Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a cape on Bali’s southwestern tip, forming part of the Bukit Peninsula in Badung Regency. It is best known for Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a cliff-top sea temple perched on limestone cliffs about 70 meters above the Indian Ocean and overlooking a rugged coastline. The temple is an important site in Balinese Hinduism and is regarded as one of Bali’s key coastal temples guarding the island from negative influences.

The surrounding area is noted for its dramatic scenery and has become a major surfing destination, with breaks at Uluwatu and nearby beaches such as Padang Padang and Bingin attracting international and local surfers. The cliffs and sea also support a coastal ecosystem that attracts visitors and photographers, especially at sunset.

The temple complex is home to a population of long-tailed macaques, which can be bold in their interactions with people. Visitors are advised to secure belongings and avoid feeding the animals. In the evenings, traditional Kecak fire dances performed by a circle of male dancers are staged near the cliffs, drawing crowds as the sun sets behind the coastline.

Access is via roads from Denpasar and other parts of Bali, with the Pecatu and Uluwatu areas offering viewpoints, hotels, and restaurants. Conservation and tourism-management concerns include erosion and the impact of visitors on the cliff environment and the temple precinct.