Pura Tanah Lot

Overview

Tanah Lot temple is located in the southern Bali, in Beraban village, Kediri sub-district, Tabanan regency. Tanah Lot is a sacred place that built on a huge rock and situated in the southern part from Tabanan. Pura Tanah Lot is a "Dang Kahyangan", which is believed to be the source of the universe prosperity, and a sacred place that is commonly used by the Balinese Hindu community, to honor and express gratitude for all the blessings that have been given from the God.

About The Temple

When the tide rises, Tanah Lot looks like it is floating above the ocean. The temple is so popular that it has become a favorite tourist destination and is crowded. Entrance is charged at IDR 30 per person. The temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. It is one of seven sea temples around the coast. Each temple was established within the line of sight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. The temple was influenced by Hinduism. At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

Legend and Stories

Tanah Lot was built in the 16th century under King Sri Dalem Waturenggong. During his leadership, Bali reached the golden age in all areas of governance. In the inscription of "Dwijendra tattwa" have described, that the existence from this Tanah Lot temple is closely related to the spiritual journey of a Hindu priest namely "Danghyang Nirartha", to the island of Bali and Lombok. Danghyang Nirartha came from East Java (Blambangan) around the year 1411 Çaka or 1489 AD. From the west Coast of Bali Island, he has built several temples along the coast until to the east side of Bali. Regarding the ceremony that held in Tanah Lot temple is regularly held every 6 months (210 days).

Festivals

Pura Tanah Lot celebrates odalan once every 210 days. The birthday falls close to festivals of Galungan and Kuningan, when spirits are invited to visit their family shrines. Four days after Kuningan, Hindus from all over Bali come laden with rice cakes, fruit, carved palm leaf, and holy water to pray to the Hindu gods and goddesses.

Rare Facts ( Snake)

The uniqueness of Tanah Lot is associated with holy snakes, the sacred serpents of Tanah Lot. They are believed to be the savior of humanity from the threat of crime and damage. It is a highly venomous sea snake that has a color such as black and white circular rings on its body. This snake will attack those who would do damage at Tanah Lot temple but this snake remains docile and silent when in a cave on the edge of the rocks. Each visitor can touch this snake without worrying about an attack.

Best Time To Visit

Tanah Lot is a very famous tourist destination in the world and it’s one of the best attractions in Bali island, every day Tanah Lot visited by thousands of visitors both domestic and foreign tourists. The best time to visit Tanah Lot is when the sunset time starting at around 4.00 PM until 7.00 PM

Nearby Place to Visit

Penataran Temple
Penyawang Temple
Jero Kandang Temple
Enjung Galuh Temple
Batu Bolong Temple
Batu Mejan Temple
Tri Antaka Monument
Pakendungan Temple

Accessibility

Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport is located in South Kuta district and is just 13 kilometres from the main town of Denpasar. Flights from major international cities regularly fly in and out of the Denpasar Airport.

Temple Address

Pura Tanah Lot Bali,
Jl. Majapahit Gg. Permata Asri No.11, Denbantas,
Tabanan, Bali 82115,
Indonesia.