These are the two most important temples in Bali, and Uluwatu is probably even more famous because of the world class wave that breaks nearby, and thus were two visits we were not about to miss.
Tanah Lot is about 45 minutes (by scooter )away from Kuta and is usually visited during sunset because of the picture perfect views. We chose, however, to visit it around noon, hoping to get more colors in the pictures and have more time to walk around.
The temple is set on a small island accessible only during low tide, and there are different spots from which to take pictures. It is not a big site though, and we only spent an hour or so visiting it.
Uluwatu is further away, about an hour South of Kuta instead of North. Unlike the jungle-like nature of central Bali, the island’s Bukit Southern peninsula is dry and barren, with scenery not nearly as exciting as in the north but boasting the best surf in the island.
The temple of Uluwatu is on a 100 m cliff overlooking the ocean, and is also a great picture purpose. It’s main area is closed to the public ( not nice when you pay 3 USD to get in) and the nearby structures and gardens are full of monkey trying to steal the food any human might have even if it means faking an attack.
A ten minute scooter ride away is the wave of Uluwatu, an exciitng world famous left that draws surfers from around the world. Even if you don’t surf it’s fun to watch the gnarly surf action in the water when there’s a swell.
Unlike surfing in the Mentawai Islands, you’ll always find a crowd in Uluwatu.
We opted to visit each place on different days, keeping scooter time to a minimum and having the chance of doing different things while enjoying Balinese culture and people.
Bali Wrap Up
And so the month went by enjoying the best of Bali barely without noticing, enjoying the relaxed pace, good food, beach, surf and lifestyle. Eventually our stay came to an end, and we headed to our next destination, Australia, where we would spend 4 weeks exploring the east coast on camper vans and visitng old friends.
it’s a common mistake that westerners think Bali stands as its own country, not being a part of Indonesia, but I see that you have your own reason for putting Bali not under Indonesia. How do you know that Bali is different from the rest of Indonesia? Have you been to other places?
Hello Vira! I have indeed. I also visited Lombok, and this island alone is already very different from Bali, though gorgeous too, and more natural. Let alone Sumatra or Java, as carefully explained by close friends who have been there too. In any case there is also a reason of simplicity for searching: most westerners who visit Indonesia head over to Bali, thus I also think it makes sense to have this island stand out alone as a destination- it will make their life easier when look for info in my site. I do hope to visit more of Indo though, I have seen Bali already!
Hi, nice post. Btw, for the link, I think you should put “Indonesia” instead of “Bali” in “East & SE Asia” menu because clearly Bali is inside of Indonesia 🙂
Hi Dine! Thanks for the note, but there is a reason for this, and that is that Bali is quite different from the rest of Indonesia. Probably due to religion as Indo is Muslim and Bali is mostly hindu, but it has affected how people behave and what is accepted or not very much. 🙂
Nice shots. Uluwatu is especially wonderful and less of a tourist trap than Tanah Lot
I agree with you. And the monkeys make it even more attractive!
very nice pitures…enjoy ur time on Bali.