Tanah Lot Temple Bali: A Must Visit Cultural Experience for Families

Perched on a rocky outcrop off the coast of Bali, Tanah Lot Temple is a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors from around the world.

This ancient Hindu shrine, dedicated to the sea god Dewa Baruna, stands as a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

As one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, Tanah Lot offers you a unique blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and architectural wonder.

The temple’s dramatic setting creates an unforgettable experience, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours.

You’ll be mesmerised by the interplay of light and shadow as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the temple’s silhouette.

This magical atmosphere draws countless visitors each year, making Tanah Lot one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Beyond its visual appeal, Tanah Lot holds deep spiritual importance for the Balinese people.

The temple complex includes several shrines and smaller temples, each with its own significance.

As you explore the area, you’ll discover intriguing legends and myths that surround this sacred site, adding layers of fascination to your visit.

History of Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple’s rich history dates back to the 16th century, intertwining with Bali’s spiritual heritage.

The temple’s founding is attributed to a revered Hindu priest, and it has since become a significant pilgrimage site.

Dang Hyang Nirartha’s Legacy

Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Javanese Hindu priest, is credited with establishing Tanah Lot Temple in the 1500s.

During his travels along Bali’s southwestern coast, he rested on a rock formation off Beraban village.

Impressed by the site’s beauty, he instructed local fishermen to build a shrine there.

Legend has it that Nirartha used his spiritual powers to protect the temple.

He’s said to have transformed his sashes into sea snakes that guard the rock base to this day.

The priest’s influence extended beyond Tanah Lot, as he founded several other sea temples along Bali’s coast.

Religious Importance and Pilgrimages

Tanah Lot quickly became a vital pilgrimage temple for Balinese Hindus.

Its position on a rocky islet, surrounded by crashing waves, symbolises the harmony between land and sea in Balinese cosmology.

Pilgrims visit Tanah Lot to honour the sea god Dewa Baruna.

The temple hosts important ceremonies, particularly during auspicious days in the Balinese calendar.

These rituals often involve prayers, offerings, and traditional performances.

Despite erosion threatening its structure, Tanah Lot’s religious significance remains strong.

In the 1980s, the Indonesian government launched a restoration project to preserve the temple’s foundation, ensuring its continued role in Balinese spiritual life.

Visiting Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Temple offers a captivating seaside experience for visitors.

The temple’s unique offshore location and stunning views make it a must-see attraction in Bali.

Access and Entrance Fees

Tanah Lot is easily accessible by car or motorbike, located about 20 km northwest of Kuta.

The car park is a short walk from the temple complex.

As of 2025, the entrance fee for foreign visitors is 60,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) for adults and 30,000 IDR for children.

A modest dress code applies.

Visitors should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.

Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance if needed.

The site features several restaurants, souvenir shops, and restroom facilities.

You can explore the surrounding area, including smaller shrines and a cave with a holy snake.

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Tanah Lot is during the dry season, from April to October.

Arrive in the late afternoon to witness the spectacular sunset views.

The golden hour provides excellent lighting for photographs.

High tide creates a floating illusion, while low tide allows you to walk closer to the temple base.

Check tide schedules in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Weekdays are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.

Natural and Scenic Beauty

Tanah Lot Temple offers breathtaking views that captivate visitors year-round.

The temple’s unique location on a rocky outcrop provides stunning vistas of the surrounding coastline and ocean.

Sunset and Sunrise Views

Witnessing sunset at Tanah Lot is an unforgettable experience.

As the sun dips below the horizon, it paints the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

The temple’s silhouette against this colourful backdrop creates a mesmerising sight.

During sunrise, you’ll see the temple bathed in soft golden light.

The early morning hours offer a serene atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation or photography.

At low tide, you can walk across to the base of the temple.

This gives you a closer look at the rock formation and surrounding marine life.

The natural beauty of Tanah Lot extends beyond the temple itself.

Crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and lush greenery contribute to the area’s picturesque landscape.

For the best views, arrive early to secure a prime spot.

Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, but don’t forget to take a moment to simply enjoy the breathtaking view with your own eyes.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Tanah Lot Temple holds deep spiritual significance in Balinese culture.

It serves as a sacred site where devotees seek blessings and participate in traditional rituals.

The temple’s unique location and mythological associations make it a focal point for various religious ceremonies.

Odalan Celebrations

Tanah Lot’s odalan, or temple anniversary, occurs every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar.

During this time, the temple comes alive with vibrant festivities.

Devotees dress in traditional attire and bring colourful offerings to honour the deities.

You’ll witness processions of worshippers carrying ornate offerings on their heads.

The air fills with the scent of incense and the sound of gamelan music.

Priests perform elaborate rituals to purify the temple and invoke blessings from the gods.

The odalan often features performances of sacred dances, including the mesmerising kecak dance.

This spectacle adds to the cultural richness of the celebration, providing you with a unique glimpse into Balinese traditions.

Blessings and Rituals

At Tanah Lot, you can participate in traditional blessing rituals.

Priests offer holy water and rice grains to visitors, believed to bring good fortune and protection.

These blessings are particularly sought after due to the temple’s association with Dewa Baruna, the sea god.

A unique aspect of Tanah Lot’s spiritual practices involves the sacred sea snake.

Legend says this snake guards the temple from evil spirits.

You might spot it in the rocky crevices near the temple base.

During low tide, you can walk to the temple’s base to receive blessings from the resident priests.

They often place frangipani flowers behind your ear as a symbol of purification.

This intimate experience allows you to connect with Balinese spirituality firsthand.

Architectural Features

Tanah Lot Temple showcases remarkable Balinese architectural design set against a dramatic coastal backdrop.

The temple’s unique structures and surrounding features blend spiritual significance with natural beauty.

Rock Formation and Temple Structures

The temple sits atop a massive rock formation, shaped by centuries of ocean waves.

This natural pedestal forms the foundation for the temple’s tiered shrines and pavilions.

Built using local materials like red stone and coral, the structures exemplify traditional Balinese craftsmanship.

The main shrine, perched on the highest point, is the most revered part of the complex.

Its multi-tiered roof, typical of Balinese temple architecture, reaches skyward.

Intricate stone carvings adorn the walls, depicting mythological scenes and Hindu deities.

During high tide, the temple appears to float on the sea, creating a mesmerising sight.

This isolation adds to its mystical aura and spiritual significance.

Adjacent Sea Temples

Surrounding Tanah Lot are several smaller sea temples, each with its own unique character.

These structures contribute to the overall sacred landscape of the area.

One notable example is Pura Batu Bolong, situated on a nearby cliff.

Its name, meaning ‘temple with a hole in the rock’, refers to the natural arch formation beneath it.

This temple offers a different perspective on the coastal spirituality of Bali.

These adjacent temples create a network of sacred sites, interconnected by their shared reverence for the sea and its spiritual significance in Balinese culture.

Tanah Lot Temple Cliff Terrace

Below the main temple, a series of terraced cliffs provide visitors with stunning viewpoints.

These terraces serve both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Carved into the rock face, the terraces offer stable platforms for visitors to admire the temple and surrounding seascape.

They also act as protective barriers against the powerful ocean waves that crash against the base of the rock formation.

The terraces showcase the skilful integration of human-made structures with the natural landscape, a hallmark of Balinese architecture.

Holy Snake (The Banded Sea Krait)

A unique feature of Tanah Lot is the presence of the banded sea krait, considered a holy snake by the Balinese.

These venomous sea snakes inhabit the rocky crevices around the temple.

Local priests care for these snakes, which are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders.

Visitors can sometimes spot these distinctive black and white striped creatures near the base of the rock formation.

The presence of these snakes adds an element of mystique and danger to the temple’s architecture, blending natural wildlife with spiritual beliefs.

Batu Bolong Temple

Pura Batu Bolong, meaning ‘Temple of the Hollow Rock’, is a significant architectural feature near Tanah Lot.

This temple is built on a rocky outcrop with a distinctive natural arch beneath it.

The temple’s structures follow traditional Balinese design, with ornate gateways and tiered shrines.

Its position on the cliff edge offers breathtaking views of the ocean and Tanah Lot in the distance.

The natural arch beneath Batu Bolong is said to have been created by the legendary powers of a Hindu priest.

This unique geological feature intertwines with the temple’s architecture, creating a harmonious blend of nature and human craftsmanship.

Souvenir Shops

As you explore Tanah Lot Temple, you’ll find numerous souvenir shops dotting the area.

These shops offer a diverse range of mementos to commemorate your visit.

You can browse the shops before or after touring the temple itself.

Many are conveniently located near the car park, making it easy to pick up gifts on your way out.

The shops stock a variety of Balinese-themed items, including:

• Casual t-shirts with “I love Bali” slogans
• Clothing featuring Barong or beach motifs
• Hats
• Bags
• Bracelets and necklaces

You’ll also discover traditional Balinese crafts and artwork.

These unique pieces make for authentic souvenirs that capture the spirit of the island.

The stalls line both sides of the road leading to the temple, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere.

As you wander through, you can soak in the local ambiance whilst searching for the perfect keepsake.

Remember to bring cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept cards.

It’s also worth politely haggling, as it’s a common practice in Balinese markets.

By supporting these local shops, you’re contributing to the community that maintains this iconic temple.

So take your time to explore and find a special memento of your Tanah Lot experience.

Getting There

Reaching Tanah Lot Temple is straightforward with several transport options available.

The temple’s location in Tabanan Regency makes it accessible from various parts of Bali.

Private Driver

Hiring a private driver is a popular choice for visiting Tanah Lot Temple.

You can easily arrange this through your hotel or a reputable travel agency in Bali.

From Kuta, expect a journey of about 1 hour and 10 minutes, covering roughly 20 km.

If you’re staying in Seminyak, the trip is slightly shorter.

Canggu offers a convenient starting point, with the temple just a 30-minute drive away.

From Ubud, plan for a longer journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Private drivers often offer flexibility, allowing you to combine your Tanah Lot visit with stops at other attractions like Pasut Beach or sites in Kediri district.

Remember to agree on the price beforehand and ensure your driver is familiar with the route to avoid any confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tanah Lot Temple is a popular destination in Bali, attracting visitors with its unique location and cultural significance.

Here are answers to some common questions about this iconic site.

What are the opening hours for visitors at Tanah Lot Temple?

Tanah Lot Temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The site welcomes visitors throughout the week, allowing ample time to explore its beauty and surroundings.

How much is the entrance fee to Tanah Lot Temple?

The entrance fee for Tanah Lot Temple is approximately 60,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) for adults and 30,000 IDR for children.

These prices may vary slightly, so it’s advisable to check current rates before your visit.

Can you provide some insights into the history of Tanah Lot Temple?

Tanah Lot Temple was built in the 16th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a revered Hindu priest.

The temple is dedicated to the sea gods and has been an important place of worship for the local Balinese community for centuries.

What is the story behind the curse associated with Tanah Lot Temple?

Legend has it that Nirartha placed a curse on the temple to protect it from evil spirits.

According to local beliefs, couples who visit the temple together will face separation in their relationship.

How do I get to Tanah Lot Temple from Ubud?

To reach Tanah Lot Temple from Ubud, you can hire a taxi or book a private driver.

The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation from Ubud to Tanah Lot.

Why is Tanah Lot Temple considered an ideal location for witnessing sunsets?

Tanah Lot Temple’s position on a rocky outcrop facing the Indian Ocean creates a stunning backdrop for sunset views.

The temple’s silhouette against the vibrant colours of the sky offers a breathtaking spectacle that draws photographers and tourists alike.

The surrounding landscape enhances the visual appeal, making it a prime spot for capturing memorable sunset moments.

Final Thoughts

We enjoyed our time at Tanah Lot Temple. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the breathtaking views of the temple perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by crashing waves. 

The peaceful atmosphere made the experience even more special, especially since we were fortunate to visit when it wasn’t too crowded.

We arrived at low tide which allowed Lukas to be blessed by a priest using holy water and grains of rice.

Fingers crossed he has fortune and protection for the rest of his life.

We wandered through the market stalls, tried local snacks, and soaked in the beauty of the surrounding coastline.

The kids also loved dipping their toes in the tide pools.

Tanah Lot is much more than just a beautiful photo spot, it’s a place rich in culture and history. 

We left feeling inspired, grateful for the experience. Make sure to add Tanah Lot to your list, it’s truly worth it!