They are fascinated by shiny objects, and will grab your spectacles and watches, so keep them in your bag, and hang on tight to your camera - or do as I do, mount them solidly on a heavy tripod.
Location Map of Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Click here to view the Google Map to Pura Luhur Uluwatu.
Uluwatu at sunset (18 June 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Uluwatu in the morning time (18 June 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Gate of Pura Luhur Uluwatu (18 June 2004)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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