Pura Luhur Uluwatu: Monkey Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu: an 11th century Balinese sea temple built atop stunning 230 feet sheer cliffs over the Indian Ocean, on the southernmost edge of the Bukit peninsula. Beyond it's incredible architecture, the Uluwatu Temple has also gained popularity with tourists because it's occupied with an amazing amounts of grey monkeys- super, super cute but with a naughty side!

 

We've heard horror stories of these little monkeys, but I brushed them aside as rare accounts until I saw it in front of my own eyes. They will take ANYTHING from you that is not firmly attached to your body, like sunglasses, hats, earrings, even cameras or iPhones in your loose grip. I watched two monkeys crawl along an eye-level wall behind a couple, ganging up on them and attempting to snatch her iPhone from her hand and successfully grabbed her sunglasses from her head. I also witnessed a monkey run up and TRIP a small toddler- he came up and grabbed his ankle and ran away.

Personally, I think they're so damn cute that it must be out of playfulness and not of malicious intent. Just be prepared when you visit Pura Luhur Uluwatu. We didn't have any problems because we purposefully left our accessories behind, and held our cameras with a wristband and a super firm grip. The photo below is not using any zoom; this baby let us get within inches to him! Although a couple times he would curiously reach out his hands, ready to prance onto Shaun's arms.



Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a Hindu temple and there are customary guidelines to follow to show respect. For example, visitors (both male and female) should cover their shoulders and knees. If you arrive in a tank top and shorts, you will need to rent a sarong for a small donation.