A mysterious and sacred place only 20 km northwest of Bali’s capital city. This is Pura Tanah Lot, a 16th century Balinese Hindu sanctuary.

One of the most photographed temples in Bali

In the Balinese language Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea”. This is one of seven sea temples located around the Balinese coast. The sea temples honor Balinese sea gods, believed to provide spiritual protection to the island.

Origins Of Pura Tanah Lot

Established by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a revered Hindu priest, who deemed the rock holy.

Pura Tanah Lot looks mystical, perched on a rock formation on Bali’s western coastline. The rock appears as and island at high tide. Allowing visitors to walk to the temple only at low tide.

Two guides guarding the entrance to the Cave of the Holy Snake

The Holy Snake

The Cave Of The Holy Snake lies at the base of the rock on which Pura Tanah Lot temple sits. Inhabited by sea snakes considered sacred guardians. The sea snakes protect the temple from evil spirits and intruders.

Sea snakes are a type of venomous marine snakes, commonly found in the waters around Bali and other areas in SE Asia. They are an important part of the local ecosystem.

The Holy Water Spring

There is a freshwater spring at the base of the rocky island on which the temple sits. This spring is considered sacred by the Balinese people. Visitors often take a sip of holy water for blessings.

Entering the Sea Temple

Visitors have to participate in what looks like a sort of purification ritual.

Cultural Practices

Pura Tanah Lot is an active worship site that plays a significant role in Balinese religious and cultural practices. Ceremonies and rituals at this site attract local and tourist alike.

Pura Bolong Batu Mejan- The temple complex consist of other small temples, shrines and areas for rituals ceremonies and offerings

Preservation Efforts

Over the years, natural erosion has threatened the stability of the rock on which the temple stands. In the late 20th century significant restoration efforts were undertaken. The restoration included the construction of artificial rock to stabilize the temple’s foundation.

Bolong Batu Mejan (Pura Batu Bolong) aka Hallow Rock Temple

Tourism

Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations. A notable locale for stunning sunset views of the Balinese coastline. The temple complex boast various facilities, including gift shops stocked with Balinese clothing, artwork, restaurants etc.

Getting There

Located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta, Tanah Lot Temple is easily accessible by car. The journey from Kuta to Tanah Lot typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Visitors can opt for a private car hire, taxi service or join a guided tour for a hassle-free travel experience.

Access & Fees

The entrance fee for foreign tourists was around 60,000 to 80,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. There might be fees for parking and other facilities within the temple grounds.

Explore the temple grounds at your leisure. The inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers.

Practical Tips:

• Please dress respectfully for visits to temples. Covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of reverence.
• Check the tides – its best to visit this temple at low tide
• Give yourself at 3 hours to explore the sacred scenes and available facilities.

A true view of how crowded some of these Balinese sites can be

Best Time Of Day to Visit Pura Tanh Lot

It is best to visit the area as early morning or late afternoon. We arrived at about 10am and it was extremely busy with tourist and local students. Our trip to Pura Tanah Lot was enlightening and memorable.

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