BY :YUDHA BASKORO Jakarta Globe October 31, 2020

The Pura Luhur Uluwatu entrance. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

BALI –  Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a temple in Bali which sits at the top of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, opens its doors for tourists under strict health protocols.

The famous tourist spot has slashed the visitor capacity to prevent coronavirus transmission. There are hand-washing booths and signs urging physical distancing installed on its every corner.

Anyone, be it tourists, guards, or pilgrims, must abide by the health protocols when inside the temple. 

Guards stand by the entrance to not only check the visitor’s self-purity, but also their personal health. They will instruct visitors to wash their hands and check on their temperature before granting entry.

Because the temple is a sacred place, visitors must wear sarong if their bottoms are above their knees. During the pandemic, all sarong are washed before being handed to other visitors.

Since its reopening in July after a three-month closure, the Pura Luhur Uluwatu has seen a significant decline in the number of visitors and monthly impact. The pandemic does not only affect the tour guides and souvenir traders, but the colossal Kecak dancers as well. 

The performance which involves around 60-100 dancers has always been one of Pura Luhur Uluwatu’s main attractions.

In normal times, the performance could earn up to 6 billion (around $409,072) per month. Unfortunately, the dance could not be performed anymore due to the lack of audience.

Two Balinese women stand by the physical distancing signs at Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Bali. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

https://jakartaglobe.id/vision/pura-luhur-uluwatu-reopens-under-strict-health-protocols

Source: Jakarta Globe, Indonesia October31, 2020

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