According to ancient Balinese scripts, the 11th-century Pura Luhur Ulu Watu or Uluwatu Temple (adult/child 50,000/30,000Rp) is a magical portal that has the potential to transport those who set eyes on it directly to heaven. Even the casual observer can feel its significance through the architecture and its dramatic location atop 70m-high cliffs.
Dedicated to Shiva Rudra, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s six holiest temples. Statues of deities and notable figures abound. An inner temple is guarded by statues of Ganesha. Only Hindu worshippers can enter the prayer courtyard, but anyone can peer in. A long, fortified concrete pathway runs along the cliffside. Watch out for the resident monkeys, adept at snatching visitors' belongings. At sunset, walk around the clifftop to the left (south) of the temple to lose some of the crowd.
As the sun begins to slip below the Indian Ocean, the air around the temple reverberates with the hypnotizing "chak-chak-chak" chant and Kecak (pronounced ke-chak) performers mesmerize an audience that's gathered to watch what has become one of the most iconic displays of Balinese culture. With the majestic Uluwatu cliffs as a backdrop, the dancers enact tales from the Ramayana (one of the great Hindu holy books), and their traditional attire, the flickering flames, and rhythmic sounds and movements create a real spectacle.
Queue from 4.30pm for tickets (150,000Rp) for both the 5.45pm show and the second 7pm show. Or you can avoid the queues and buy your ticket online at least 24 hours in advance (kecakdancebali.com; 200,000Rp).
