Pura Uluwatu looks like any other temples in Bali. However, it is perched right on top of a cliff overlooking a gorgeous sea view. That makes it more special than any other temples in there. I would recommend you going between 4-6pm so that you have enough time to explore the beautiful scenery during day light without waiting too long for sunset. The traditional kecak dance starts at 6pm daily if you are interested.
Before you enter the temple, there are many warning signboards cautioning you against the monkeys and also to keep your spectacles in your bag. Do adhere to it or you will regret losing you expensive glasses or shades to those mischievous monkeys. These little creatues are not afraid of human contact and can get pretty agressive. While I was there, there were a few monkeys which tried to snatch the slippers of some visitors. In short, anything small that is easy to grab or dangling like your camera, flip flops, glasses, etc are best guarded. There was even a cheeky monkey which was mocking the owner of a pair of spectacles as it plays with the latter with glee.
Unlike Pura Tanah Lot which has plenty of stalls / stores which sell knick-knacks, paintings and other souvenirs, there is nothing to see here.
The most important advice I can give you and take it seriously please: Before you get out of your car take off or store these items, glasses, hearing aids, jewelry, earrings, hats, flip flop shoes, cell phones and anything else you might want to keep. Leave your prescription glass off and in the car, seen 14 pair destroyed, really.
The monkeys will take them, that is a guarantee.
Now relax, you don't have a thing they want and will leave you alone. We went a few hours before sunset to walk around and it was fun, now set up your camera and be ready for the best sunset of your life. Monkeys did not seem to be interested in my big SLR but I would be careful with compacts. There is a show at the temple also, but we did not go.
Ulu Watu is one of several important temples to the spirits of the sea along the south coast of Bali. In the 11th century the Javanese priest Empu Kuturan first established a temple here. The complex was added to by Nirartha, another Javanese priest who is known for the seafront temples at Tanah Lot, Rambut Siwi and Pura Sakenan. Nirartha retreated to Ulu Watu for his final days when he attained moksa (freedom from earthly desires).
A popular Kecak dance is held in the temple grounds at sunset (100,000Rp), when traffic jams form during high season.
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