Uluwatu Temple is located at Pecatu
village on a tip of a peninsula, with a breathtaking view of the sea.
The temple which was built in the 11th century and it is one of the Sad
Kahyangan Temple for whole Hindhu followers in Bali. Panorama of rocky
hill, which sharply drop into vast ocean is very interesting particularly
during sunset moments. Kecak Dance is often performed around the temple,
and hundreds of monkeys inhabit the surrounding forest.
Connected to the mainland by a low, narrow isthmus, the limestone tableland
of Bukit peninsula, at 200 meters above sea level, is in striking contrast
to the lush Bali mainland. Cacti grow upon this arid land. Some parts
are used for grazing cattle. A good surfaced road meanders across Bukit
to its western tip, where rocky precipices drop almost one hundred meters
to the ocean. The small sea temple of Pura Luhur Ulu Watu balances picturesquely
on the cliff's edge. Perhaps dating from the 10th century, it is one of
the six prominent temples revered by all Balinese. Honoring the protective
spirits of the sea, the temple has an unusual arched gateway capped by
a Kala head and flanked by fine statues of Ganesa. At the end of his life,
the priest Nirartha chose this spot to achieve moksa, deliverance from
this life. Vantage spots on the Bukit road afford vistas of the heartland
of Bali rising to the peaks of distant volcanoes.