Tanah Lot: Bali’s Scenic Sea Temple

TANAH LOT, MAGNIFICENT BALINESE TEMPLE IN THE OPEN OCEAN

To many people, Tanah Lot epitomizes the romantic island of Bali. This is the image of Balinese temples on the rock facing the wide open ocean, perched high above the crashing waves below, with as background the colorful sky at dusk, lit by the slowly disappearing setting sun.

Located in the sea some 300 meters from shore, the huge rock of Tanah Lot is reachable overland at low tide. On its northern side stand two Balinese temples built on an overhanging cliff which connects the islet to the shore. Underneath the rock are caves that are inhabited by sea snakes, believed to be the guardians of the temples.

At the entrance lane to Tanah Lot you will find many art shops offering local handicrafts besides other products like T-shirts, Balinese sarongs, hats, sandals, accessories, paintings, woodcarvings, and more. Here you will also find stalls selling food and drinks.

The best time to visit Tanah Lot is during Odalan, which is celebrated every 210 days, near the Galungan and Kuningan festivities on the holy day known as Buddha Cemeng Langkir. On this day you will see rows of Balinese women gracefully carrying offerings on their head to pray at the temple of Tanah Lot.

The tourist area of Tanah Lot near the rock is very well managed for visitors. It has a parking area, toilets, art shops, restaurants, hotel, open stage, tourist information centre, and security and safety services. Your ticket also covers insurance against accidents.

There are many restaurants here where you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or lunch. Experience the serenity of the tropical sun slowly disappearing beyond the horizon and the wide open ocean, and listen to the sound of the soothing waves crashing on the shore. It will be an incredible memory to treasure all your life.

Get Around

The Sunset Terrace

The Sunset terrace is the best place to watch an unforgettable sunset over Tanah Lot. Here you can enjoy a luxurious breakfast or lunch, taste special Balinese food and drinks, and watch the tide flow in. At high tide the rock of Tanah Lot appears like a boat floating on the waves. On full moon nights, spend an unforgettable romantic evening on the terrace with your loved one.

Batu Bolong

The temple at Batu Bolong is located some 100 meters west of Pura Enjung Galuh. The temple is built within the cave inside a huge rock that juts out into the sea. During Melasti, people come here to pray at the temple of Batu Bolong.  

Enjung Galuh

The temple or Pura Enjung Galuh stands right next to Pura Jero Kandang, also at Enjung Galuh. “Njung” means the rock that juts out to sea. Pura Enjung Galuh is dedicated to the goddess of welfare, Dewi Sri Shakti.

The Surya Mandala Cultural Park

At the Surya Mandala cultural park you can enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, while meetings and conferences are also often held here. Here is also a good place to enjoy the view. The Kecak Dance which is normally performed just before sunset is held here daily.

The Art Market

Here is also an art and souvenir market for those wanting to shop for art pieces or souvenirs from Bali to take home.

Get There

Tanah Lot is around 30 km west of the city of Denpasar or 11 km south of the town of Tabanan, and 43 km from Kuta Beach. Coming from Denpasar on the main highway and arriving in the town of Kediri, you will certainly not miss the large sign at the main intersection announcing the southwest turn to Pura Tanah Lot. To reach the temple of Tanah Lot you will need to cross some dry land then climb a hill to reach the site of the temple.