Pura Luhur Uluwatu is spiritually important to the people of Bali, as it is one of Bali’s sacred directional temples (kayangan jagat) protecting the island from evil spirits in the southwest. Perched dramatically on the edge of a limestone cliff 70 meters above the crashing waves below, this temple is one of the many temples that pay homage to the spirits of the sea and is also one of Bali’s six key puras, and certainly one of the holiest.

Ulu" means head, and "Watu" means rock; the temple at "the head of the rock" stands atop a sheer cliff rising two hundred feet above the Indian Ocean. This ‘Temple Above The Stone’ was carved from the gigantic limestone rock in the 11th century and is made up of three courtyards that represent the spiritual, earthly, and underworld realms.

The temple commands a wonderful view of the sea breaking against the base of the cliffs below, and a totally unforgettable sunset. Certainly one of the most spectacular puras in Bali, it is a must visit during sunset, whether to attend the nightly Kecak and fire dance performance or to simply gaze at the remarkable vista.