The Bukit (as it is commonly referred to) includes the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu, a number of Bali's very best beaches and the top surfing spots on the island. As is so often the case, it was intrepid surfers who really opened up the eyes of the world to this part of the island.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit.
There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.Uluwatu is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers though - the waves are big here.
There is a story about Hindu priest from Java called "Dang Hyang Nirartha" or " Peranda Sakti Wawu Rauh", full of mystical episodes since his arrival until his disappearance in Bali. One of Hindu teaching is the same as other religion that is concerning the world after death or the "here after world " This world is contrasted into two polarization such as Eden garden and hell. For those devotee, a promise of all goodness and happiness are there which is called "sorga" In the tradition of Hindu in Bali it is said that the "sorga" is undescribed by words, and undepicted with picture. Where truth is an absolute, and body is embraced into it, so it only exist " enlightenment". But one can not enter the sorga with worldly body except their holy spirit when he/she during the life had completed duties and behaved as indicated by religious teaching.
The other way one can reach sorga by the way called "moksa". It is not quiet clear what is actually meant by the word "moksa". Many assumptions arose. One thought it is a body sublimation, that one who has reach his stage of moksa disappeared in the world without living his/her physical body. This stage can only be reached with a severe body control on senses while developing knowledge by meditation or hermitage. Others thought that when a person dead, their spirit become one with the absolute being, and will not experience rebirth anymore. Since life is basically a punishment of sins and misdeeds of their past life. So, actually based on the last teaching human being during his life is stirred to do the good thing.
Dang Hyang Nirarta is believed the one that have reached such stage, and he accomplished his moksa on a spot of land which is believed to be the sacred place. In this sacred place then was built a temple called Ulu Watu. That was why the place has been considered a very special place by the king in the past. It is not only Uluwatu temple that is associated with Dang Hyang Nirarta, but many temple such as Ponjok Batu at North West Bali, Rambut Siwi in Negara regency and Sila Yukti in East Bali. It is probably the claim from Hindu priest in the past that their role in the society was unquestionable.
