Bali Runaway (Day 2-2) - Ramayana sunset and dinner at Jimbaran

A small entrance fee was required to enter Uluwatu. Pak Made helped us tie on our purple sarungs and lead the way in. In Bali, sarungs or sarongs (depending on which Malay archipelago you come from) with a sash, are used when entering holy grounds as a sign of respect. You usually don't have to pay extra one as it's part of ticket price.

Some quick notes on temple attire. It's quite similiar to other religions. Remember to always RESPECT. Otherwise the evil monkees will come after ya!
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the 6 directional temples in Bali. This temple guards Bali from the evil spirits from the south west. If you see aerial photos of the temple, it is just an amazing sight. The temple perches on the tip of southern Bali, 250 feet above crashing waves.

We didn't manage to take much photos at the temple itself as it was closed. Visitors were only able to wander around outside. There were many people milling about that I couldn't take a decent photo of the temple. Our guide also warned us to keep a firm grip on our phones and cameras because the resident monkeys will try an make a grab for it.

Walking towards the cliffs for a better view

A view of Pura Luhur Uluwatu's temple from the cliffs

This was the last shot before we had to cross a troop of monkeys. I immediately kept my glasses and camera in my bag. The monkeys were very aggressive and sat on railings trying to sum up an opportunity. There were some temple staff tramping around in the bushes with sling shots in efforts to get the monkeys to move away from the ever increasing tourists. It's actually kind of scary whenever a monkey darts close.

After the monkey zone, we arrived at another cliff where we viewed the ocean waves rolling into the cliffs. Uluwatu is also known to be one of the best surfing spots for experienced surfers.

Look at em' rollin' in

For the parents, keep an firm grip on your kids (if you have those of walking age). There are no railings on the cliffs. It's a one way trip down. The edges are also crumbly so don't get too close. You never know if the universe decides that your time is up.

We went to the "ticketing counter" to wait for the temple staff to start ticket sales. The ticket counter is an unassuming concrete table next to the path to the cliff walk. The temple staff usually only come at 5.30pm. Once they arrive, its a mad rush to get the tickets as there is limited seating. The strange thing is that they magically appeared walking through the bush where the monkeys disappeared into.
Tickets cost around IDR100,000.

The amphitheater faced the setting sun. The view was breathtaking.  The best place, IMO, is near the railings from the 3rd seat onwards. If you seat on the first level, it's good for photo-ops but beware of the hurtling fireballs.

The Kecak Dance is a Balinese musical developed by a German musician for foreigners in the 1930s. It was never a cultural dance. The German, Walter Spies, worked with with a Balinese dancer, Wayan Limbak, to incorporate aspects of Ramayana and traditional exorcism rituals into the Kecak. It's performed just before sunset so that the last rays of the days cast onto the performers. No music instruments are used. The chants of 150 male performers accompany the actors as they move from scene to scene. Although it is something made to entertain foreigners, it is very interesting to watch. The view, the drama and sounds come together nicely. However, the male performers are obviously exhausted from chanting non-stop for more than 1 hour.

A little past 6pm, the monks did a short prayer ceremony and the men filed in. Sorry gals, no hunks.
Their rhythmic chanting filled the air as Rama and Sita entered the scene. I'm not going to give too much away about the story as nothing beats watching the performance. In short, lady wanted golden deer, The lord being a gentleman, went after it. Wicked king tricked lady and kidnapped her (like Snow White). Monkeys are used to bring her back. Wicked king defeated

Lady is sulking because no golden deer

Don't worry milady, I'm on a mission

Immediately after the show, Pak Made hurried us away. He said that there will be a massive jam getting out of there later on so best to beat the crowd. If you are planning to hang aruond Uluwatu area after the show, stay a little while longer for the photo opportunity with the performers. Hats off to them! Especially the shades wearing Hanuman.

It was an hour's drive to Jimbaran for our seafood dinner. Dinner was at Blue Ocean Seafood Restaurant. I bet that restaurants along Jimbaran Bay will have the same overpriced dish since you are paying for the view and not really the seafood dinner. My dinner for 2 came up to IDR515,000. So I'm not going to put the contact of that restaurant in this post.

At Jimbaran, most patrons will be seated facing the crashing waves, while there are wondering minstrels entertain for a fee.  My friends have recommended seafood places nearer to Intercontinental Hotel. Not sure how much better it is but you can give it a try.

Lights are all seafood restaurant at Jimbaran Bay

There were some reviews complaining about "dead fish" at Jumbaran restaurants. Yes, a live seafood restaurant means live fishes. A seafood restaurant is a restaurant that serves seafood which could have have been in the freezer or caught during the day. When I was at the restaurant, there were no live fish for me to choose from. I went to the cooking station, checked out the freshness of the fish (the usual eye and gill check) and made my order.

Sometimes, I rather not have an animal die because of me. Crabs is an exception because you can't eat pre-killed crabs. I wonder whether those reviewers ever had to kill a fish, clean it's guts and roast it. I have, back in the day.

By the way, remember to buy corn from the push cart sellers. It's great!