Uluwatu is located in the southwest of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula and is popular with surfers as well as vacationers who want to experience beautiful beaches, great views and interesting temples. It is a very diverse area in which I think every vacationer comes at his expense. In addition, the area is very close to the international airport, which makes it locally seen additionally attractive for the beginning or the end of a Bali round trip.
Sunset at Dreamland Beach
As the name already expresses - this beach is picturesquely beautiful. I went there together with other vacationers from my surf camp and chilled drinks in the luggage. About 17:30 we arrived on the rock, from which you had a great view of the beach and could watch the sunset. There we met the people from the other surf camp, which we already met during the surf lesson - finally we had more time to get to know each other and exchange travel experiences and recommendations. On the beach below us we could also watch the surfers who were still trying to ride the last impressive waves of the day. It was a beautiful harmonious picture.
Next to us were locals who took loudspeakers, turned on their music and danced comfortably. The sky turned from light purple, to orange and then red just before sunset. The sun slowly set like a red fireball then on the horizon - a harmonious and unforgettable evening.
Uluwatu Temple
The Uluwatu Temple (also called Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a Hindu temple, which was built on the sea directly on a 70m high rock. If you have already visited several temples, the Uluwatu temple is certainly not a highlight. Many parts of the temple complex are also not accessible to tourists. But what makes it really special is its location on the cliff - the views of the cliffs as well as the gigantic waves that then break at the cliffs are incredibly impressive.
What you will surely remember when you visit this temple are the monkeys. I have never experienced such cheeky monkeys in any place in Indonesia as I have here. Whether hat, sunglasses or other things that are carried rather loosely - the monkeys are quick as lightning and steal personal belongings of tourists. After a short observation, I also understood better why this is so. A local stands there with small bags filled with nuts and then, after the monkeys steal something again, barters with them. The monkeys grab the nuts and let go of the tourists' personal items. The local takes the items and gives them back to the tourists for a tip. This is very lucrative for the monkeys - so this barter spurs them on to steal more and more things.
What you can experience if you visit the temple in the late afternoon is the traditional Kecak Dance. This dance is additionally accompanied by chants of the dancers and usually takes place at dusk in the candlelight. It is about the story between the king Dasarata, prince Rama, his wife Sita and other characters. Personally, I did not see this dance because it did not happen in time, so I cannot give a recommendation on it. If I may experience this dance at another place, then you get an update 😊
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a very short stretch of beach right next to Padang Padang Beach, which can only be reached through a multitude of steps. This somewhat difficult access makes it possible, however, that one has here on Bali once a beach section, which is not completely crowded by tourists.
The sandy beach is beautiful and the water bright blue - just as you imagine a perfect beach. We were there at low tide and therefore had to walk quite a long time through very shallow water before we could swim. But what was special here was to be able to observe many small animals like crabs or starfish in small water holes along the way.
In any case, my tip is to pack water shoes, as the path in the shallow water can be uneven and rocky in places.
On the beach there are small restaurants and also stores, you can rent surfboards or stand up paddle boards (probably depending on the swell) and for a small amount rent umbrellas and sunbeds - so there is nothing missing here for a successful beach day.
Comentarios