Magical sunset at the temple

From the top of the cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of Southern Bali, I could see the turquoise water smash on the rocks and enter the caves which were used by the Japanese to defend Bali from the allies militaray attack a the end of world war II. Dramatic and soundless as the waves are so far below.

Uluwatu (ulu means land's end and watu means rock, so it is not hard to see where Uluwatu came from,) it about 45 minutes drive from Nusa Dua or one and half hour drive from Kuta. And comprises jungles, cliffs, and the vast deep blue ocean. The southern tip of Bali is rightly famous for its magical sunset at the temple located right at the edge of the majestic sea cliffs.

I arrived at the temple around five in the evening, my mission to see its famous sunset. There is an offical entrance fee to enter, sarongs are available for rental next to the ticket-window and must be worn to comply with the temple rules. I followed the track till the end the turned right to the edge of a cliff, and there it was the temple perched on the edge of the cliff on my right side. The sky was overcast but there was some rays of light streaking out from narrow gaps between the dark grey clouds. Hundreds of meters below, the Indian Ocean reflected the dying sun light, on its soundless waves. As the sun went down, the scene became even more dramatic.

Uluwatu temple, its correct name is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is one of the Sad Khayangan the six most important temples in Bali. It is dedicated to Rudra, the God of the Storm, the wind, and the hunt, and is one of those that Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh, a priest from Java who came to Bali A.D. 1546, built. The temple and its surroundings are considered as one of the very sacred sites in the island.

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