ULUWATU

  Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Entrance fee is 3000 IDR, sarong rental is free. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter, sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to. Note that, while you are free to walk around the edges of the temple, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit; needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more.