Things To Do

SURF! Uluwatu is a swell magnet and rarely goes flat—it goes from 3-10'! SURFSPEAK: There are 4 sections: Temples – a long and hollow wave that works on the mid to high tide; Peak – across the warungs aligned with the cave, best at high tide; Racetrack – a super fast barrel best at low tide, which at times can get seriously shallow; Outside corner – regarded one of the best waves in the world by many, the corner doesn’t start to break until the swell is at least in the 8' range, and then you are in for one long and fast ride. Southeast tradewinds are best. Crowds peak in the dry season when swells reach 2-5ft range, but there is much room to move.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu - about 45 minutes from Nusa Dua, 1 hr 15 minutes from Kuta or Tuban area, admission: Rp 35.000 - One of the six most important and oldest temples in Bali—each of them directional temples (kayangan jagat), as they are strategically situated to protect the area of evils from certain directions. This architectural marvel in tiered black coral rock is dedicated to the spirits of the sea at the southwesternmost tip of the island to guard it from the evil spirit of the ocean. Here dwells Bhatara Rudra, god of the elements and of cosmic force majeure.

"Luhur" means "something of divine origin." As you come into this temple built between the tenth and eleventh century by the Javanese Hindu priest Empu Kuturan, you are transported to ancient Bali into a realm no less than divine. It is believed to be the last earthly abode of the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma and many other major temples in Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa, where he allegedly attained moksa (oneness with the God’s blazing white light).

Few places in the world can offer majestic sights of a temple on a hill’s crest overlooking the coast.

Be warned: the resident monkeys of the temple and its surrounds are notorious for snatching tourists’ belongings and hustling for food. And, if you have long hair, tie it in a bun—pulling hair is a favorite pastime.

Another noteworthy mention. Uluwatu Beach is also famed for full moon rage parties. Because of the holy temple’s proximity, the rages are “orderly,” monitored by the temple's hereditary custodians from the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, Denpasar. Every seven months on the Wuku Calendar when the festival goes into full swing, a combination of descendants from this noble family, devotees and nearby village priests work together to ensure that it is carried out efficiently and elegantly. The palace takes pride in its ancestral role of managing the awesome logistics with befitting dignity.

Although swimming is not recommended, you can watch out for little pools formed within the coral reef that offer natural protection from the crashing waves. In it you’ll find pretty little fishes swimming with you. Kecak fire dance - at sunset there's a performance of the (6-7 pm, entrance)