The ancient shrine Tanah Lot can be translated as "Sea Land." It is located in Tabanan, about 16 km (8 mi) from Denpasar. The temple tops a large offshore rock, which has been polished for centuries by the ocean tide.
The temple was supposedly founded in the 16th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha. The main deity of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara. The temple is one of 6 sea temples along the Bali shoreline. Each of them was visible of the next. The temples were supposed to honour the guardian spirits of the sea. The work of the currents under Tanah Lot has created sea caves, that were inhabited by sea snakes. According to a legend, snakes protect the shrine from evil spirits.
At low tide, visitors can walk to Tanah Lot from the shore. Tourists can access the outer sanctum of the temple, but the inner premise is reserved for Balinese people, only. There is a cave within a cave on the beach and other interesting caves that can be explored as well.
The shrine gets quite crowded, so it's best to plan a trip during the low season from mid-January until mid-April and from mid-September until mid-December.
Practical info
What is the significance of the 6 sea temples along the Bali shoreline?
The six sea temples built along Bali's shoreline are significant since they honor the guardian spirits of the sea. There is a main deity in each temple, and all six temples are visible from each other. The temple located in Tanah Lot is Bhatara Segara, which is a Hindu god of the sea and the master of all waters. Show more
What kind of legends are there about the sea snakes that are found in the caves underneath the Tanah Lot temple?
According to legend, the sea snakes in the sea caves beneath the Tanah Lot temple protect the shrine from evil spirits. When it is low tide, tourists can explore the beach cave within the cave and many other fascinating caves in and around Tanah Lot. Visitors should not be afraid of the snakes because they are considered sacred and are believed to not harm people. Show more
What are the suggested times for tourists planning a trip to Tanah Lot?
It is best to visit Tanah Lot during low-season between mid-January to mid-April or mid-September to mid-December to avoid crowds. During these periods, there is less rainfall and better weather as it is also the dry season. Early morning or late in the evening is the best time to chase the epic sunset in Tanah Lot. Show more
Where is the Tanah Lot temple situated?
The Tanah Lot temple is located in Tabanan, Bali's capital, about 16 km (8 mi) from Denpasar. It is a lovely Hindu temple on a gigantic offshore rock that has been polished for centuries by the ocean tide. It is possible to walk along the shore to reach Tanah Lot when it is low tide. Along the Bali shoreline, there are six sea temples, with each being visible from the other. Show more
Who founded the Tanah Lot temple and which deity is considered its master deity?
The Tanah Lot temple was established by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu monk and a South Indian priest, during the 16th century. Bhatara Segara, a Hindu God of the sea and the master of all water, is considered as the Tanah Lot temple's deity. Only the Balinese people can go inside the main temple while tourists can access the outer sanctum. Show more
