Uluwatu

The Bukit peninsula is located on the southernmost part of Bali, just south of the airport. Bukit is different from the rest of Bali, it is dry and not very rich on vegetation, similar to a lot of places by the Mediterranean sea. In former days it was used as hunting fields for the raja's of Denpasar. At the southern point of Bukit is the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a famous temple on top of a high cliff about 90 meters above the Indian ocean. It is well worth a visit, the view from the top of the cliffs are beautiful. Like Tanah Lot this is a sea temple dedicated to the gods and spirits of the ocean, but not as touristy. Other temples in the long chain of sea temples along the southern coast is Pura Sekenan, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Petitenget.

Uluwatu belong to the group of holy state temples, sad-kahyangan, and because of the remote location this is one of the less commercialized of them. The temple belong to all of the Balinese people and is therefore a place for frequent ceremonies, the fishermen consider it as extra sacred and come here to pray to Dewi Laut, the sea goddess. A legend says that this is actually a ship that has been transformed into stone. Pura Luhur Uluwatu means something like "The Temple above the Rock".

Like other temples on Bali this one also has a large number of "temple-monkeys" (see also Ubud and Sangeh). Monkey food can be bought at the entrance, but if you don't pay attention it will soon disappear, these creatures are very clever pickpockets. It is said that some of them are trained to steel glasses, hats and other loose belongings, which then can be claimed back in change of a small "reward" to one of the locals. You are warned to take care of your belongings when you enter, and it is a smart thing to follow this advice!

It's a fantastic view over the ocean from here, the cliffs falls steep into the sea. The area is also known for good surfing conditions, the most popular beach is Pantai Suluban, about three km from the temple, turn off the main road just before the parking lot of Pura Uluwatu. There are some accommodation and restaurants here.