Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands at the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, on a limestone cliff about 70 meters above the surf. It is one of Bali's nine directional temples, guarding the southwest, and is counted among the Sad Kahyangan, the six sanctuaries Balinese Hindus regard as the spiritual pillars of the island. For worshippers it protects Bali from the forces of the sea.
A small shrine is believed to have stood here early, but the temple was substantially expanded in the 11th century by the Javanese sage Mpu Kuturan. Around the turn of the 16th century the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha came here, and tradition holds that he attained moksha, final liberation, on this cliff. Locals call that moment ngeluhur, to go up, which gave the temple its name Luhur.
The inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers, so most of the visit is spent on the clifftop paths, where the walls frame long views of the ocean and the reef breaks below. Long-tailed macaques roam the grounds and are known for snatching sunglasses and phones. At sunset a Kecak performance retelling the Ramayana takes place in an open amphitheater on the cliff edge.
Highlights
- Clifftop walks with ocean views
- Kecak dance at sunset
- One of Bali's nine directional temples
- Resident long-tailed macaques
Good to know
- Put sunglasses, hats and phones inside a closed bag before you walk the cliff paths, as the macaques grab loose items.
- If a monkey takes something, do not chase it; ask a temple attendant for help.
- Kecak tickets are sold separately from temple entry, so arrive early in the afternoon to get a good seat.
- The inner courtyard is open only to those coming to pray, so view it respectfully from outside.
On the map
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