About
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold
Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations, based in
Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog
series, he shares his travel experiences and creative reflections.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
🌴 Blog 05 of 12 | Tanah
Lot Temple, Bali — The Iconic Temple Where the Ocean Meets the Divine
By Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
Visited in August 2024
The Iconic Temple Where the Ocean Meets the Divine
Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most iconic sights and
among Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting
and breathtaking sunset backdrops. Tanah Lot is more than just a stunning
sight; it is a deeply spiritual place that captures the essence of Bali’s rich
cultural tapestry.
Perched on a dramatic rock formation and battered by the
Indian Ocean’s waves, Tanah Lot is more than just a temple; it is an
experience. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in fiery hues,
thousands flock to witness this magnificent spectacle—a testament to nature’s
power and human devotion. In summer days, it is visited by more than 5,000
tourists every day.
What to Expect at Tanah Lot
- The
Iconic Sunset: This is, without a doubt, the main draw. Arrive well
before sunset to secure a good viewing spot. As the sun dips below the
horizon, silhouetting the temple against a canvas of orange, pink, and
purple, it creates a truly magical moment.
- The
Power of the Ocean: Even outside of sunset, the sheer force of the
waves crashing against the rocks is awe-inspiring. It is a humbling
reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of this ancient structure.
- Holy
Water and Sea Snakes: At low tide, you can often walk across to the
base of the rock. Here, a cave is said to house sacred sea snakes,
believed to be guardians of the temple. You may also have the opportunity
to receive a blessing from a priest with holy water. The snakes are
probably non-venomous, but it is better to be cautious.
- Exploring
the Surroundings: The area around Tanah Lot is a well-developed
tourist complex with shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and food
stalls. There are also other smaller temples and shrines worth exploring,
offering different perspectives of the main temple.
- Cultural
Performances: Sometimes, traditional Balinese dances are performed in
the evenings, adding another layer of cultural immersion to your visit.
Tips for Your Visit
- Timing
is Key: As mentioned, aim for sunset. However, if you prefer a less
crowded experience, consider visiting in the morning.
- Dress
Respectfully: While not strictly enforced for the outer areas, it is
always respectful to wear modest clothing when visiting any religious site
in Bali.
- Be
Aware of the Tides: If you wish to walk to the base of the temple,
check the tide schedule beforehand.
- Beware
of Vendors: Be prepared for persistent vendors, especially around the
main tourist areas. A polite “no, thank you” is usually sufficient.
- Capture
the Moment: Bring your camera—the photographic opportunities are
endless.
Markets, Gardens, and Refreshments
Several tropical gardens and resting spots can be seen on
the way to the temple, with souvenir stalls, paintings, and art sculptures on
display. You can enjoy traditional coconut-filled snacks and drinks sold by the
peddlers here. The shops are a good place to buy souvenirs in case you haven’t
done so elsewhere. Bargain around 50% before you buy.
The Temple Setting and Access
The temple sits on a large offshore rock on the beach. Tanah
Lot Temple is a set of three temples located at a distance of roughly 100
metres from each other. When the main Tanah Lot temple is closed due to high
tide—when it becomes inaccessible and looks like a floating island—the other
two are considered to be a spiritual proxy. During low tide, one can cross to
view the base of the rock and see the ‘guardian’ sea snakes that dwell in
crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain. It is one of the top
attractions in Bali and welcomes all irrespective of their religion or caste.
The temple itself is open only on feast days, and foreigners
are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum. Only those who are going to pray
there are allowed. (Visitors may still explore the outer areas and viewpoints.)
Arrival, Entry, and First Impressions
When we entered from the gate, we were charged a small
amount and then walked through a beautiful market with many items at
inexpensive prices. Food is easily available here. After that, we entered the
main yard of the temple. On the left side you can go near to the Tanah Lot
temple, but we took the right side to capture a beautiful panoramic
view. It is wise to visit in the afternoon and stay through the evening to
experience the sunset.
If you arrive early, several nearby temples can be visited
around Tanah Lot: Pura Pekendungan, Pura Batu Bolong, Pura Jero Kandang,
Pura Enjung Galuh, and Pura Batu Mejan. Each temple has its own
story.
There are many restaurants here where you can enjoy a
sumptuous breakfast or lunch while taking in the panorama. Experience the
serenity of the tropical sun slowly disappearing beyond the horizon into the
wide-open ocean—an incredible sight to treasure all your life.
Best Photo Spots and Simple Pleasures
The Tanah Lot temple has a large compound, and the views are
amazing everywhere. If you can spare some time to sit on the grassy lawn, you
will be rewarded with gorgeous sunset views and plenty of sea breeze. Watching
the waves crash on the rocky coast is mesmerizing. You can get a stunning
sunset photo here. The cliff on the left side from the beach entrance is
an excellent spot to take pictures with the temple as your background.
Two Personal Experiences
We had two experiences at Tanah Lot worth mentioning.
- Festival
Atmosphere (Odalan): We visited the temple during the Odalan festival
season of Bali, and the whole surrounding area and entrances were
decorated with flowers. Beautiful pictures and statues were placed at many
points, decorated with colourful blossoms. The scene was pleasing and
worth capturing in memory. A festival procession started soon after our
arrival and lasted for a long time. In this procession, you see rows of
Balinese women gracefully carrying offerings on their heads to pray at the
temple of Tanah Lot. It was unique, and the video posted here gives an
idea of the same.
- A
Bitter-Sweet Moment: We followed the procession for some distance and
then got lost in the crowd. How to reach our bus stand now? Our
Vodafone-Idea roaming done from India had no connectivity. We then started
enquiring where large tourist buses are parked. After 15 minutes of
searching here and there, we finally found our bus waiting for us.
Legends of Tanah Lot
Let me finish with two stories told to us about this temple.
The Princess’s Curse: One legend says that a princess
was about to be married, but at the last moment the prince broke his promise.
Heartbroken and angry, the princess cursed the land (Tanah Lot), saying that
any unmarried couple visiting the temple would break up within six months. For
me, it is just superstitious nonsense.
Dang Hyang Nirartha and the Sea God: Another story
says the origin of Tanah Lot is steeped in legend dating back to the 16th
century. It is said that Nirartha, a revered Hindu priest, travelled to
Bali and was drawn to the sacred energy of this rock island. He established a
shrine here, and when local villagers resisted his teachings, he reportedly shifted
the rock out to sea using his spiritual powers, creating the temple’s
isolated position. He established the site to honour the Sea God, Varuna,
and despite facing opposition from the village chief, he successfully guarded
the rock on which he meditated with the help of sea snakes. That is how the
famous temple in Bali derived its name ‘Tanah Lot’—meaning “land in the
sea.” It is also believed that this blessed site is where the priest attained Moksha,
or enlightenment.
Today, the temple is one of seven sea temples along
the Balinese coast, each visible from the next, forming a spiritual chain that
protects the island. While non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the main
temple on the rock itself, the surrounding area offers breathtaking views
and a profound sense of peace.
Departure
We left this “Land in the Sea” after sunset and
proceeded for dinner at a vegetarian restaurant in Kuta.
🔜 Stay tuned for Blog 06
of 12 | Ulun Danu Beratan Temple — Bali’s Temple on the Lake