Tanah Lot

Bali’s most photographed temple stands on a rock in the surf, cut off from the shore at high tide. At sunset the sky turns orange behind it and the whole coast comes to watch.

History

Tanah Lot is linked to Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu priest who travelled from Java in the 16th century. According to local tradition he rested on this rock on his journey along the coast, was struck by its beauty and told the local fishermen to build a shrine here.

Over the centuries the temple became part of a chain of sea temples along Bali’s southern coast, each said to be within sight of the next. The rock itself has been protected from erosion with artificial reefs and reinforced by the Indonesian government.

Meaning and culture

The name means “land in the sea” in Balinese. The temple is dedicated to Dewa Baruna, also called Bhatara Segara, the god of the sea, and Nirartha himself is honoured here. Balinese Hindus see the sea temples as guardians that protect the island from the forces of the ocean.

Every 210 days, following the Balinese pawukon calendar, the temple holds its odalan anniversary festival. Thousands of worshippers dressed in white bring towers of offerings across the sand, a moving sight if your visit falls on that day.

What to see

• The temple rock and the holy freshwater spring at its base, where priests bless visitors with water and rice (a small donation is customary)
• Pura Batu Bolong, a smaller temple on a natural rock arch a short walk north
• The clifftop path and gardens with views back to Tanah Lot
• The art market at the entrance for sarongs, woodcarvings and snacks

Good to know

• The inner temple is open to worshippers only; visitors see it from the outside.
• You can walk to the base of the rock only at low tide. Check the tide before you go.
• Sunset is very busy. For a quiet visit, come between 12:00 and 15:00 instead.
• A Kecak dance is staged nearby at sunset on most days (about IDR 100K).