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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Bali 13 Nov 2016

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We arrived Uluwatu Temple around 4.30pm. It is just nice I guess the timing after we visit the temple, and we can wait for the Kecak & Fire Dance Performance which is in the evening.

Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level.

This temple also shares the splendid sunset backdrops as that of Tanah Lot Temple, another important sea temple located in the island's western shores.

IMG20161113162034Pura Luhur Uluwatu is definitely one of the top places on the island to go to for sunset delights, with direct views overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean and daily Kecak dance performances.

Balinese architecture, traditionally-designed gateways, and ancient sculptures add to Uluwatu Temple's appeal. That is the reason why it is a must-visit place to go whoever go to Bali – The Island of Gods!

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We got our entrance ticket – Adult Rp.30,000 and Child Rp.20,000. At the back of the tickets, written a brief history of the Uluwatu Temple.

Resen helped us to wear the sarong. Visitors must wear a sarong (whom the skirts or pants not reach knee length) and a sash (whom wearing long pants), as well as appropriate clothes common for all the temple visits.

IMG20161113162951We were given precautionary warn of the monkeys grabbing attractive items such as sunglasses and cameras before this.

And, true enough there was an incidents which we saw the monkeys came down from the trees and snatched hand phone from one of the visitors.

Resen showed us around the surrounding of the Temple, as the visitors are not allowed to go into the temple as it is only for the prayers only. Thus we were looking around especially near the cliff side.
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Along the way we did see some Balinese ladies carrying the offerings on their head and men were wearing their traditional custom and white colour udeng (men’s headwear) to perform their prayers and rituals in the temple.

What makes Uluwatu Temple spectacular is its cliff-top setting at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. 'Ulu' means the ‘top’ or the ‘tip’ and 'watu' means a ‘stone’ or a ‘rock’ in Balinese. Several archaeological remains found here prove the temple to be of megalithic origin, dating back to around the 10th century.

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There are two entrances to Uluwatu Temple, from the south and the north. A small forest lies at the front and hundreds of monkeys dwell here. They are believed to guard the temple from bad influences.

The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. It takes about an hour to get from one end to another as there are several fenced points along the way to stop. The views from the bottom of the water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are remarkable.

IMG_9317The Balinese Hindus believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva become one here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. Pura Uluwatu is also dedicated to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.

We just love the scenic view of the sea and the sounds of the waves splashing towards the rocks and the cliff! One can just stand here for hours just listen to the sounds of the waves and the breeze of the oceans. I really appreciate this and love God more! I had given so much!
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After we were touring around the temple, we went back to the square as we can see there were a lot of tourists waiting for the evening Kecak & Fire Dance Show which will be starting at 6.00pm.

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Resen helped us to snap a family photo with the Main Shrine is on top of the cliff behind. Can you see the Temple? I cannot imagine how far we have walked from the start to the Amphitheatre here!

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