Pura Luhur

Pura Luhur is a Balinese temple at the southwestern edge of Bali, positioned on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. The complex contains multiple shrines connected by stone pathways and surrounded by gardens with low walls, while the main shrine sits within a walled inner courtyard.

The temple's foundation dates to the 10th century, when local fishermen built a sanctuary to honor the sea deities. In the 16th century, a Javanese priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha added new structures and transformed the site into a major pilgrimage destination.

The complex takes its name from Old Javanese luhur, meaning elevated or sacred place, which refers to its position above the sea. The sanctuary follows the traditional tripartite layout of Balinese temples, with an outer zone for ceremonies, a middle section for worshippers, and an inner courtyard reserved for consecrated priests.

Visitors should wear a sarong and sash, both available for rent at the entrance, to comply with religious customs. The complex is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and most guests arrive in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Long-tailed macaques live on the temple grounds and have learned to take objects from visitors in order to trade them for food. These monkeys have developed a system where they return stolen sunglasses or hats only in exchange for specific treats.