Tanah Lot Temple

 

Tanah Lot Temple: A Guide To The Most Paradisiacal Place On The Island Of Gods


        by Charista Elliani Sosrodjojo


        
    

Sitting on a large offshore rock on the beach, Tanah Lot temple is a set of three temples located at a distance of roughly 100 metres from each other wherein the other two are considered to be a spiritual proxy when the main Tanah Lot temple is closed due to high tide, as it becomes inaccessible. During low tide, one can cross to view the base of the rock to see the ‘guardian’ sea snakes that are dwelling in crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain. It’s one of the top attractions in Bali and welcomes all irrespective of their religion or caste.


In Balinese mythology, Dang Hyang Nirartha was known as a man of mighty supernatural power. So he moves the whole rock island to the sea, builds a temple and named it Tanah Lot. The whole Beraban village were astounded and later join to follow he believes. Tanah Lot temple was built to worship Bhatara Segara, or the sea God. To protect the temple, with his mighty power, he created a poisonous snake from his sash. The sea snake is believed to be living at the base of this rocky island, to guard the temple from evil intruders.
Today, as one of the most photographed sea temple in Bali, you will find many art shops offering local handicrafts besides other signature local products at the entrance to get to Tanah Lot.

There are many restaurants here where you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or lunch, while enjoying the panorama. Experience the serenity of the tropical sun slowly disappearing beyond the horizon into the wide open ocean, an incredible sight to treasure all your life.



Get There

Tanah Lot is located around 30 km away from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar. Coming from Denpasar on the main highway and arriving in the town of Kediri, you will certainly not miss the large sign at the main intersection announcing the southwest turn to Pura Tanah Lot. To reach the temple of Tanah Lot you will need to cross some dry land then climb a hill to reach the site of the temple.



Get Around


Inside the temple area, you can just walk around and explore its photogenic surroundings. Although famous for its sunset view, you may also want to try coming at really early in the morning, so that there will be less crowd and higher chance to have a serene image of the temple. There are also several temples that you can visit around Tanah Lot. They are Pura Pekendungan, Pura Batu Bolong, Pura Jero Kandang, Pura Enjung Galuh, and Pura Batu Mejan.

These temples have a variety of legends and myths surrounding their historical roots. When Nirartha left Beraban village, he bestows a special keris -a blade like a traditional weapon- to the Beraban leaders. The Ki Batu Gajah keris was said to possess the ability to repel plant diseases from crops. This keris was kept in Pura Pekendungan, before it is now safely stored in Puri Kediri. But on Odalan day, Ki Batu Gajah keris is always involved in the ceremonies.

Pura Batu Bolong is another extraordinary sea temples build upon a jutting rock cliff. Batu Bolong means “hollowed stone”, depicted from its obvious characteristic. It is said to be the twin of Tanah Lot, with many similar features between the two.

Located in Canggu, Batu Bolong sea temple is the cradle of the holy spring water. Many important Balinese rituals and ceremonies are held on this stunning location. Pura Jero Kandang in Tabanan is a temple devoted to seeking wellness and protection for livestock and agricultural crops. Pura Enjung Galuh is a temple renowned for a place to worship the Goddess Sri. Here, devotees pray for welfare and prosperity. Pura Batu Mejan is the location of Tirta Penglukatan, a holy spring believes to have to purify bliss against all negativity.

Bali is indeed known as an island of the thousand temples. Make time to explore and discover which one is on your top favorite place to be!

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