Introduction
The Bukit Peninsula hangs from the base of the main island of Bali like a treasured earring, dangling on by the thinnest strip of land.
It's an arid tableland strikingly different to the rest of verdant Bali, where fireflies dance at night in the mouths of limestone caves and peaceful beaches lie hidden at the foot of towering cliffs.
At the tip of the peninsula is Uluwatu Beach, perhaps Bali's most demanding surf spot. A number of local restaurants and wonderful resorts command cliff-top positions and offer magical sunsets and birds-eye views of the surfers below.
Nearby is Pura Luhur, one of Bali's most holy Hindu temples. Built in the 11th century, it sits serenely 70 metres above the pounding surf and offers panoramic views across the ocean to Java.
A good time to go is at sunset, when Kecak dances are held in the temple grounds. Just be sure to keep a grip on your belongings, as the temple monkeys like to snatch at sunglasses and anything within reach - even cigarettes.
