Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. The majestic setting, namely on an island out to sea, gives it a sense of mystique that draws crowds from across the world to see the view. It’s certainly worth your time to swing by this enigmatic sea temple.
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Visiting Pura Tanah Lot Temple
History and features of Pura Tanah Lot Temple in Bali
Tanah Lot quite literally means “Land in the Sea”, which is an apt description of this Balinese Hindu temple. The highly important sea temple sits at the tip of the Bukit Peninsula — one of a string of pura segara (sea temples) that ring the coast of Bali.
The founding of the temple is closely linked to the Majapahit priest, Dang Hyang Niratha. Niratha was an influential figure in the religious scenery of 16th-century Bali. He arrived on the island in 1537 after traveling there from East Java (on a pumpkin, according to one legend).
Niratha is said to be the influence behind the coastal structures and shrines that make up Bali’s sea temples — including Uluwatu. As he traveled along the south coast of Bali, he spotted the rock on which Pura Tanah Lot now sits and decided to take a break there.
He spent the night. Local fishermen brought him refreshments, and he told them to build a shrine on that spot because he believed it to be a holy place for the worship of the sea gods.
The temple has been an intrinsic part of Balinese spiritual beliefs over the centuries and is one of the seven sea temples that are spiritually connected around the coast. Each temple is thought to have been constructed within sight of the next, creating a protective chain along the southwest coast of Bali.
It’s also believed that the temple is protected from evil spirits by venomous sea snakes that live in the waters around the rocks at the base of the island. A giant sea serpent is also believed to watch over the island; this was formed by Niratha’s selendang (sash) at the moment he decided to establish the temple.
In more recent years, the temple has faced issues regarding erosion; the rock itself has begun to crumble away. In order to combat this, the rock on which the temple sits is not really a natural rock at all — it’s actually cleverly created artificial rock.
Concrete breakwaters were installed and later removed due to the damage it caused further along the coast. A fence was constructed around the temple in order to facilitate visitors to the site and to protect the temple from further damage.
Interested in visiting the Tanah Lot Temple on a guided tour? I recommend the following:
– Tanah Lot Temple Guided Tour
– Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tanah Lot Private Tour
– UNESCO World Heritage Sites Small Group Tour
What to see and do at Pura Tanah Lot in Bali
Enjoy the view
Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most popular temples in Bali — and for a good reason. The dramatic setting of the temple on the rugged rocks, with cliffs and the roaring sea, makes for quite the sight. Many people choose to come here towards the end of the day as it’s particularly stunning from here but come earlier in the morning, and you’ll avoid large crowds; you’ll be able to snap pictures of the coast in all its glory without too many other tourists in the way.
The Cave of the Snakes
At low tide, caves around the bottom of the rock on which the temple sits reveal themselves. These caves are the haunt of poisonous sea snakes, the same ones in the stories that are said to protect the temple from evil forces. Here you may find local people offering to take pictures with you and the snakes, but it’s probably a better idea to keep your distance.
Holy spring
In one of the caves underneath the temple is a freshwater spring. It’s unusual to see a source of freshwater gushing out so close to the sea, and for that reason, it’s viewed as a particularly sacred site. Balinese people come here to purify themselves from any negative influence. Drinking water from this spring is also said to bring inner calm. It’s looked after by the priests of Pura Tanah Lot.
Practical information for visiting Pura Tanah Lot temple in Bali
What to wear in the Pura Tanah Lot temple
The dress code at Pura Tanah Lot temple is respectful. It’s important to adhere to the religious sensibilities of Bali, so dressing in revealing clothing (for men or women) is not appropriate. It’s a good idea to make sure you wear clothes that cover up your body, including your shoulders and bare legs; wearing just a bathing suit is not a good idea.
You won’t need a sarong, particularly as, unlike other Balinese temples, you won’t actually be going into the temple grounds themselves, but it’s still a good idea to be respectful.
Where is Pura Tanah Lot temple (and how to get there)
You’ll find Pura Tanah Lot temple in Beraban, Kediri, way out on the Bukit Peninsula. The easiest jumping-off point for seeing this religious site in all its glory is probably Denpasar, which takes around an hour by car.
If you’re going to come for the sunset, leave with plenty of time to spare as the traffic can get really bad (busy with commuters and tour groups alike). Traveling here from Ubud — around 35 kilometers away — takes a little longer, just over an hour by car.
The best way to get here is by driving yourself, either a car or a motorbike. However, if you want a completely hassle-free time, then hiring a private driver for the day, or booking yourself onto a private or small-group tour, is a great way to see this incredible temple.
Note that due to its holy nature for Balinese people, foreigners aren’t actually allowed to enter the temple compound. You can walk over to the temple at low tide; however, at the entrance, you can pay a donation to the temple, and the priest will bless you.
Interested in visiting the Tanah Lot Temple on a guided tour? I recommend the following:
– Tanah Lot Temple Guided Tour
– Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tanah Lot Private Tour
– UNESCO World Heritage Sites Small Group Tour
Opening times of the Pura Tanah Lot temple
Pura Tanah Lot is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entrance Fees for the Pura Tanah Lot temple
It’s 60,000 RP for adults and 30,000 RP for children.