Pura Luhur Uluwatu on the western tip of the Bukit Peninsula offers a spectacular location to see a Balinese dance. The temple is important not just as an attraction for visiting tourists, but for the spiritual wellbeing of Bali. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of 9 kayangan jagat (directional temples) that protect Bali from evil spirits. The kayangan jagat are located all over the island is auspicious place.
They are:
Pura Ulun Danau Batur (north), Pura Pasar Agung (northeast), Pura Lempuyang Luhur (east), Goa Lawah (southeast), Pura Masceti (south), Pura Luhur Batukaru (west), Pura Ulun Danau Bratan (northwest), Besakih (center) and Pura Luhur Uluwatu (southwest).
Bali has other temples such as Pura Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun that are more impressive than some of the kayangan jagat, which goes to show there are other factors than size and appearance, to take into consideration when visiting a temple.
The kecak and fire dances at Pura Uluwatu take place daily at 6-7pm and cost 40,000rp. These can be arranged from almost every hotel in Bali, plus any one of the hundred street-side travel agents. You can also buy tickets the temple.
