BALI TRAVEL | MAGIC OF ULUWATU
Is there a right way to travel?
I am often asked this question and my answer used to be no. But maybe I was wrong.
With today's social media rat race, it seems like most people rush from one location to the next just to be able to take as many "instagrammable" shots as possible.
MY FRIENDS, THAT IS NO WAY TO TRAVEL.
What you'll end up with are empty photos. Much like those stock photos that come with picture frames. Pretty, but weightless.
YES, YOU WERE THERE BUT WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT BEING THERE?
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| QUOTES ABOUT MAGIC |
It doesn't matter wether you're in a beautiful countryside or crowded city, there is magic.
It might be more difficult to find in some places but in ULUWATU, it just jumps at you the moment you step off your bus....
Uluwatu Temple (Indonesian: Pura (Luhur) Uluwatu) is a Balinese sea temple (pura segara) in Uluwatu (Kuta South, Badung). The temple is regarded as one of the sad kahyangan and is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra. - wiki
JUST BEING HERE IS A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF.
There is something beautiful to marvel at with each step you take...centuries old architecture and one of the most amazing views I've ever seen.
At the foot of the cliff is one of the most popular surf spots in the world because of the size consistency of its large swells.
From the top, the sight and sounds of it make for a pleasant meditative experience. Step away from the tourist crowd and take a moment for quiet.
For me, the best way to experience ULUWATU is to explore it on your own or with a couple of people at most.
This is so you don't miss out on the beautifully serene aspect of the place.
After all, this was where parts of Eat, Pray, Love were shot so you kinda get an idea of how impressive yet at the same time tranquil, this place is. (Hollywood Levels, guysss!!!)
TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING ULUWATU
- Wear comfortable shoes - it's a long walk with lots of stairs to climb.
- Wear cool clothing - this is the hottest place I've ever been to (seriously).
- Bring water and a portable fan.
GET THAT MONKEY OFF MY BACK!!!ULUWATU basically belongs to the monkeys. It is their home so you gotta respect that.
Yes they can get cheeky but it's no reason to whack them (and hurt them) in protest.
While I was there, a monkey climbed on me and stole the water from my backpack. They also stole an iPad and sunglasses of some other tourists.
Aside from being handed sarongs to cover yourself up upon entry, you will also be briefed about the safety precautions you need to take to avoid unnecessary confrontations with these brazen primates.
That includes not bringing in any food and hiding all your personal belongings.
If in case you forget, like me, no worries. There are guides all over the place who will offer the monkeys fruit in exchange for your personal belongings. They always take the trade.
...And guys, this service is free. ☺
But of course, to avoid harboring this bad habit, just try to make sure to remember and adhere to all the guidelines.
MONKEYS AND ULUWATU GO HAND IN HAND, THE EXPERIENCE WOULDN'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT THEM.
And if you're feeling a little intimidated, don't be, they're pretty much harmless and actually quite amusing.
KECAK DANCE | RAMAYANA MONKEY CHANTA visit to Uluwatu ends at sunset with the Kecak (Fire) Dance performance.
"Make sure to stay long enough for this as it is a sight to behold!"
The Kecak Dance is performed by a circle of 150 performers and depicts the story of how the monkey-like Vanara helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana.
It's got enough plot twists and love triangles to put any Spanish telenovela to shame.
Nonetheless, the effect of 150 grown men chanting "cak" (chak) over and over again with booming voices in seamless unison is enough to send chills up anybody's spine!
Add to that this view and a wonderful spectacle of fire and you've got yourself one blockbuster of a show! ☺
HOW TO GET TO ULUWATU + BUDGETThe cheapest way to visit Uluwatu Temple is to join a tour. If you prefer to travel on your own, it's best to rent a scooter or take a taxi which costs around 120,000 IDR or $9USD one way. Travel time is about 30-40 minutes from Kuta. Best to ask your driver to wait as it might be difficult to find your way home otherwise.
ULUWATU IS A MUST SEE WHEN VISITING BALI. DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES THERE. Have you been here? What did you find most memorable? ☺
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Comments
But the view is stunning and the monkey! Naku the kids would love that place!