In the world there are a large number of tourist places. Everyone can choose their destination to their liking. Someone prefers to visit European countries and spend their holidays in big cities, while others go to sunny countries. So, the island of Bali is one of the most visited in the world. On its territory are interesting sights, such as Uluwatu Temple. Read about it in the article.
Location
An island called Bali is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands group . This land area administratively belongs to Indonesia.
The island is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean from the south side, from the north - by the sea of the same name belonging to the Pacific Ocean basin. On the western side, it is adjacent to the island of Java, the distance between them is filled with the waters of the Bali Strait. Bali is separated from the island of Lombok by the Lombok Strait from the east.
The southernmost part of the island is known for such a place as Uluwatu. Here are concentrated the most beautiful and visited beaches with coarse yellow sand. Some of them are hidden from prying eyes behind rocks and cliffs. In addition, the island has many grottoes and caves. On steep paths, which, unfortunately, are in a broken condition, you can reach other beaches. But these trails are used only by surfers who are fond of riding on the waves at a professional level.
History
Uluwatu Temple is part of the large Puru complex. It was built by the monks in the eleventh century AD with the help of a saint named Mpu Kuturan. The place chosen for the temple is a sheer cliff. It rises above the ocean for a hundred meters. Uluwatu Temple was erected in honor of the sea god and the spirits of the sea, whose waves are raging next to the cliff - right at its foot.
The world-famous pagoda appeared at the very edge of the cliff in the sixteenth century. Its construction was started in honor of St. Nyrarth, who reached enlightenment in this place. This happened, according to legend, in the 15th century. Until the beginning of the last century, only members of the ruling dynasty could pray in the temple, but later this restriction was removed.
Modern development
Uluwatu Temple is located in that area of the island that was previously hidden from prying eyes. The fact is that the land here is unsuitable for growing rice, because they are too dry. Therefore, local residents for a long time barely made ends meet, and local attractions almost did not attract anyone. Only the Uluwatu Temple was popular.
Bali is a great place to go surfing. Thanks to athletes, the island became known in other parts of the world. Today, wild places that were previously untouchable are becoming less and less. Almost everywhere villas are being built, agriculture is expanding, prices are rising. And Uluwatu owes this to athletes who are surfing.
However, even now tourists cannot visit the island without restrictions. The temple, part of the Pura complex, is closed to visitors during religious ceremonies.
Description
Uluwatu Temple, the photo of which is presented in this article, is made of an unusual material - black coral stone. The main gate that leads to the temple is elaborately decorated. It is said that the thread that covers them protects the structure from evil spirits. The statues of the god Ganesha help to hide from the darkness. In general, the building is generously decorated with carvings.
If you look at a cliff with a pagoda from a neighboring cliff, the temple seems very small, especially considering that it rises several tens of meters above the ground.
Uluwatu Complex
The Uluwatu complex includes not only the temple of the same name. The island of Bali is surrounded by a chain of various structures that protect it from the invasion of evil spirits. All this is extremely interesting for exotic-craving travelers. It is noteworthy that tourists have the opportunity to visit not only the Uluwatu Temple. Bali (photo of the island invariably makes you want to be in these parts for even a moment) is rich in quiet and calm corners, to which many picturesque trails lead.
So, not far from the temple there is an observation deck, from where a breathtaking view of the water area and the rocks themselves opens. In addition, there are several glades, thanks to which you can see the building from different sides. In the end, in the southwestern part of the island there is a small amphitheater where daily costumed performances of local residents take place.
Visit
Pura Uluwatu Temple, which is part of a large complex, is built according to the same scheme as many other similar structures. In architectural terms, this object almost does not attract tourists. However, its location has made it one of the most visited places in the world.
The fact is that the temple is located on a cliff that rises a hundred meters above the raging water. That is why people who come to Bali must visit Uluwatu. From this cliff you can see everything: the waves beating against the rocks (this fight is especially zealous at high tide), and the endless expanse of water, and an example of ancient architecture.
Formed by waves of textures, a mixture of colorful shades of blue, colorful sunsets and sunrises - all this attracts not only travelers tired of the bustle of the city, but also people of art. So, hundreds of artists, writers, poets, musicians come here. Seascapes are especially beautiful, because you can view this place and the ocean around it from different angles. For this purpose, specially laid paths are provided.
Excursions
Many people come from all over the planet to Bali to visit the cliff and Uluwatu Temple. How to get to the island? This question torments many tourists. There are several ways to do this. For example, fly here by plane or catch a ferry on one of the neighboring islands and get to Bali by sea. As for the movements within the island, there is an established system of road transport. Buses are very popular.
As for the entertainment program, any tourist can see the performance of local residents. The Kecak dance performance, or “kecak,” is performed in Bali every day. Start time is approximately six in the evening. The price is from seven to eight dollars.
The history of this dance began a long time ago. Moreover, initially it was just a trance ritual, to which only men were allowed to participate. However, in the 1930s, the artist Walter Spies lived on the island. After studying the history of the dance, he slightly changed it, turning the ritual into a performance with a real storyline from the Indian Ramayana. Of course, the current Kecak almost does not resemble an ancient ritual, but it is still very colorful and dynamic. Therefore, tourists should definitely visit this performance.
Monkey gang
Speaking about what a person who has visited the temple can do, one cannot help but warn him that a gang of tricksters and thieves is operating in Bali ... monkeys! They live in one large colony, so each of them has a job. So they arrange a "monkey" business.
These inhabitants of the island are so nimble that they easily pull away valuable things from tourists and in general everything that they can reach. Their prey can be both glasses and hairpins, and expensive equipment, such as a camera or phone. So, the monkeys rob the tourists who have looked at the beauty of the island, and after that they exchange the booty for real money!
Of course, not all visitors know about this, so they have to urgently look for someone from the locals. Then the resident of the island makes "contact" with the monkeys and exchanges stolen things for dollars. For one or two dollars you can return your property. True, if you do not pull out valuable things unnecessarily, then you can avoid communication with the monkey gang.
Tourists very often visit the Uluwatu Temple. Bali (reviews of pastime on the island are exceptionally good) is a great place to relax your soul. However, it must be remembered that a gang of "robbers" walks around the island, who strive to steal something from a gaping traveler.
By the way, many tourists are eager to feed the animals. On the island you can buy special food that is sold only to monkeys. But one has only to show that a person wants to treat them with something, how they literally eat everything, and even something that the tourist has not yet bought. Also, getting too close to them can be dangerous, so it’s better to watch these inhabitants of the island from afar.