My First Full Moon Experience at Uluwatu

I still remember my first full moon ceremony at Uluwatu Temple. It was a few years ago, and I had just moved to Bali. I had heard about the full moon ceremonies, but I had no idea what to expect. My friend, a local Balinese, invited me to join her family at the temple. We arrived around 6 pm, and the sun was setting over the Indian Ocean. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of frangipani flowers. As we walked towards the temple, I could hear the sound of gamelan music and the chanting of the priests. It was mesmerizing.

We found a spot near the temple entrance, and my friend’s family had set up a simple altar with offerings of incense, flowers, and food. The ceremony started around 7 pm, and the full moon was rising over the temple. The energy was electric, and I felt a deep sense of connection to the island and its people. It was my first experience with a full moon ceremony, and I was hooked. I have been attending these ceremonies ever since.

The Ceremony

The full moon ceremony at Uluwatu Temple is a traditional Balinese Hindu ceremony called the Galungan. It is a celebration of the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). The ceremony is led by the temple priests and involves various rituals, including the offering of prayers, incense, and food to the gods. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional Balinese music and dance performances.

The ceremony takes place every full moon, and it’s a popular event among tourists and locals alike. However, it’s essential to note that the ceremony is a spiritual event, and it’s essential to dress modestly and respectfully. I have seen many tourists showing up in beachwear or flip-flops, which is completely unacceptable. Dress code for the ceremony is a sarong or a long skirt and a modest top. You can rent a sarong at the temple entrance for around 10,000 IDR (about $0.70 USD).

Practical Tips

• Get There Early: The ceremony starts around 7 pm, but it’s essential to arrive early to secure a good spot. The temple gets crowded quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck at the back.
• Bring a Sarong: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to dress modestly for the ceremony. Bring a sarong or rent one at the temple entrance.
• Respect the Ceremony: Remember that the ceremony is a spiritual event, and it’s essential to respect the priests, the music, and the dance performances.
• Bring Snacks: The ceremony can last for several hours, and it’s a good idea to bring some snacks to keep you energized.

My Personal Take

I have been attending the full moon ceremonies at Uluwatu Temple for years, and it’s an experience I always look forward to. It’s a chance to connect with the island’s rich culture and spiritual heritage. If you’re planning to visit Bali, I highly recommend attending a full moon ceremony at Uluwatu Temple. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

The Cost

The cost of attending the full moon ceremony at Uluwatu Temple is minimal. The entrance fee is around 30,000 IDR (about $2.10 USD) per person, and you can hire a sarong for around 10,000 IDR (about $0.70 USD). If you want to watch the ceremony from a closer spot, you can hire a guide for around 50,000 IDR (about $3.50 USD) per person.