Pura Luhur, Uluwatu
Pura Luhur, the temple by the cliff.
This temple is said to be one of nine key directional temples in Bali.
This temple is said to be one of nine key directional temples in Bali.
The temple perches 70m above the Indian Ocean.
As we entered the temple I headed straight down the stone path with overgrowth. It felt magical as all you see is lush green and right at the end, it opens up to the clear blur sky and the horizon. Its just perfect.
The view here is spectacular.
The view here is spectacular.
To the left is the temple while to the right, is a perfect photo spot to do a ‘selfie’ with the temple and it's cliff in the background. The temple is built on a steep limestone cliff, 70m above the Indian Ocean.
The temple itself is not as impressive at the others in Bali but the sunset views and the views from the cliff are spectacular. Surfing here is awesome according to surfers of course. Besides, surfers were the ones to first bring light to this place.
As always tourist is a bustle here, but as you take time to walk along the cliff edge, you can’t help but awe at the beauty.
I stood; look down, just admiring the clear waters when I spotted a turtle heading up for air before going down again. I could see schools of fish ever so clearly from that high up. That was how clear the waters are!
The temple itself is not as impressive at the others in Bali but the sunset views and the views from the cliff are spectacular. Surfing here is awesome according to surfers of course. Besides, surfers were the ones to first bring light to this place.
As always tourist is a bustle here, but as you take time to walk along the cliff edge, you can’t help but awe at the beauty.
I stood; look down, just admiring the clear waters when I spotted a turtle heading up for air before going down again. I could see schools of fish ever so clearly from that high up. That was how clear the waters are!
The temple consists of a huge park and an amphitheater where Kecak performance takes place. I watch my first Kecak dance right here on these grounds a few years ago. Kecak conveys the story of the Ramayana in dance and music, which is quite a show to watch. It normally takes place around sunset and goes on into the night. It about an hour in length and cost about Rp.100,000.
But if you just want to the visit the temple, the entrance fee is about Rp.30,000.
Having said that, if you don’t want a guide make sure you make it clear as sometimes they would walk with you and have small chat before you realize it, you have ‘hired’ them as a guide and would demand tips. It happened to me on my first visit and, man, is was a bit of a dampener on the evening.
But if you just want to the visit the temple, the entrance fee is about Rp.30,000.
Having said that, if you don’t want a guide make sure you make it clear as sometimes they would walk with you and have small chat before you realize it, you have ‘hired’ them as a guide and would demand tips. It happened to me on my first visit and, man, is was a bit of a dampener on the evening.
Monkeys here are notoriously famous for snatching away your sunglasses or anything shiny, they would ‘exchange’ for a better lack of a word, with fruit. I mean a lot of fruit!
Other than the views, there isn’t anything to 'wow' about at this temple other than the fact its on a cliff and the views of it at sunset are stunning.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bedugul
The temple on the lake of Holy Mountain.
This is the other temple that has been photographed a lot and appears on many brochures across the world that promotes Bali.
This is the other temple that has been photographed a lot and appears on many brochures across the world that promotes Bali.
The temple of the edge of the lake with the iconic multi-tier roof.
“Kita sudah mau sampai”
(translation: we are almost there)
With one eye open I scanned the view out my window. The first thing I saw was street vendors selling strawberries. Strawberries, yes in Bali, as it was in the highlands where the temperature is ever so cool, they grow strawberries.
Mental note: Get some on the way down.
(translation: we are almost there)
With one eye open I scanned the view out my window. The first thing I saw was street vendors selling strawberries. Strawberries, yes in Bali, as it was in the highlands where the temperature is ever so cool, they grow strawberries.
Mental note: Get some on the way down.
Clearly someone has had a really good day!
By this point, I have done far too many temples in a short span of time that I didn’t feel the ‘wow’ factor of this temple. The gloomy weather didn’t help the situation either. Moving from a hot clear blue-sky coast to the gloomy grey skied interior of the hill country didn’t help either.
Having said all that, it is a beautiful temple. The grounds are pretty and the temple itself look majestic. Compared to all the other temples I’ve been too and seen here, I have to say, the shrine on the lake is beautiful. The high multi-tiered roof stands out the most. As much as it looks the same as the all the other temples, it is still unique. There is this feeling when you are there, by the lake, that I find hard to explain other than a sense of being at peace; as if nothing matters and everything is going to be alright.
The temple is built to worship Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, goddess of the lake. I was in a bit of luck as there was a festival going on at the temple and I chanced at taking pictures of locals dressed in full traditional attire.
Having said all that, it is a beautiful temple. The grounds are pretty and the temple itself look majestic. Compared to all the other temples I’ve been too and seen here, I have to say, the shrine on the lake is beautiful. The high multi-tiered roof stands out the most. As much as it looks the same as the all the other temples, it is still unique. There is this feeling when you are there, by the lake, that I find hard to explain other than a sense of being at peace; as if nothing matters and everything is going to be alright.
The temple is built to worship Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, goddess of the lake. I was in a bit of luck as there was a festival going on at the temple and I chanced at taking pictures of locals dressed in full traditional attire.
Interrupted in the middle of fishing.
His dad caught me taking pictures of him and tapped him to pose for me. This is the result! A not-so-happy little camper.
His dad caught me taking pictures of him and tapped him to pose for me. This is the result! A not-so-happy little camper.
The temple is situated in the district of Bedugul and on the Lake of Bratan, which is also the main irrigation in central Bali.
What’s interesting about the town here is that it is one of the very few places in Bali with a high concentration of Muslims on the island. This place has a mosque and it’s the only one I’ve seen so far on the island.
What’s interesting about the town here is that it is one of the very few places in Bali with a high concentration of Muslims on the island. This place has a mosque and it’s the only one I’ve seen so far on the island.
Paid about Rp. 30,000 to get in and again it is full of tourist. Too much clicking, selfies and chatter. I am guilty too but sometimes they can be so inconsiderate and walk straight into your shot! Pff… I have had one too many on this particular visit!
There is a little tourist trap, which I think is a complete waste of money unless you are a professional photographer on a mission, that is close to the temple. It’s a boat ride on the lake; correction, SPEED boat ride. I do not see the point of taking the boat out as the driver doesn’t stop close to the temple, the lake isn’t that big that you can’t use a pair of binoculars and the pictures taken…have so may tourist in the background that it’s almost an ugly picture. Plus your camera is sure to be splash by water so really… its not advisable.
There is a little tourist trap, which I think is a complete waste of money unless you are a professional photographer on a mission, that is close to the temple. It’s a boat ride on the lake; correction, SPEED boat ride. I do not see the point of taking the boat out as the driver doesn’t stop close to the temple, the lake isn’t that big that you can’t use a pair of binoculars and the pictures taken…have so may tourist in the background that it’s almost an ugly picture. Plus your camera is sure to be splash by water so really… its not advisable.
What one should do is take time out, sit in one of the many shaded platforms and people watch, also take in the views. Even with the bulk load of tourist, the simple act of sitting down and taking everything in is important. Spend 30 minutes of your time to enjoy the view and the surroundings just visually, with your eyes while your body rests. Its important. You didn’t spend 2 hours in a car, driving all the way up just to walk around, take pictures and leave.
Sit. Savour the view, breath the fresh air and pay attention to the locals. You’ll have a richer experience. You’ll be able to tell a story or see beauty that the camera could and never can justify.
So take time out and enjoy this view and on a day like this where there are locals, I found it to be a complete joy to watch. Kids fishing, little ones being extremely curious to everything, teenagers looking as if they were forced to go along while the older generation took this opportunity to sit and catch up with each other. Feels like the whole town has gathered here.
Sit. Savour the view, breath the fresh air and pay attention to the locals. You’ll have a richer experience. You’ll be able to tell a story or see beauty that the camera could and never can justify.
So take time out and enjoy this view and on a day like this where there are locals, I found it to be a complete joy to watch. Kids fishing, little ones being extremely curious to everything, teenagers looking as if they were forced to go along while the older generation took this opportunity to sit and catch up with each other. Feels like the whole town has gathered here.
Not far from here is Jatiluweh, one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the area.
Stopped by at a café down from the temple that faces the rice terraces, but nothing can beat Jatiluweh. I remember on my firs visit, coming up here with Fab on a scooter. It’s really peaceful up there and just serene.
Stopped by at a café down from the temple that faces the rice terraces, but nothing can beat Jatiluweh. I remember on my firs visit, coming up here with Fab on a scooter. It’s really peaceful up there and just serene.
This temple marked my, or rather our, last day in Bali. It was a good ending to the holiday.
Now to the next adventure!
Now to the next adventure!
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