One of Bali’s most significant attractions, Tanah Lot Temple is renowned for its distinctive offshore position and sunset backdrops. Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s must-see landmarks; it is an old Hindu sanctuary located atop an outcrop amid loudly breaking surf.
Overview
Smaller shrines and visitor-friendly amenities, including restaurants, stores, and a cultural park with frequent dance performances are scattered around the Tanah Lot temple complex’s onshore area. The temple is situated around 20 kilometres northwest of Kuta in the Beraban village of the Tabanan regency about 15 mins away from many a jungle resort in Bali such as the popular Nirjhara.
The Legend of Tanah Lot
In order to preach Hinduism, Dang Hyang Nirartha, a high priest from the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java, went to Bali in 1489. As soon as he arrived, he built a shrine honouring Baruna, the sea god, there. Here, he taught the Beraban villagers his beliefs, but the village head quickly assembled his devoted supporters to put an end to Nirartha. The priest fought back, miraculously transferring a giant rock he had been contemplating out to sea and changing his men into sea snakes to stand vigil at its foot. Tengah Lod, the rock’s original name, translates as “in the sea.”
Highlights
Tanah Lot faced the ongoing threat of erosion after centuries of powerful waves repeatedly pounding at its rock base, reaching a major fall in 1980. With assistance from the Japanese government, local authorities preserved Tanah Lot and other historical landmarks across the entire island. In its fully restored state, one-third of the rock is artificial.
Good things to know about the temple
The panoramic vistas and cultural offerings nearby are highlights to savour, despite the fact that the main temple grounds of Tanah Lot are solely for praying pilgrims and are closed off to visitors. The pilgrimages are fun parades worth seeing on Kuningan Day, which falls five days before the temple’s anniversary. On Bali’s 210-day Pawukon calendar, Tanah Lot’s piodalan anniversary occurs on a Wednesday that follows each Kuningan. When visiting a Bali temple, keep in mind that you must behave properly and wear appropriate clothing.
