Pura Tanah Lot is a Balinese Hindu sanctuary located on a rock formation on the western coastline of Bali Indonesia. It is situated in the Beraban village of the Tabanan Regency, about 20 kilometers northwest of Denpasar.

Pura Tanah Lot Sea Temple is said to be one of the most photographed temples in Bali

In the Balinese language Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea”. The temple is one of seven sea temples located around the Balinese coast that were established to honor the Balinese sea gods and are believed to provide spiritual protection to the island.

The temple is believed to date back to the 16th century. According to local legend, it was established by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a revered Hindu priest. He is said to have meditated on the rock and felt it was a holy place to build a temple dedicated to the sea gods.

Two guides guarding the entrance to the Cave of the Holy Snake

The Holy Snake

The caves at the base of the rock on which Pura Tanah lot temple sits is inhabited by sea snakes that are considered sacred guardians of the temple and are believed to protect the temple from evil spirits and intruders.

Sea snakes are a type of venomous snake that are adapted to marine environments and are commonly found in the waters around Southeast Asia, including Bali. While sea snakes are venomous, they are typically not aggressive unless provoked, and they are an important part of the local ecosystem.

Holy Water Spring

There is a freshwater spring at the base of the rocky island on which the temple sits. This spring is considered sacred by the Balinese people. Visitors often take a sip of holy water for blessings.

At high tide, the rock appears to be floating on the ocean, while at low tide, visitors can walk closer to the temple. Before ascending up the steps of the temple, visitors have to participate in what looks like a sort of purification ritual.

Cultural Practices

Pura Tanah Lot is an active worship site that plays a significant role in Balinese religious and cultural practices. The ceremonies and rituals held here regularly attract both worshippers and tourists.

Pura Bolong Batu Mejan- The temple complex consist of other small temples, shrines and areas for rituals ceremonies and offerings

Preservation Efforts

Over the years, natural erosion has threatened the stability of the rock on which the temple stands. In the late 20th century significant restoration efforts were undertaken, including the construction of artificial rock to stabilize the temple’s foundation.

Bolong Batu Mejan -The unique rock formations at this temple complex provides a dramatic backdrops anytime of day but, especially during sunset.

Tourism

Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations. It offers stunning views, especially at sunset. The temple complex is surrounded by a variety of facilities including gift shops selling various Balinese clothing, artwork etc., restaurants and cultural performances.

Getting There

Located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta, Tanah Lot Temple is easily accessible by car. The journey from Kuta to Tanah Lot typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Visitors can opt for a private car hire, taxi service or join a guided tour for a hassle-free travel experience.

Access & Fees

Upon arrival at Tanah Lot Temple gateway, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to access the temple complex. The entrance fee for foreign tourists was around 60,000 to 80,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. Additionally, there might be fees for parking and other facilities within the temple grounds. Also note that, while tourists can explore the temple grounds, the inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers.

Practical Tips:

• Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting Tanah Lot Temple, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of reverence.
• For a more extensive exploration of the temple and its surroundings it is much better to plan your visit during low tide.
• Give yourself at least 3 hours to soak up the sacred scenes and peruse the available facilities.

A true view of how crowded some of these Balinese sites can be

When To Visit

It is best to visit the area as early as possible, we arrived at about 10am and it was extremely busy with tourist and local students. However, regardless of the popularity this was a well mannered crowd and our visit to Pura Tanah Lot was in a word, captivating.

Until next time. Enjoy your Balinese vacation with the Ultimate Bali Pass