There is never an off season for Indonesia’ tourist hub, Bali which is abuzz with activity throughout the year. Holiday makers, teenagers, honeymooners and even retired couples find the geographical formations alluring, the cuisine exotic, the tourist attractions irresistible and the experience unparalleled.
Joining the long line of fascinations in Bali is the Monkey Temple in Uluwatu, which is one picturesque location. There is no certainty as to whether visitors trip over the scenery more than over the ubiquitous monkeys or vice versa. The area is overrun with monkeys swaying between trees, running to and fro, snatching objects that shine and wriggling food out of the passersby. Often people stop to feed and pet them, which has made them fearless and aggressive in the presence of humans. Those who are not particularly fond of the mammal should be cautious when visiting the temple and be especially wary of their belongings, as monkeys definitely believe in surprise attacks.
The temple per se is located within the evergreens of a nature reserve atop a small mound overlooking the greenish blue ocean waves. Though it may seem that the name of the temple is derived from the creatures that keep circling the grounds, the truth is that Hindus consider the monkey a sacred animal and several sculptures of monkeys are found in within the premises.
As the sun’s rays diminish behind the temple, the Kecak Dance or Monkey Dance commences and is quite a performance. Hence, the best time to pay your respects at the shrine is as dusk falls, so that you do not miss out on the spectacular view, the display of dance or the venerated site along with its lifelong dwellers.
The holidaying mood that spreads through the winds of Bali is underpinned by the superior comforts offered by Bali resorts, which have been in operation for a while. Even the Uluwatu hotels are just as special or even more so, though the town is less well known, in comparison to its comrade city. The Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa has been one of the most patronized venues by the worshippers of the Monkey Temple.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
