Tanah Lot Temple is the name in the Balinese that means “Sea Land”. Located in Tabanan, approximately 20 kilometers from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean waves.
Tanah Lot temple has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. This temple is one of seven sea temples along the coast of Bali. Each temple was founded in the vision of the sea next to form a chain along the west coast. Those Temples are Hindu religious relics that still exist until now
At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. This temple is said to be protected by a giant snake, which was created from Dhang Hyang Nirartha’s shawl (a type of sling) when he established the Temple.
In 1980, the stone face of the temple began to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become harmful. Then, the Japanese government provide loans to the Indonesian government to preserve historic temples and other important locations in Bali. As a result, more than one third of Tanah Lot “rock” is actually cleverly disguised artificial rock created during renovation and stabilization Japan program that is funded and controlled.
Tourism
Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famous for offshore setting with the unique sunset background. Ground site that decorated with a small temple beside the visitor recreation facilities which consist of restaurants, shops and cultural park which presents a regular dance performances.
The temple is located in the Braban village in Tabanan regency, approximately 20 km northwest of Kuta, and mostly included to the itinerary of the western and central Bali region’s tour.
The History
Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of 16th-century by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a high priest of the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java who traveled to Bali in 1489 to spread the Hindu religion. During his travels along the south coast he saw the exquisite rock-island and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and giving gifts. Nirartha then spend the night in the small island. Then he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a temple on the rock, because he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese Sea Gods.
Features Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
At high tide, waves flooded causeways making it impossible to cross to the Temple. At low tide, you can cross over to see the bedrock where the ‘guardian’ of the legendary sea serpent living in the crevices around the fountain Tirta Pabersihan. Spout of this nature is the source of holy water for all the temples in the area. The Priest at the fountain bless visitors by sprinkling holy water over their heads. You can cup your palms and take a sip to prove it is a remarkable fresh water in the seashore.
Onshore including Penyawang temple, spiritual proxy Tanah Lot temple which hosts pilgrims when major offshore inaccessible during high tide. Other small temples in the vicinity of the host prayer session for various aspects of agrarian life of the villagers, from a good harvest for the rites of passage. North of Tanah Lot is Batu Bolong Temple, which built on the same rock formation with kite ‘hollow’ connects to the mainland.
Comfortable paths and manicured tropical gardens baseline of Tanah Lot to Batu Bolong, with rest spots and offers the feel of a good vantage point for both outcrops. Art shops that offer souvenirs and antiques of all kinds which lined along the lot path from the parking to the temple, as well as local vendors who selling traditional snacks like the yummy jaja kelepon.
Large waves near dangerous rocks, be aware and obey the warning signs. For further security, lifeguards Balawista members take shifts to lend a watchful eye on a few key points along the coast. Insurance is included in the admission ticket and parking coupon. Check out our Bali tour packages that contain this spot or you may take a Bali car rental with driver service if you want to visit this spot only. Tanah Lot Temple entrance fee is IDR 60.000 per person.
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