Uluwatu Temple: History and Things to Do Nearby

Uluwatu Temple is a part of Sad Kahyangan Temple that is highly sanctified by the Balinese people because it is considered a pillar of the sanctity of Bali Island. This temple stands firmly on a cliff that juts out towards the sea in Pecatu Village, Kuta District, Badung Regency.

History of Uluwatu Temple

There are three opinions about the origin of Uluwatu Temple history, namely:

1. Mpu Kuturan, in the 9th century, during the reign of Marakata, made a holy journey and built Uluwatu Temple as one of the places to do meditation.
2. Another fact is that some relics, such as Candi Kurung, which is a barrier between the Jaba Pura area and the middle of the temple, have existed since the 8th century. From the writing on the temple, the year is Isaka 808, or around 886 AD. Before the arrival of Mpu Kuturan to Bali, Uluwa Temple already existed.
3. Another opinion relates the construction of Uluwatu Temple to Dang Hyang Nirartha from Daha Kediri Kingdom in East Java, who came to Bali in 1546 AD, during the reign of Dalem Waturenggong, and then founded Uluwatu Temple on Pecatu Hill. He made a spiritual journey on the island of Bali, and he eventually returned to Uluwatu Temple. It is said that it was in this temple that the priest ‘Moksa’, died without leaving his spiritual body.

The unique fact is that the building of Uluwatu Temple faces east, unlike other temples in Bali, which generally face west or south. In the sacred area of the temple, there are also hundreds of monkeys roaming around because it is located on a cliff and forest, which is one of the habitats of monkeys.

From the outside of the temple, when visiting it, you will be faced with stairs to get to Jaba Pura or the outer side is limited by the winged Paduraksa Temple. This temple is similar to the entrance temple at Sakenan Temple, located on Serangan Island, South Denpasar. In the Sakenan temple, there is a Candra Sangkala in the form of “Resi Apit Lawang” which is two panditas next to the entrance. This Candra Sangkala means “Rsi = 7, Apit = 2, Lawang = 9”. This indicates the year number of 927 Saka, which is also mentioned in the Lontar Kusuma Dewa.

Scenic Views and Sunset

Uluwatu Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations because it offers a wide view of the ocean, and in the afternoon, you can see a beautiful sunset from the side of the temple. However, if you visit, you should not wear flashy jewelry or luggage, because it will attract the attention of monkeys and snatch them. It is also advisable not to feed the monkeys carelessly, as it will make them more aggressive if it is not given to them.

Festivals and events

The ceremony at Uluwatu Temple falls on Anggara Kasih day, Wuku Medangsia in the Caka calendar, which is every 6 months, 10 days after the Kuningan holiday. Anggar Kasih Medangsia is a feast day or rerahinan that falls based on the meeting between Saptawara, namely Anggara, Pancawara, namely Kliwon, and Wuku Medangsia. In the afternoon, you can watch a Kecak dance performance performed by the local village art group by buying tickets starting at IDR 100,000 per person.

Travel Tips and Itinerary:

To get to the temple, you will need to hire transportation. Some tourist sites that can be visited in the same direction as Uluwatu Temple are:

1. At Tanjung Benoa Beach, many watersport activities can be tried, starting with parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, flying fish, and many more.
2. Pandawa Beach is located in Kutuh Village, South Kuta. Upon arrival at the beach, you can swim, do canoeing activities, or just sit at a long table while enjoying food and young coconut drinks.
3. Dreamland Beach is located in the Pecatu Graha area and is suitable to be used as a resting place while enjoying the vast view of the ocean and the cool breeze.
4. Garuda Wisnu Kencana has been built since 1997 by a Balinese artist named I Nyoman Nuarta with financial assistance from the Bali Tourism Development Corporation, abbreviated as BTCD. The process lasted for four years and was completed in 2021. The icon of this tourist spot is the statue of Lord Vishnu riding Garuda, which is one of the tallest statues in the world because it has a height of 263 meters.
5. Jimbaran Beach is one of the most famous beaches because along the beachside there are restaurants that serve dinner with seafood.

Conclusion

It is important to know who constructed the Uluwatu Temple initially, but what matters more is how succeeding generations have helped to preserve this incredible cultural legacy, which is unthinkable in the modern world. As previously stated, you must take every precaution to prevent armed monkeys from stealing your belongings. Part of the highly revered Sad Kahyangan Temple, Uluwatu Temple is considered the cornerstone of Balinese sanctity. The temple is firmly situated atop a cliff that juts out towards the sea in Pecatu Village, Kuta District, Badung Regency.