Uluwatu Temple, located on the steep drop cliff on the southermost of Bali is a temple with strong relation with the kingdom of Badung. Badung is one of 10 second level administrative government of Bali which capital city was Denpasar before the city become authonomy.
The kingdom of Badung was covering the area of current the municapal city of Denpasar and the Kabupaten Badung area. The palace of Badung Kingdom was located on what we now know as he city square or Alun alun, Bali Museum, and the Pura Jagat Natha. The family of the Badung kingdom now have the places such as Pemecutan, Kesiman, and Meregan. Uluwatu temple until now is under the maintenance of one of the royal family in Meregan or Jero Kuta. According to the chronicle of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a priest said to have come from Java, he was the one who built the temple including many big temples around Bali. It is said also that the priest was passing life in Bali and believed to have been ” moksa” here at Uluwatu temple. The meaning of moksa in the ancient sense is the sublimation of the body, so no one can find the remains of the dead. This sublimation is believed to unit to the origin or the god which is considered as the only source of his existence.
source : www.balitouring.com
September 28th, 2006
Uluwatu is a temple located on a narrow and steep drop cape. The steep drop is continually under strong abrasion of Indian ocean. The foundation of this temple is associated with the myth of famous Hindu Priest who had strong magic power. According to the myth, after the priest doing the reformation of the Hindu in Bali he than took a short meditation here and his body became disappeared absorbed by the nature. He is believed to have practiced what is considered the highest state in Hindu that is “ moksa “ Toward the sunset, a Kecak Dance, performed by sometimes more than 50 men topless, with chequered cloth, encircling flickering lights, and sing in a chorus of “ tjak tjak tjak tjak ………. The dance is not using musical background, but use chorus of human voice as the change. Basic story of the dance is taken from Great Ramayana Epic of India, that is the love story of king Rama and Princess Shinta.
Dinner Fresh Sea Food at local restaurant on the beach of Jimbaran Bay, a famous bay facing Indian Ocean, with dozen of cafés offering fresh sea food. In the evening, the beach changes into a magnificent view of Indian ocean. Fresh Seafood Menu at Jimbaran cafe including : Welcome drink + peanut, Vegetables soup, Prowns 250 grams, Live crab 300 grams, Squid (Cal) 200 grams, Fish 400 grams, White rice, Vegetables, Splite Sauce, Mixed Fresh Fruit and Soft Drink (on choice).
Duration 5 hours
Good time 16.00 – 21.00Â
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Rate Per Person Minimum Participant 20 - Up persons
US$ 30.00 2 Persons US$ 23.00
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source :www.balitouring.com
September 28th, 2006
Visiting a temple, particularly one that is a having a ceremony, or a special dance performance, is on of the special aspects of visiting Bali. One temple that occupies a unique location, and that is accessible to tourists, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on the
Bukit peninsula.
•History of Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s directional temples (kayangan jagat), and guards Bali from evil spirits, from the SW.
This means that the temple affects the island as a whole and has meaning for all Balinese, not just the Uluwatu locals. During the Galungan festival (the most important event in the Balinese calender that occurs every 210 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil) people from all over Bali come to worship here.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the west side of the Bukit peninsula.
The temple was founded in the 10th century by Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, and a shrine here, as well as at other key locations along the Balinese coast.
In the 17th century, Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, including Pura Rambut Siwi,also adding to Uluwatu.
•Getting to Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
From Kuta from you take the Bypass, and head in the direction of Nusa Dua. Uluwatu is 18kms down the Bypass from Kuta and the turnoff is to the right.
The road Jl. Uluwatu takes you through the local area of Jimbaran, past some big hotels, before heading up the steep hill, and into the heart of the Bukit. Follow Jl. Uluwatu to the very end, where it terminates at a parking area, with Pura Uluwatu another 100 meters further on.
•Parking:
Parking is monitored by a uniformed attendant in a booth and the price is 1,000rp for motorbikes. He will to look after your helmet too for no extra charge, if you don’t want to leave it on your bike. Locals offering their services as guides can be found to, although its not pressure scene.
•Exploring Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Walking towards the entrance of the temple, you will see the stone archway, with a set of rules and regulations for visitors, including the fact there was and entrance fee. The little office to the left of the entrance accepts the 3,000rp fee and lends you a ceremonial sash and sarong. This now means you are properly dressed. Staff at the office will warn you, the temple monkeys are aggressive. I have seen toursits lose their glasses and hat, as the monkeys will rush to grab any loose items.
The regulations say visitors can only walk around the temple, which may be a bit confusing. They are referring to the temple compounds themselves not the temple complex. When you have your sarong, sash and ticket, you can stroll through the 2 archways, (candi bentar) and down and long pathway towards the main temple courtyard.
Continuing straight, (bypassing the temple) you will see a cliff top path, that leads to a view point after several minutes. There was nothing special up there except this one lady with a both offering drinks and souvenirs. This route offers good view of the temple high up on the opposite cliff, great for photos.
It is possible for a visitor to navigate around and peer into the temple compounds although signs say not to enter. The temple compounds are made from white-grey coral blocks and are not really decorated in any special way. There are a pair of Ganesh’s (elephant Gods), guarding the entrance to the outer courtyard.
At the highest point has a view both north and south and has meru’s, the multi tiered structures featuring thatched roofs. This is the jeroan (inner courtyard) that most people do not have access to.
Monkeys were present in this part of the temple and as well as lingering in the branches of trees were happy to patrol the temple walls looking for an unsuspecting tourist. I had no problems with the monkeys on my visit but I have heard they can be a pest.
Descending the wide steps on the western side to the main part of the temple I passed the kulkul, belltower, which contains a wooden bell, slit down the middle, used to summon villagers. I also noticed a wantilan structure used for meetings. This seemed newer than the other stone temple structures and the monkeys were using this at home base.
Its possible to check out Pura Luhur Uluwatu in 1 hour if you are pushed for time.
Check out Made Wijaya’s site for some great pics of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. In particular, look at the large photo of the Balinese people praying at the jaba tengah (middle courtyard). Beyond that far wall, the temple drops off of a cliff, straight down to the ocean.
•Food & Drinks:
Drink vendors are outside. For food you’ll have to either go back down the hill and take a left, down to the Uluwatu surfing beach, for a few warungs (15 minutes), or take Jl. Uluwatu back the way you came, looking out for local warungs.
•Where to stay at Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
There is no accomodation Pura Luhur Uluwatu. If you need to stay in the area, check out the cliff top place at Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan.
•Temple dances:
Daily temple kecak dances are held at 6-7pm. You can arrange these from every travel agent in Kuta. Shop around.
Source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006