Located on a small rock formation named Tanah Lot, the Tanah Lot Temple is one of Indonesia’s most popular attractions and gives visitors a chance to soak up some local culture. Drawing around one million local and foreign visitors annually, this ancient temple is situated near Tabanan town along the southern coast of Bali.
A well known location to witness spectacular sunsets, the Tanah Lot Temple translates to “land in the sea” and sits on a rocky islet surrounded by the ocean. According to local legends, the temple was founded by Danghyang Nirartha, a priest who lived during the 16th century. This holy place has been dedicated to the God of the sea who acts as a guardian to the local inhabitants, especially the area’s fishermen who depend on the sea for their livelihood. Near the structure one will also find several small caves including one that is home to sea snakes that locals believe act as guardians.
During the 1980s however, the rock that held the temple began to disintegrate and give way into the sea. With help from a loan from the Japanese government, the breaking up of the rock surface was halted and a renovation program was started whereby natural looking artificial rock was used to put a halt to the erosion.
Made up of 8 shrines, the Tanah Lot Temple has a definite Hindu influence and has a five storey building used for the worship of the sea God as well as a small building where Dang Hyang Nirartha is worshiped. The temple itself is one of seven such structures that are located along the coast, each built within easy reach of each other. Those planning to explore the area and its surroundings can also visit such temples as Penataran, Penyawang, Jero Kandang, Enjung Galuh and Pakendungan.
Travellers planning to enjoy a luxurious holiday experience can stay in luxury villas Bali that can be found throughout the island. One will also find idyllic Luxury villas in Bali such as Alila Villas Soori that is set amidst a picturesque natural setting and which is only around 20 minutes from the Tanah Lot Temple.
