Tanah Lot Temple “Pura Tanah Lot” is a symbol of tourism in Bali and has become one of the famous tourist attractions that must be seen on Bali island. An ancient Hindu shrine perched on a rock near the coast of Bali, it looks dramatic at high tide as if it were floating on the sea. You might not want to miss while Tanah Lot temple tours, what to do, and where to go.
This tourist attraction is crowded with many tourists almost every day. Tourism activities in the temple area mainly consist of sightseeing, photography, etc. Some tourists sit relaxed eating corn on the cob while waiting for the beautiful sunset view of Tanah Lot.
Tanah Lot Temple History
This temple in Bali or people known as Pura Tanah Lot is a rock formation that looks like an island, located on the west coast of Bali, one of the seven sea temples on the Bali coast, another famous one is the Uluwatu temple, a temple honoring the sea god.
It is about 2 kilometers away from Tabanan regency and can be reached by car or public transportation in about 30-45 minutes.
The Temple built was in 1750 by Nirartha and his followers to spread Hinduism. Nirartha is a high priest from the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java during his travel along the south coast.
At that time the village of Beraban was led by Bendesa Beraban Sakti, who strongly opposed the teachings of Dang Hyang Nirartha in Beraban village. Bendesa Beraban Sakti, adheres to monotheism.
Now, It is considered one of the most important temples in Bali because it shows the Hindu religion and culture of Indonesia.
Hours & Entrance Fee
- Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Entrance Fee (Adults): IDR 60,000
- Entrance Fee (Kids): IDR 30,000
These are the current fee for Tanah Lot as of 2022, ticket prices are subject to change. There you can see a lot of things and 2 main temples: Batu Bolong Temple and Tanah Lot Temple.
Best time to visit Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple can be visited at any time of the day. If you want to see the sunset, it’s best to be there about an hour before sunset to enjoy the sea breeze and relax in the resting spot there.
Not a fan of crowds? Going early in the morning on weekdays is a way. The temple is also not crowded at noon, but it gets quite hot in the afternoon.
Visitors should check the tide times as weekends are generally very busy and the temple is inaccessible during high tide.
Don’t forget to capture the memories here! Tanah Lot is always known as one of the most photographed sea temple in Bali.
Also Read: Best Place to Stay in Bali: From Budget to Luxury
How To Get To Tanah Lot Temple?
Tanah Lot Temple is located at Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Tabanan Regency, Bali. You can get there by taxi or rental scooter.
But it will find more convenient to visit the temple as part of an island tour. Don’t worry, the parking area is close to the main attraction and it’s safe.
If you are from Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, it takes about 45 minutes and 30-40 minutes from Ubud to reach the temple.
There are also so many tours that offer to visit Tanah Lot Temple, and you can find the local tour around your stay or ask for a recommendation from a trusted person.
What To Do in Tanah Lot Bali
The main reason to visit Tanah Lot Bali is to see the ancient temples and watch the sunset. But for the Balinese, it’s a holy place for worshipping the Balinese sea gods.
Visit Art Shops
During your visit to Tanah Lot Bali, you will see so many market-style souvenir shops lining the whole entrance to the beach and temple.
The good thing also, is the prices aren’t too high either. So many things to buy there, from traditional arts, batik, clothing, and even merchandise with Tanah Lot temple are available.
Watch Sunset
If you want to enjoy the sunset, there’s a Tanah lot temple sunset terrace, it has a great view over the Indian Ocean and Bali’s west coast.
You can also relax in the resting spots while enjoying the view. Green grassy ground with well kept tropical gardens will make you want to stay longer there.
The sunsets are beautiful in Tanah Lot Temple, and watching them over the ocean is a great way to spend an evening.
You will see the natural beauty of black volcanic sand with the religious temple and magnificent sunset backdrops.
Sightseeing in Tanah Lot Temple
The best views of Tanah Lot Temple can be seen from the cliff terraces near the temple. There you can see the island from above and watch the constantly crashing waves. When the main offshore temple is on high tide, it seems to float on the seas.
If Pura Tanah Lot is an offshore temple, there are also onshore temples, one of which is the Penyawang. A spiritual proxy of Tanah Lot that receives pilgrims when the main offshore temples are inaccessible at high tide.
At low tide, though you can step out onto the rocks you will not be able to do a temple visit inside, but you can get a closer look at the wooden temple buildings just 30 meters from the shore on the temple grounds.
Taste The Holy Water
In Tanah Lot Temple, there is holy water available and you can taste the holy water from its source. Cup your palms and drink the surprisingly fresh water. You can also have an opportunity to be blessed by Priests at the fountain bless visitors.
Visiting Tanah Lot Temple, it’s one of the ways to understand the great religious importance in Bali.
Holy Snake
There are sea snakes in the temple area known as venomous sea snakes, it’s black and white coloring on their skin, and they are the guards of this religious site.
These snakes are known to protect the area and its people from evil spirits. In return, the people respect and protect the snakes to exist in their natural habitat.
Believe it or not, Balinese Hindus have believed for generations that if they pray while stroking the sacred snake at Tanah Lot, their prayers will come true.
Must Visit Batu Bolong Temple
It’s still in Tanah Lot temple’s complex, and Batu Bolong temple is mostly used to site host prayer sessions. Inside the temple, there is a fresh spring that comes out of the rock.
There is also holy water which is used for religious ceremonies such as Melasti, Pakelem, and Piodalan. Visitors can only see the temple by circling the wall around the temple. Below the temple, there’s a large offshore rock but its hollow known as “Batu Bolong”.
Places to Visit Near Tanah Lot
There are so many things you can visit near Tanah Lot Temple, from restaurants, Taman Ayun temple, and historical sites island-wide to Hot springs.
Restaurant Near Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot Bali is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Of course, it has several restaurants near the temple, so you can grab dinner before watching the sunset or after.
Some of the recommended restaurants near Tanah Lot are Natty restaurant, Depot Dini Cafe, Warung Subak Pekendungan, De Jukung Resto & Bar, and Da Romeo Restaurant.
Puri Anom Tabanan
Puri Anom Tabanan is an ancient puri (palace), one of the relics of the Tabanan Kingdom. The place where the Tabanan kingdom was founded by Adityawoman’s son, in 1343, named Sri Naralaryakensen.
Puri Anom is one of the castles that has a complete structure and remains intact today. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and learn about Balinese royal traditions at the former royal residence of Tabanan Regency.
Today Puri is open for public activities such as visits and other artistic and cultural activities in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the Nusantara.
Jatiluwih Green Land
Jatiluwih was once a nomination for the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. A perfect place to visit near Tanah Lot Bali. Let yourself be enchanted by the sheer beauty of the rice fields’ panoramic landscape which is beautiful and worth seeing.
Experience exotic views, mainly due to the gentle slope of the terrace, allowing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
People who live near Jatiluwih are the villagers’ agrarian life, so during your visit, you will find many people working in the fields with a scenery
Vihara Dharma Giri
Like the building of Dharmagiri Temple in Pupuan Village, Tabanan. In addition to the Buddha statue with legs crossed, there is also a large pure white sleeping Buddha statue, which is majestic and spectacular in the beautiful natural scenery.
Within this area, the reclining Buddha statue became a new tourist attraction in the tourist area of Tabanan Bali. a must place to visit if you are near Tanah Lot.
Location: Vihara Dharma Giri
Beaches around Tanah Lot
After you are finished in Tanah Lot, you can reach some of the beaches here. Some of them are well-known and some are quite one.
Maybe this list can be your alternative while taking a short break from crowds. The beaches you can visit such as Kelating Beach, Kedungu Beach, Abian Kapas Beach, and more.
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