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Uluwatu

Written by Admin, 11 January 2012

One of Bali’s most renowned temples, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, sits roughly 80 meters above the Indian Ocean.  With stunning views and fierce sunsets, it is one of the most spectacular places to admire the monkeys and enjoy the Kecak dance. Hold on to your belongings though, the monkeys can very sneaky at stealing your things.

Uluwatu is known also for its surf breaks, rarely ever massive but always consistent, ranging from four to ten feet.  Serious surfers from all over the word have come to ride these waves:

The “classic” wave can be found at Outside Corners which only breaks at low tide -
The Bombie, which has the biggest swells, some say up to twenty feet -
Racetrack, which is a fast racy wave and is better to ride at low tide –
The Peak, which is ride-able during all tide stages
Temples, it will take a bit more energy to paddle there, but is usually less busy than the others.
And…

Be sure to check out Padang Padang while you’re in the area!

If you’re in Uluwatu and are heading back to Kuta/Legian/Seminyak, we suggest stopping by Jimbaran to have an amazing and inexpensive, seafood dinner on the beach.

Kecak Dance

Written by Admin, 14 January 2012

Originally a trance ritual, the Kecak Dance has turned into a cleaver way to tell the story of Ramayana.  There is no instrumental music during this dance, only the chants, whoops and clicks from the men who are gathered in a circle: moving and swaying to the sounds they create as a group, known as the “Monkey Chorus”.  In the middle of this sea of men, the story begins as the warrior Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laksmana, venture into the forest.   Sita is left in the protection of Laksmana while Rama, the husband, is hunting the golden deer for his wife.

The king of Alengka (Rahwana), deeply lusts after Sita and has been following them throughout their journey.  With persuasion and magic Rahwana steals Sita away from the protection of the other men and takes her back to his Kingdom.  During the story you will be introduced to The Monkey King (Honuman) and The Mighty Eagle (Garuda) who get involved in rescuing Sita. 

When the show is nearing its end, there is quite the spectacle as one of the men lights tufts of long-grass on fire and begins to kick them about. If you are lucky enough to view this show in Uluwatu you may be chosen to participate in the action.

Be sure to stick around after the show if you would like to have your picture taken with any of the characters.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is known as the guardian of the southwest and dedicated to the spirits of the sea.  During the Galungan, Balinese from all over the Island come to pay their respects.  The Galungan occurs every 210 day and lasts for 10, during this time focus is placed on the importance of living a life based on dharma. The Balinese Gods also visit the Earth during this time and depart on the last day known as Kuningan.

Expats and Tourists are welcome to come and enjoy the celebration.