Tanah Lot Temple, one of the iconic temples of Bali Island, is not only a place of worship but also a unique travel experience in touch with nature. Tanah Lot, which has a spiritual payment by the local people, fascinated me with its majestic structure above the sea and the beauty of its surroundings. Tanah Lot, which is included in Bali island tours, is among the places you should definitely see while visiting Bali. If you are making a list for your Bali tour, you should definitely write this place in the first places. In this article, I will try to answer all your questions about Tanah Lot Temple. I will talk about the history of the temple, its spiritual meaning, how to get there and the experiences that await you.
Historical and Spiritual Significance of Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of the seven sea temples founded by the famous Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha in the 16th century, and they are all located within sight of each other on the coast of Bali. “Tanah Lot” is a combination of the Indonesian words ‘tanah’ meaning ‘sea’ and ‘lot’ meaning ‘land’. This temple, which means “Land in the Sea”, is located in the heart of the sea on the hard rocks.
The Tanah Lot Temple is dedicated to Baruna, the Hindu god of the sea, and locals believe that this majestic structure will protect Bali from the evil spirits of the sea. Today, the temple is not just a place of faith. It has become one of the most popular tourist spots of the island with its natural beauties and Bali’s unique culture. During my trip, I realized that Bali is a popular destination not only for its sea-sand or natural beauties, but also for its faith tourism!
How to get to Tanah Lot?
Tanah Lot Temple is located in Tabanan, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of Bali. To get to the temple, you can rent a car / motorbike from popular tourist areas of the island such as Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud. Besides all these, the safest and most convenient way to reach the temple is to rent a private car from a tour company. “Private Bali Tours” and ‘Bali Honeymoon Tours’ on Poyto.com will be a good choice for you. I made a choice in this direction on my trip.
The temple entrance fee is applied differently for locals and tourists. They use the money collected to support the maintenance of the temple and the local people. I can say that this was one of the behaviors I liked here. In order to see the full beauty of Tanah Lot, I recommend you to visit early in the morning or at sunset. When I visited in the middle of the day, yes, I was greeted by a wonderful view, but towards sunset, I can say that this place fascinated me. At sunset, the temple forms a silhouette with the sun in the background and offers an incredible view for those who want to take photos. You will definitely admire this place.
What to see and do in Tanah Lot
1. The Main Temple of Tanah Lot and the Sacred Serpents
The main part of the temple is built on solid rock and can only be visited at low tide. Breathing in the atmosphere of this sacred space by walking through the waters that accumulate right in front of the temple will soothe your soul. Only priests and local people are allowed to enter the main part of the temple, which offers visitors a different observation experience.
Another mystical detail awaits you at the entrance of the temple: sacred snakes. According to legend, the snakes that protect Tanah Lot from evil spirits live in this area. I learned that these sea snakes, which are considered the guardians of the temple, are inside the rock caves. I did not choose to observe them, but you can consider this when you choose “Bali Tour”.
2. Watching the Sunset at Sunset Terrace
One of the most impressive features of Tanah Lot is that it offers one of the most beautiful sunset views in Bali. At sunset, as the sky gradually takes on red and orange hues, the temple rises like a shadow over the sea. A special viewing area known as the Sunset Terrace offers visitors the best view of this mesmerizing scene. Sitting here and watching the red lights fall on the temple, you can feel the mystical atmosphere of Bali to your bones.
3. Tirta Pabersihan Holy Water
In Tanah Lot, there is a holy spring called Tirta Pabersihan. According to the belief, this spring is healing and anyone who visits the temple should drink from it or wash themselves with it to purify their soul. I recommend you to come to this spring on your Bali tour and bathe with holy water as part of the rituals here.
4. Visit Pura Batu Bolong Temple
Pura Batu Bolong Temple, located very close to Tanah Lot, is another attractive place to visit, especially for photographers. This temple is located on a cliff built on the sea with a natural arch in the middle. At sunset, this temple also offers impressive views and is a must-see as part of your visit to Tanah Lot.
Other Activities Around the Temple
Around Tanah Lot Temple there are many small souvenir shops and traditional Balinese markets for tourists. After visiting the temple, you can wander around these markets and buy handmade products produced by local people. Especially Balinese wood carvings, jewelry and fabrics are among the most popular souvenirs here. You can also taste Bali’s local dishes and experience the different flavors of Asian cuisine in the restaurants located near the temple.
Ideal Times and Tips for Visiting
Although Tanah Lot Temple can be visited year-round, the best time to visit is between April and October, known as the dry season. During this time, the weather in Bali is drier and sunny, making it more pleasant to walk around the temple. During the rainy season, however, the area around the temple can become quite slippery and the sea can swell, so it’s best to time your visit for the dry season.
Note: Poyto.com has many Bali tours from April to October in the “Bali Tours” section. By choosing the most suitable date and package for you, you can have a wonderful Bali vacation.
I recommend you to take comfortable clothes and sunscreen with you during the visit. Bali’s hot and humid climate can be a challenge, especially on outdoor excursions. Also, when visiting the temple, it is important to wear clothes that cover the shoulders to show respect for the people who worship here.
Tanah Lot’s Spiritual Atmosphere and Harmony with Nature
The beauty of Tanah Lot lies not only in the temple itself, but in its integration with nature. Rising above the waves, this temple offers a calming atmosphere and will fill you with a spiritual peace. In this respect, Tanah Lot is not only a favorite destination for tourists, but also for travelers on a spiritual quest. The temple’s location on the sea makes you feel the impact of nature on the temple at every moment, which further enhances the mystical atmosphere of Bali.
Conclusion
Tanah Lot Temple is a unique place that combines the natural and cultural richness of Bali. The mystical stance of the temple on the water, offering a mesmerizing view at sunset, was one of the most unforgettable moments I experienced in Bali. When I stepped into Tanah Lot, I discovered not only a temple, but also the spirit of the Balinese people and their harmony with nature. When you come here, I am sure you will experience the same feelings. If you are ever in Bali, don’t forget to visit Tanah Lot and witness this mesmerizing atmosphere.
I hope this article will inspire your travel plans to Tanah Lot Temple! Bali’s distinctive nature and culture leave an unforgettable mark on every visitor, and Tanah Lot is the perfect starting point for you to experience it.