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Located by the sea in southern Bali, the Uluwatu temple is a great place to watch the traditional kecak dance

Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

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By Team Lounge
Published Apr 20, 2023

Mint Lounge

Uluwatu is home to the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, which stands at the south-western tip of the island looking out to the Indian Ocean

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

The temple is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, a cosmic force and the supreme god in Balinese Hinduism

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

It is a fascinating amalgamation of Indonesian and Hindu elements going back to the 11th century

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

The famous Balinese kecak dance is performed mostly by men and relates tales from the Ramayana

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

The men form tight concentric circles around a lamp and make clucking sounds to accompany the dancers

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

Using flowing hand movements and elaborate facial expressions, they depict characters from the Ramayana—Ram, Sita, Lakshman

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

The temple’s ceremonial split gate with its elaborate contours is a sight to behold

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Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi

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