BALI GUIDE: Tanah Lot

Introduction: History/Geographical info
Tanah Lot refers to Land (Tanah) and Sea (Lot) and basically translate to temple on top of a humongous piece of rock on the Sea. This piece of rock is estimated to be 3 acre (12140sqm2). The ferocious daily waves had caused erosion and hence more than a third of the base had been replaced with artificial rocks. Tanah lot temple was built to worship the God of Sea and create a spiritual bulwark against the bad energy of ocean currents.

What to look out for:

Upon reaching the entrance you can see there are several other smaller temples. This includes Penyawang that serves as Tanah Lot Temple spiritual proxy when it is inaccessible during high tides. As you slowly make your way down, you will see a cave that lies the protector snake of the temple. This snake remained the same size for over 500 years and you can pay IDR5000 to see and touch the snake. When the tide is still low, make sure you walk over to the offshore Tanah Lot Temple that holds a clear water spring. You will also get an opportunity to be blessed by the priests in the temple. Return to the shore via the connecting walkway when sun begins to set. This is also the time where tide starts to rise.

Suggested Time Required
If you are hoping to enter for more than just a sunset view, suggest to be there 2 hours before the sunset. If you have more than plenty of time (which we doubt so) you can also consider shopping at their local market just right outside the entrance.

Suggested timing to visit/Season to visit 
Either visit in the early morning (before 10:00) or be there by 16:00 to explore and catch the sunset. Personally I had seen one of the best sunset views at Tanah Lot so I highly recommend you come here for sunset view despite the crowd. 

The period to visit is ideally between mid-Jan to mid-April (Sakura season) and mid-Sept to mid-Dec(autumn-winter season) since they are the low season period.



Things to prepare:
Don on your comfortable wear, preferably with a pair of sandals or waterproof shoes since your soles may get wet crossing to the Tanah Lot Temple and of course remember to bring your photography gear/drone to capture the spectacular sunset. 

How to get there/ Time required to get there
Based on our itinerary featured, from Taman Ayun to Tanah Lot takes approximately 30 mins drive.




If you do not plan on driving, you can book the tour here

Opening Hours & Entrance Fee
Opens: 07:00 to 19:00 daily

Entrance Fee: 

Visitors: IDR 60,000 for adults, IDR 30,000 for child
Local: IDR 20,000 for adults, IDR 10,000 for child

What to do:
1. PHOTOGRAPHY! Bring out the nature lover explorer in you for a photography expedition! 

2. SHOPPING! There are also shops selling food and local merchandise before the entrance of the temple. 

Tips:
Plan some time on visiting Tanah Lot. It will truly be a waste if you are factoring just sufficient time to watch the sunset. The best sunset timing is right after the sun has set so stay a little longer to watch the golden hues.

Food/stalls
There are restaurants as well as market selling local merchandise around so you don’t have be afraid of running out of food supplies. However these local markets close around the same time as the sunset. If you plan on shopping, do it before the sunset.

Click here to book the tour