One of the seven sacred sea temples in Bali, Pura Tanah Lot is a fascinating repository of myth and legend that is a must-see site on any cultural itinerary. Whilst you are here, book one of the fine hotels in Seminyak to host your cultural forays, as the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak is a fine example of a 5 star hotel Seminyak has to offer its visitors.
Situated on a rocky isle just off the coast of Bali is the Tanah Lot temple, one of seven sea temples that form a chain of sacred localities. The temple dates back to the fifteenth century, when its construction was ordered by a priest, Nirartha, who received a message whilst spending the night on the island, which told him that the island would be a powerful place to worship the Balinese gods of the sea. According to legend, a host of poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil and intruders, and a giant snake is the main protector, supposedly created from Nirartha’s scarf. The path leading to the island is a bit commercialized, with a spate of souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to tourists, but the temple rock itself is a serene and unique landmark to discover and explore.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+