Temple of Uluwatu in Bali

In the world there is a large number of tourist places. Everyone can choose a destination according to his taste. Someone prefers to visit European countries and spend vacations in big cities, while others go to sunny states. So, the island of Bali is one of the most visited in the world. On its territory are interesting attractions, such as the temple of Uluwatu. Read about it in the article.

Location

The island under the name of Bali is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the group of Small Sunda Islands. This land area administratively belongs to Indonesia.

The island is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean from the south, with the northern sea of the same name belonging to the Pacific basin. On the western side, it adjoins the island of Java, the distance between them is filled with the waters of the Balinese Strait. Bali is separated from the island of Lombok by the Lombok Straits from the east.

The southernmost part of the island is known due to such a place as Uluwatu. Here are concentrated the most beautiful and visited beaches with large sand of yellow color. Some of them are hidden from the eyes of others behind rocks and cliffs. In addition, the island has many grottoes and caves. On the steep paths, which, unfortunately, are in a broken state, you can get to other beaches. But these trails are used only by surfers, who are keen on rolling on waves on a professional level.

History

The temple of Uluwatu is part of a large complex of Puru. It was built by monks in the eleventh century AD with the help of a saint named Mpu Kuturan. The place chosen for the temple is a sheer rock. It towers over the ocean a hundred meters. The temple of Uluwatu was erected in honor of the sea god and the spirits of the sea, the waves of which are raging alongside the cliff - right at its foot.

Known around the world pagoda appeared near the edge of the cliff in the sixteenth century. Its construction was started in honor of St. Nirartha, who reached enlightenment on this place. It happened, according to legends, 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 lifted.

Modern development

Temple Uluvatu is in the area of the island, which was previously hidden from the eyes of others. The fact is that the land here is not suitable for growing rice, because they are too dry. Therefore, local residents for a long time barely made ends meet, and local attractions were almost unattractive. Only the temple of Uluwatu was popular.

Bali is a great place to surf. It is thanks to athletes that the island became known in other parts of the world. Today, the wild places that used to be virginially inviolable are getting smaller. Almost everywhere, villas are being built, agriculture is unfolding, prices are rising. And this Uluwat is obliged to the sportsmen who are engaged in surfing.

However, even now tourists can not visit the island without restrictions. The temple, which is part of the Pura complex, is closed to visitors during ceremonies of a religious nature.

Description

The temple of Uluwatu, whose photo is presented in this article, is made of an unusual material - from a black coral stone. The main gate leading to the temple is adorned with elaborate decorations. It is said that the carving that covers them protects the structure from evil spirits. The statues of God Ganesha help to hide from darkness. In general, the building is generously decorated with carvings.

If you look at a cliff with a pagoda from a neighboring rock, then the temple seems very small, especially considering that it rises above the ground by several tens of meters.

The Uluwatu complex

The structure of the Uluwatu complex includes not only the eponymous temple. The island of Bali is surrounded by a chain of all kinds of structures that protect it from invading evil spirits. All this is extremely interesting for thirsty exotic travelers. It is noteworthy that tourists have an opportunity to see not only the temple of Uluwatu. Bali (the photo of the island invariably evokes a desire to be in these parts for a moment) is rich in quiet and peaceful corners, to which many picturesque trails lead.

So, not far from the temple there is an observation deck, from where opens a breathtaking view of the water area and the rocks themselves. In addition, there are several clearings, thanks to which you can see the construction from different sides. In the end, there is a small amphitheater in the south-western part of the island, where the costumed performances of local residents take place every day.

Visit

The temple of Pura Uluwatu, which is part of a large complex, is built in the same way as many other similar structures. In architectural terms, this object 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, towering above the raging water for a hundred meters. That is why people who come to Bali, must visit Uluwatu. From this cliff you can see everything: and waves striking against the rocks (especially zealously this struggle is being conducted during the tide), and boundless water space, and a sample 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 city fuss, but also the people of art. So, hundreds of artists, writers, poets, musicians come here. Especially beautiful are the seascapes, because you can see this place and the ocean around it can be from different angles. For this purpose, specially laid paths are provided.

Excursions

Many people come from all over the world to Bali to visit the cliff and temple of Uluwatu. 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 take a ferry on one of the neighboring islands and get to Bali by sea. With regard to movement within the island, there is an established system of road transport. The buses are very popular.

As for the entertainment program, any tourist can see the representation of local residents. The performance-dance Kecak, or "ketchak", is performed in Bali every day. The start time is approximately six o'clock in the evening. The price is from seven to eight dollars.

The history of this dance began a long time ago. 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 play with a real storyline from the Indian Ramayana. Of course, the current kechak almost does not resemble the ancient ritual, however it is still very colorful and dynamic. Therefore, tourists should definitely visit this performance.

Monkey Gang

Talking about what a person who visited the temple can do, one can not help but warn him that a gang of deceivers and thieves are running 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 agile that they easily take away valuable things from tourists and in general everything they can reach. Their prey can be as glasses and hair clips, and expensive equipment, such as a camera or phone. So, monkeys are robbing the tourists who have looked at the beauty of the island, and after they exchange their prey for real money!

Of course, not all visitors know about this, so they have to quickly find someone from the local. Then a resident of the island comes into contact with 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 items unnecessarily, you can avoid contact with the monkey gang.

Tourists often visit the temple of Uluwatu. Bali (reviews about the pastime on the island are exceptionally good) - an excellent place to relax your soul. However, it must be remembered that a gang of "robbers" is walking along the island, and they are striving to steal something from the traveler who has lost sight.

By the way, many tourists are eager to feed animals. On the island you can buy special food, which is sold only for monkeys. But it is only necessary to show that a person wants to treat them something, how they literally eat everything, and even what the tourist has not yet bought. In addition, approaching them too close can be dangerous, so it is better to observe these inhabitants of the island from afar.