Uluwatu – Mystical Godliness
Bali offers a huge array of activities for people of all interests. Shopping and dining in vibrant Seminyak should definitely be a must on travellers’ ‘to do’ list – along with strolling along the virgin white beaches of East Bali, capturing images of Ubud’s extraordinary rice fields and greenery, breathing in the authenticity of fishermen’s town Jimbaran, and buying freshwater pearls in Lovina . However a visit to the sea temples Uluwatu and Tanah Lot should grace its very top.
Uluwatu - Bali
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, better known as just Uluwatu, translates as ‘land’s end divine rock’. And divine it is! The godly area – dating back to the eleventh century – prides itself on being home to one of the island’s six most spectacular places of worship, handing over the throne of the holiest to Pura Besakih in Bali’s east.
The inner sanctum of the Uluwatu shrine sits regally on the edge of a steep cliff that captures seascapes of the excellent surf breaks so characteristic to this part of Bali. The temple’s location on Bali’s south westernmost rim is believed to guard the Balinese from evil spirits roaming the legendary island’s neighbouring underwater world.
Bali- Spectacular Uluwatu Fire Dance
The Hindu temple is blessed with overwhelming endless views of the Indian Ocean and widely
cherished for its stunning sundown scenes. A great number of monkeys with cute faces and silky coats surprise the uninformed visitor with their mischievous play and are suspected to keep hold of a hidden stash of stolen water bottles, sunglasses, caps, jewellery, cameras and hand phones. Nonetheless, the Balinese believe that the monkey families’ purpose on the narrow peninsula is to help protect the historical temple from evil.
As it has been for decades, Pura Luhur Uluwatu opens its doors to all who wish to enter in good spirit and has become a tremendously popular tourist attraction.
Kecak Dance-Uluwatu Bali
Adding to its size, ancient significance and intricate construction, Uluwatu thrills travellers withregular performances acting as a visual model of some of the most brutal Balinese myths and legends.
The legendary Balinese music drama, ‘Kecak Dance’, is one of the popular dances. An hour of observing a hundred-something half naked men chanting is bound to fuel your appetite. Give in to your cravings at one of the many delightful seafood restaurants at nearby Jimbaran Bay and allow yourself to be overwhelmed by exceptional tastes and stunning panoramas.
Uluwatu is no less treasured for its outstanding surf than it is for its century-old temple. Perhaps mostly known by wave riders is the fact that Uluwatu’s surrounding waters are very rarely horizontal, as it is the humongous waves’ first opportunity to crash into land since Antarctica.
There are safe swimming areas, however it needs to be emphasised that strong swells can pull swimmers straight into powerful ‘sea barrels’ breaking onto shallow reefs. No matter how mesmerising Bali’s indigo blue waters might be, do approach them with humility and caution.
Beautiful Uluwatu is just one of the many must see destinations to enjoy on a visit to Bali. As part of our many services to our villa guests, Prestige Bali Villas can arrange day tours to the temple and also arrange for you to enjoy an amazing seafood feast at relaxing Jimbaran Bay on your return. You can contact us here for more details.
Images courtesy of Chrissey Olsen,riollanb and didiz.
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I am assuming that there are diving schools and packages available…and withing reach of the villas? If not is there an easy way to get transport to a close and reputable dive school?
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