The Uluwatu temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of the Sad Kayangan or the 6 directional temples (along with Pura Besakih, of course!) that supposedly protect the Bali Island from evil spirits. Luhur means something of divine origin. Ulu means land’s end while watu means rock. It is one of the most spectacular temples of Bali.
Location of the temple
The Uluwatu temple lies in the Badung regency in the southern tip of Bali. It is located on the edge of a plateau which is 250 feet above sea level. The exact location is 25km to the south of the capital city, the Denpasar town, in the Pecatu village in the sub district of South Kuta. It is perched on quite a steep cliff formed at the end of land on the South eastern coast of Bali island and hence gets its name. The location is very close to the famous SW surf break in peninsula of Bukit.
History of the temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu was founded by a priest from Java by the name of Empu Kuturan in the 11th century. He also established the tiered Meru. Empu is a title for someone who has accomplished himself in philosophy, literature and craftsmanship. Hundreds of years later in the 15th century, the great priest and pilgrim, Dang Hyang Dwijendra, credited to establishing the Hindu Dharma religion chose this place as his earthly abode and was cremated here. Legend has it that he attained moksha while meditating at the Uluwatu temple. Dwijendra, according to legend was a famous architect who was credited to building beautiful temples at Lombok, Sumbawa and Bali. He was supposed to have arrived on the island at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta. The temple has a shrine too representing a boat he used to arrive at the island. There is a small limestone statue behind the main pagoda of the temple’s inner sanctum of the temple showing a Brahmin priest surveying Indian Ocean. This statue supposedly belongs to Dwijendra.
Temple architecture
The Uluwatu temple is situated on a coral reef 80 meters above the sea level. The temple is an architectural wonder made of black coral rock from where it gets its name. The inner sanctum in fact is perched beautifully at the cliff edge with several vantage points on northern and southern sides providing spectacular glimpses of the ocean.
Major Attractions
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located at one of the most famous surf breaks of Bali. It attracts legendary surfers from all over the world with its obstacles. There are some spectacular views offered even by the warungs or local restaurants perched on the cliffs. One can view the sunset from here and the 100 meter high cliffs in 3 directions offering great panoramic views. 
There are full moon rage parties and festivals which are efficiently organized every seven months, as per Anggar Kasih Medangsya by Wuku calendar. The responsibility is taken by the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta.
Another major attraction would be the monkeys here. Tourists are often advised to take off their hats, sun shades, watches, bracelets and jewelry and hold on to their bags carefully. The crazy monkeys actually trade the goods they steal with bananas which would come as quite a surprise. One can also enjoy the Kecak or monkey dance held every evening for an hour in the Uluwatu temple. One can also enjoy the numerous rock and cave formations beneath.