Luhur Uluwatu Temple is one of six great sanctuaries (Sad Kahyangan) in Bali that becomes a worshiping place of Hindu devotees. Situated some 42 km south of Denpasar, at Pecatu Village, Jimbaran.

There are two opinions about the existence of temple mentioned above. One mentions that this temple was founded by Empu Kuturan during the administration of Marakata (ninth century). Other opinion states that, this temple is inseparable with the history of Dang Hyang Nirartha—who is also named Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh from East Java—constituting a holy priest that spread Hinduism and attained moksha (release of the soul). When entering this temple, visitors should step over some high steps. The Indonesian Ocean with its terrifying and deep waves surrounds the temple. World surfers like these waves best and to the west, you can see a spectacular sea view, especially at sunset.

Pengempon (preserver) of Luhur Uluwatu temple is the inhabitants of Pecatu Village, Jimbaran, while its pengemong (guarantor) is Jero Kuta on Jalan Dr. Sutomo, Denpasar. Two temple priests from Pecatu are assigned to be in charge at the temple everyday.

This temple is hedged by tropical forest along with hundreds of grey monkeys, but unfortunately, most of the monkeys are mischievous and like to ‘steal’ belongings of the tourists. So do its plants, they look dry and lack maintenance. Tourist amenities like toilet is eminently mucky and its construction seem to be old-fashioned, so many tourists complain. Pathways where we walk are scattered with dry leaves, as though nobody cares.

However several months ago, after Hotel Melia Bali Sol became foster parent of Uluwatu tourist object, everything is well arranged and came to be appealing, both object location and its service. Mischievous monkeys have been specially handled with care, so most of these four-legged animals turned tame. Now, while feeding those monkeys we can listen to warbles of yellow-vented bulbul, magpie robin, spotted dove, black-winged starling and other birds. “Four months ago, we appointed special attendants to tame those monkeys,” said Made Leper, Group Chief of Uluwatu Tourist Awareness while admitting that their group fed those monkeys three times a day. The food consists of banana, tomato, cucumber and cassava that are worth IDR 100,000 per day.

Five star and five plus-rated hotel that achieved Golden Trophy of Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards 2004, at the same time, achieved emerald trophy of the same category, seemed no half-heartedly to make Uluwatu tourist object into being worth visiting by tourists. Two of three toilet facilities have been conjured up into new ones. In one unit facility is built two booths, for ladies and gents. And, within a toilet booth is set up a squatting and sitting closet of high quality.

Cleanliness of the toilet is also maintained so his party should appoint three special stewards. More than that, those stewards are also given intensive training by Melia Bali so they can provide service maximally. “Previously, tourists frequently complained about the dirty toilet facilities. For that reason, we are as the operator of this object abundantly thankful to the care of Melia Bali that founded toilet of international standard,” he said while adding that toilets are available at three location in the vicinity of Uluwatu, namely 2 toilets at parking area and another at temple complex.
Other than its nature, entertainment is also well organized. While luxuriating in sunset, tourists are also presented with the attraction of Kecak Dance. Its performance lasts from 18:00 to 19:00 Local Time or when the sun sets in the West. The venue is located outside temple area, so it does not make the holiness and sacredness of the temple impure. Entrance fee for this entertainment is merely IDR 50,000.

This art troupe is supported by 83 dancers consisting of members of Uluwatu Tourist Awareness group. Everyday, the kecak dancers sell for a living around the temple area. They each will get IDR 10,000 of the ticket price above. “This Kecak Dance package is very useful for helping the economy of local inhabitants,” said Made Leper, Group Chief of Uluwatu Tourist Awareness.

To maintain this tourist object, Made Leper said that he employed the members of his group numbering 9 persons in charge at the post of entrance ticket sale, 8 as cleaning service, 4 as monkey tamers, 25 local tour guides, 3 as toilet stewards and 60 others belonging to the vendor group. Uluwatu tourist object is visited by a large number of domestic tourists during June-July, while in August-December is the turn of European and Australian tourists. In the meantime, for Asian tourists, they are mostly from Japan. “Having carried out the arrangement and this tourist attraction, tourist visit increased,” he added.(BTN/Budarsana)

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