We set off at 4pm on a hired car with driver Edy for an hour drive on a hilly road to Pura Uluwatu, famed as the MOST spectacular temple in Bali. Dedicated to the Spirits of the Sea, this ancient Hindu temple was significantly rebuilt since the 11th century.
The name Ulu means 'land's end' and watu means 'stone'. Uluwatu temple complex is set on majestic peninsular cliff with east and west side jutting into the vast Indian Ocean. Visitors walked on stony esplanade along the cliff bank to admire its magical beauty. The Uluwatu Temple Tour is a 'Must not Miss out' tour of Bali. Truly it is, however, I would preferred to call it 'Spectacular Sunset and Monkey Business' tour.
Monkeys were roaming freely almost everywhere around the temple ground.
-If you don't like monkeys (at all), you might have to give this destination a miss.
-If you've never seen or want to try a monkey business, an amazing experience awaits.
-If you don't like monkeys, don't want monkey business but dying to see the Unimaginable Uluwatu, don't worry, the beautiful sights will blow your mind away (from the monkeys!)
Edy took a tree branch to 'protect' us from the 'monkeys traders' who are notorious for sneakily snatching belongings from unwary visitors, hoping to 'trade' them back for some fruits or peanuts! Mind you, a little patience and negotiation skills are required for a successful 'deal'! They must have been to some sort of monkey business school!?
Warnings were given that shiny or colourful things like hats, caps, eyeglasses, necklaces, hair clips, phones, etc, should be kept away but some tourists (especially those bimbos who wanted their photographs taken like a model, wearing lots of accessories ) couldn't be bother and later screamed and cried like a ghost when they became a victim!
Dear Victims, You don't have to cried nor die, you can have your belongings back by trading with the monkeys or pay/tip a local people to get it back. And a Lesson Learned. (AND an encouragement for the monkeys to make more business next time! Thank you!)
Some were amusing though...Luckily, they didn't snatch my camera nor punch my face!
A man helped a tourist to retrieve a pair of sunglasses stolen by a 'monkey thief' hidden in the tree. If you looked hard enough, there are many 'stolen goods' hanging on trees! Naughty naughty monkey!
But these Little Monkeys were well-mannered!
Look at the stunning brilliant blue Indian ocean...
Listen to the short powerful waves rushing to hit the rocky shores...
Embrace every second of sweet sea breeze caressing your skin...
Inhale slowly A deep breath of pure fresh air...
Feel a delightful rejuvenated body and soul.
Walk to the end of the cliff. Some called it 天涯海角, literally 'Edge of Sky, Corner of Seas' or simply 'The End of the Earth'. A term used poetically to describe immeasurable distance in longing to be with a loved one. As such, it also symbolize Forever Love, thus, a perfect place for couples to exchange promises of love and eternal vows.
But from any enthusiastic photographers' point of view, its a powerful vantage point for great shots of 'A Border-less World!'. Whether its the 'End of the earth' or a 'Border-less world', the panoramic stunning views will definitely blow your mind away..
The west side of the peninsular cliff; viewed from the cliff bank of the picture above.
A close up view of the inner sanctum of Uluwatu temple with the iconic three-tier meru towering beautifully on the edge of the limestone promontory, about 80m above the roaring sea. Entry to the inner temple sanctum is strictly for Balinese Hindus ONLY.
'A Spectacular Sunset of Uluwatu' is perhaps the most memorable sunset treasured by all tourists. Sure it's one big attraction of Bali that should not be missed!
The last bit of the Sun as it slowly slipped smoothly into the western horizon at 6pm.
Softly, the Blue Hour sets in, creating a splendid dreamy seascape that totally captivated its viewers' heart, mind and soul instantly.
Our most expensive dinner in Bali Rp656,000/RM235.64 Set D- Grilled Prawns, Squids, Mussels and fish served with steam rice, soup, vegetables, salad, fries soft drinks and seasonal fresh fruits. Different set dinner offers different types of seafood combinations or pick your choice of live seafood from the tanks. Ala- Carte available too.
NOTE:
Temple Visit:
1. No 'skimpy' dressing. No open wound. No menstruation. (Nothing fleShY nor bloOdY!)
2. Sarongs and waist sashes are provided. (sarongs for those who forgot to dress appropriately but everyone is required to wear a waist sash to ward off evil spirit unless you want to risk your soul!!)
3. DON'T wear any eyeglasses at all. (Risk of being snatched by monkeys and a scratched face)
4. DON'T eat/drink or feed the monkeys. (unless you like monkeys to jump onto you)
5. Wear proper shoes for a journey of stony walkways and steep stairways. (Monkeys love thongs and flip flops, risk going home bare-footed!!)
6. Get hold of a tree branch/stick, so the monkeys dare not get close to you.
8. Kecak Fire Dance - a cultural performance held daily(6pm). Get your ticket (Rp 50,000) and be at the venue on time.
Jimbaran Beach Dinner:
1. Be prepared to be ripped-off.
2. Have smaller notes ready for buskers.
3. Have insect repellent handY.
4. Have a healthy stomach as it's a long way back to the city!
This is a really good tip especially to those new to the country. Simple but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one.
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