Who doesn’t know about Uluwatu Temple? Even for foreign tourists who are visiting Bali for the first time, the name Uluwatu Temple is on the must-visit list.
This temple is one of the most important religious sites in Bali. Unlike other temples that generally face west or south, Uluwatu Temple faces east.
Uluwatu Temple Kecak Dance: A Guide to Viewing
Photos of Uluwatu Temple are spread widely on the internet, showing its splendour at the end of a beautiful cliff. Uluwatu Temple is famous for its natural beauty and strategic location.
Etymologically, Ulu means tip, and Watu means Watu. Thus, Uluwatu Temple earns its definition as a sacred place at the top of a rock.
If you are doing cultural tourism, you should not miss this place. This Balinese temple is also rich in cultural aspects and presents many Balinese cultural attractions.
Moreover, this temple is one of the six main sacred temples that you can find in Bali. Besides being magical and exotic, Uluwatu Temple also offers a variety of exciting activities that are not inferior to other tourist destinations.
Cultural History of Uluwatu Temple
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Reporting from the page temple.perpusnas.go.id, there are two opinions about the history of the establishment of Uluwatu Temple. The first opinion states that the founder of Uluwatu Temple was Mpu Kuturan during the reign of Marakata.
Lontar Usana Bali mentions that Mpu Kuturan or Mpu Rajakreta established many temples in Bali, including Uluwatu Temple.
Meanwhile, the Lontar “Padma Bhuwana” also mentions the establishment of Pura Luhur Uluwatu as Pura Padma Bhuwana by Mpu Kuturan in the 11th century.
Another opinion links the construction of Uluwatu Temple to the figure of Dang Hyang Nirartha, who came from the Kingdom of Daha (Kediri) in East Java.
In 1550, the holy monk Danghyang Dwijendra from East Java chose this temple as the end of his spiritual journey, “Ngaluhur”.
That’s why this journey to Uluwatu Temple was eventually called Pura Luhur Uluwatu. For Balinese Hindus, Danghyang Dwijendra is believed to have reached his highest spiritual point when lightning struck a message from the gods and disappeared from the face of the earth after the event.
Enjoy Uluwatu Temple Kecak Dance
Visiting Uluwatu is not just about the breathtaking views, but also about experiencing the unique Kecak dance. This traditional Balinese dance show, performed by male dancers in a circle while chant a typical ‘cak’ melody, is a special attraction for both local and foreign tourists.
This dance is not just an ordinary spectacle or performance but also has a magical philosophy. Balinese people also called this dance as Kecak Fire or fire dance.
The traditional dance performance is usually performed when the sun sets, giving the feel of twilight on the high seas. Get ready to be mesmerize by the beauty of it.
The story of the kecak dance at Uluwatu
Not only dancing, there is a story behind the mesmerizing kecak movement.
The story is called Ramayana. It is about evil king Rahwana taking or kidnapping Shinta. Then, Rahwana fights Jatayu and Hanoman to save Shinta. In the rescue process, Hanoman disrupts the place where Shinta is kept by setting fire.
However, mischievous Hanoman was surrounded by Ravana’s soldiers and almost burned. Rama was initially defeated, but that did not deter him from saving his queen, Shinta.
King Rama prayed earnestly and tried again to bring back his consort. Finally, Rama managed to get Shinta to a safe condition.
Tips for watching the Uluwatu kecak dance
To ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect cultural experience, it’s advisable to purchase your kecak dance show ticket in advance.
Although you can buy kecak dance ticket directly, the number provided is limited, only around 700 tickets per day. You can purchase tickets online on various platforms, such as Klook, Traveloka and Tiket.
For information, tourists must buy two types of tickets at the temple. First, entrance tickets to the temple area cost from IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 30,000 for children aged 4-9 years. Tourists can purchase these tickets on the spot but they often run out.
So, if you want to buy directly, come first. Ticket counter or on the spot are only open starting at 16.30 Wita, while the Pura Luhur Uluwatu area has been open since 7am. Tickets for live performances are limited, so come at least three in the afternoon.
The best time to watch kecak dance Bali at Uluwatu temple
Kecak Dance performances in Uluwatu’s temple usually start around 6 pm local time, but we recommend that you arrive at least an hour earlier to get a good seat and enjoy the sunset view. It is performed in a big Amphitheater.
In addition, kecak and fire dance show start at 6pm and 7pm. Choose the tickets for the 6pm show, as the performance will take place against the beautiful Balinese sunset.
Additional information: This mesmerozong kecak performance, which is led by 50-60people, is held every day except during Nyepi.
Uluwatu Temple Facilities
The Uluwatu Temple tourist area feels relatively complete because of its complete facilities. In addition to parking lots, there are toilets, stalls, restaurants and cafes that offer a wide variety of food.
If you want to spend the night, you can easily find various places to stay before continuing your adventure and exploring other attractions around the temple.
Uluwatu Temple is famous not only for its cliff-top building but also for its various unique and exciting activities can also be presented, ranging from watching the hypnotic dance and fore show the beautiful sunset. So, if you are on vacation in Bali, visiting Uluwatu Temple is a must.
Tips To Handle Uluwatu Temple Monkeys
Around Uluwatu Temple, there is a small forest that is the habitat of hundreds of monkeys. The local community believes these animals to be the guardians of the sanctity of this place of worship.
Tourists who carry bags, cameras, glasses, cellphones, and jewellery should be careful because monkeys can snatch them at any time. Moreover, these animals can be found right from the entrance. Therefore, take care of your belongings and put them in a bag if possible.
When taking photos or selfies from the edge of the cliff, stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings, as these furry animals can move quite quickly. As for the monkeys, tourists or guides are usually allowed to take a log as a tool to repel the monkeys from getting in the way.
Tourists are also encouraged to drive them away in a subtle way and not to hurt the animal. If there are items that are grabbed by monkeys, do not hesitate to ask for help from officers to find them.
Uluwatu Temple Operating Hours and Ticket Prices
Entrance tickets to Uluwatu Temple for children and adults are different. Tourists who want to watch the kecak dance are also charged an additional fee. Here’s a list of ticket prices:
- Adult entrance ticket: IDR 30,000
- Children’s ticket: IDR 20,000.
- Adult kecak dance performance ticket: IDR 150,000
- Child kecak dance performance ticket: IDR 75,000
- Uluwatu Temple operating hours are 07:00-19:00 WITA (7 am – 7 pm)
