The Pura Tanah Lot (Temple) was the second that I visited on my first trip to Bali many moons ago.
I did not then understand either of the spiritual, cultural or communal significance of Balinese Pura in general, or of Tanah Lot in particular. After gaining some knowledge in relation to the subject, the significance of Tanah Lot and its attributes have made subsequent visits a more meaningful experience.
Tanah Lot is probably one of the most iconic of the Balinese Temples and certainly one of the most visited and photographed. On any given day it is visited by an estimated 7 – 8000 persons. Images of it are a feature of books, articles, travel documentaries and you tube videos.
It is situated on the Southwest coastline of Bali, the same as the resort areas of Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
If you wish to visit by private vehicle, it is about about 1 hour 40 minutes drive from each of Nusa Dua and Kuta, and 1 hour 30 minutes from Sanur. However, these times can vary greatly according to traffic conditions.
Protecting the coastline
Tanah Lot is one of 7 so called sea temples that are visible from each other, and believed to be connected to form an unbroken spiritual chain along the Balinese coast. They were built to honour the gods of the sea, and also serve to protect the island from hostile sea spirits and forces.
The temple at Uluwatu, the subject of an earlier Blog is another in the chain.
Pura Tanah Lot dates to the 16th century, remains a sacred and important site for pilgrimage by followers of the Hindu religion, and a cultural icon for the Balinese who perceive it as an authentic and meaningful representation of their values, norms, and ideals.
Religious beginning
The Temple was founded by a Hindu Priest who according to legend came across the jagged rock formation while travelling through the area, considered it to be sacred and decided to spend the night there. The legend has it that the stopover offended a local leader, so the priest used his powers to move the rock base 300 metres offshore, and establish the Temple on it, where it sits today. He dedicated Tanah Lot to the sea god Dewa Baruna and created a poisonous sea snake to guard it.
The offshore location of Temple Tanah Lot is unique and sits in stark contrast to the coastline of its location, which is quite rugged. This uniqueness is a significant part of its appeal which is both iconic and picturesque and well evidenced during the stunning sunset views that occur in front of it over the Indian Ocean and which are a common feature of photographs of it.
I suggest that the best time to visit the temple is late afternoon, but because of its offshore location, you should always plan any visit by reference to the tides. A late afternoon visit will allow you to view internationally acclaimed beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean from one of many vantage points in the immediate area, and if you so choose, take in a Kecak dance.
Temples
There are 3 main temples in the complex with the main, and larger, being Pura Tanah Lot. It is situated on the offshore rock, and only able to be accessed at low tide.
A feature of the temple is the steep, tiered, thatched, black palm leaf roofs. Entry is by way of a staircase carved into the rock, and in common with other Pura, visitors are not permitted to enter the main sanctuary, which is devoted to worshipers.
Immediately north of Pura Tanah Lot temple is the temple of Pura Enjung Galuh which is accessed by way of a walkway through gardens. Built in the 18th century it features each of Balinese and Javanese architecture, has intricately carved shrines, and is dedicated to the gods of prosperity and fertility.
The temple is a popular site, and I recommend it, for taking photographs of Pura Tanah Lot and the sunset.
Just north of Pura Tanah Lot, not more than a 10 minute walk (depending upon your pace!), is the temple Pura Batu Bolong.
Batu Bolong, which means hollow stone, is again spectacular in its own right because of the arch that it is built on. The hole is believed to have been created by venomous sea snakes that live in the area and guard it. The snakes are by legend told to be giant snakes.
Kecak Dance
A Kecak dance is performed each evening, weather permitting at exactly 6pm.
The dance demonstrates a rich culture that is symbiotic with the temples. It is performed by between 50 – 100 men.
The Kecak dance interprets the Ramayana, which in part addresses the abduction by the demon king Ravana of the goddess Sita who is seen as the ideal Hindu woman.
I never tire of seeing a performance.
Entrance to the Complex
An entrance fee of IDR 75,000 (AUD$7, and USD$5 approx.) is payable at the time that you enter the complex through the main entrance gate.
The complex is open from 7am to 7pm each day
If you purchased a deTourU package that includes an excursion to the complex, I hope that you have or will enjoy the experience.
Alternatively, if you have some free time whilst on your visit to the island I highly recommend a visit to this popular tourist destination. The reception or concierge at your hotel will be able to provide directions, arrange private transport or book a tour.
Safe and enjoyable detours
Ken