7 reasons why you should visit the Uluwatu Temple in Bali

by - 8/22/2022

 You don't need to be religious to visit temples; unless you are on a pilgrimage. While some travellers are put off by the mention of religious sites, I have always considered them as a piece of architecture and history; rather than associating them with some faith. 

When you are in Bali, you are supposed to visit temples. After all Bali is the land of Pura (Balinese for temple). Every temple is a piece of marvelous architecture, backed by centuries of intriguing history. However you may suffer from temple fatigue too; since there are just too many to visit. So when churning out an itinerary,  don't forget to add the exquisite Uluwatu Temple to your list.

Here's why you should definitely make the effort to go all the way upto the Southern most tip of the island.

1. It is one of the 6 must visit temples of Bali. 

When you are in the land of hundreds of temples, it's a bit of a task to narrow down on what all to visit. I will make the list simpler for you: there are 6 main temples which you just can't miss and Uluwatu is one of them.

The word 'Ulu' means land's end and 'Watu' means rock. The name basically justifies its location: at the edge of the cliff. 

Apart from the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the other five main temples are: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Tanah Lot Temple, Pura Tirta Empul, Taman Ayun and Goa Gajah temple. When you are a tourist, you just can't afford to miss out an important spot.

2. Its location is unprecedented and next to a never before experience.

How many times have you visited a temple which is located on the edge of a cliff with the blue ocean waves crashing below? I guess never! Since the temple is at the edge of a cliff, the walk to the end offers you vistas of the blue ocean, the endless sky and all the green vegetation around. It's picturesque.

3. The sunset is spectacular from here.

Every sunset is spectacular right? But none can be as magnificent as this one. The entire west side has the blue ocean so basically you can see the Sun go down into the water.

4. The most scenic spot to witness the famous Balinese Kecak dance.

The Kecak Dance is one of the most famous dance forms of Bali and there are male performers doing it everyday evening, here in Uluwatu temple premises with fire and vigour. It's a must watch and an integral part of their culture. There are separate tickets for the dance (apart from the temple entry tickets)

5. The Uluwatu beach below is nothing short of unforgettable.

Rocky beaches are magnificent. They may not be ideal for swimming but hold impeccable charm. The crashing of waves on the rocks are my favourite part. Don't forget to give the beach a visit before going all the way up to the temple.


















6. The sarong, blue ocean and temple on a cliff: Stunning combination.

Like every other temple in Bali, men and women both need to wear a sarong. However, that's the beauty of travelling. Unless you imbibe the culture of that particular place, did you even visit that place?

The sarong, ocean and the architecture: a match made in heaven.

7. The uphill road leading to the temple is a ride to remember.

We explored Bali on a scooter. It's the easiest and fastest mode of transport as roads are narrow and winding (so cars are not that helpful). The climb upto the cliff is definitely a ride to remember.


Have you visited the Uluwatu Temple in Bali? Which Pura is your absolute favourite?

 'This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' 

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22 comments

  1. Bali is an absolutely stunning destination. We canceled our plans due to the pandemic and don't know when we'll be able to do so again. I'll keep this place in mind when I visit Bali...thanks for sharing.
    -Anjali

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  2. Firstly, it is wonderful to know that being the mommy of two small children, you manage regular travelling Mandira... I could never do that.
    Like you I too looooove to visit historic temples, not for religious reasons but for their architecture and the lore associated with them. It was nice to learn about the temples in Bali n this one in particular... keep them coming!... Kaveri.

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  3. It's definitely in my to visit list, 1-because its a Temple, 2- the location, & 3- the View. I am surely visiting this temple and all other temples too once We plan for the trip. :-)

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  4. Bali is on my list to visit. Most likey this year end. (fingers crossed we dont get any more 'waves'). Your tips will surely help in the planning.

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  5. Its sounds a mesmerizing from the way you have put up the description. Love the end point capture.

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  6. Bali is a must visit place, my cousin visited recently and she was in love with the place. Uluwatu looks like a must visit for so many reasons you have shared will keep in mind for future travels.

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  7. Bali I was planning to visit just before the pandemic lockdown but things were not in my favour. But Bali is in to do list for sure. The description and the reasons you mentioned in this article are perfect enough to enhance my curiosity to visit Bali. Basically I am a sea/ocean lover and waves attract me so much that for me now Uluwatu Temple will be in my Itinerary for Bali. Thank you for sharing such interesting info with us.

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  8. We had been planning a trip to Bali. I am so glad to read this. The pictures are really pretty. I am not sure I can make it to the temple walking but there seems to be transport available.

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  9. Oh lovely Bali, waiting for the time I get to visit too! Heard and seen tons of great things about this place! Your pictures truly says a thousand words. Such a great place to visit, great food for sure, nature, the view, and a lot more!

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  10. Bali is so exotic. It is high on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing your trip. I am surely going to save this for later.

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  11. Bali is such a beautiful place and would like to be there someday for sure. Beautiful pictures and lovely post. I love to see old architectural sites.

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  12. Sounds like a beautiful place. The sheer rockface adds to the charm. Adding this to our itinerary when we visit Bali. Thanks for sharing about it.

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  13. Bali is on my wishlist. I've read a lot about the architecture and temples there and am curious to see it for myself. This temple indeed is stunning!

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  14. The pictures and your write up are so mesmerizing! I love posts that are so informative about the back stories of a place. Makes it even more interesting to explore that place.

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  15. Wow!!! You have painted such beautiful picture of Bali that I wish I could go there now. Also have heard a lot about Temples in Bali so yeah adding it to my wishlist

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  16. The scenery is so beautiful and the pictures look amazing. Will keep this place in mind while visiting Bali. Your pictures are very beautiful and since the place is on top of the cliff the water looks so amazing.

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  17. The scenery is so beautiful and the pictures look amazing. Will keep this place in mind while visiting Bali. Your pictures are very beautiful and since the place is on top of the cliff the water looks so amazing. (Had posted this above but by mistake did it as anonymous. Hence posting again)

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  18. Bali is definitely a must visit place and it is surely a part of my bucket list. Would would to visit places what has historical value.

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  19. Bali is such a beautiful place and it’s on my list to visit soon. I am adding this temple in my places to visit in Bali it definitely feels not to be missed

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  20. Bali is beutiu, I've been planning to visit there since 2020 hopefully this year we can.

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  21. The location of the temple is so wonderful. This indeed is a must-visit place. I loved all the pictures that you have shared.

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  22. I haven't yet visited Bali but hopefully soon! Thanks for highlighting this important site.
    Noor

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