ENTRANCE TICKET
The current entrance ticket prices for Tanah Lot temple are as follow:
- Foreign Adult Visitor: IDR 75.000
- Foreign Child Visitor: IDR 40.000
- Domestic Adult Visitor: IDR 30.000
- Domestic Child Visitor: IDR 20.000
The prices mentioned are effective starting from January 1st, 2024
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
While any time of the day is pleasant for a visit to Tanah Tot temple, common for visitors to prefer going about an hours before sunset to witness the stunning colours shimmering across the water. Alternatively, early morning visits during the week offer a quieter experience, so that there will be less crowd and higher chance to have a serene image of the temple. Avoiding weekends and checking tide schedules to ensure accessibility during low tides are also advisable.
If you are seeking a different experience, visit Tanah Lot Temple during the Odalan festival, celebrated every 210 days.
This ritual usually coincides with the holy day of Budha Cemeng Langkir near the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan day. On this day, visitors will see lines of graceful Balinese women carrying offerings on their heads to pray at Tanah Lot Temple.
HOW TO GET THERE
Tanah Lot is located approximately 30 km from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar.
To get to Tanah Lot Temple, you have several options:
- Taxi or Ride-sharing
You can hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Grab to take you directly to Tanah Lot Temple. This is a convenient option if you prefer door-to-door service.
- Private Car or Tour
Many tour operators offer day trips to Tanah Lot Temple from various parts of Bali. You can book a private car or join a guided tour that includes transportation to and from the temple.
- Public Transportation
You can take a local bus or bemo (shared minivan) to get as close as possible to Tanah Lot Temple, and then walk or hire a motorcycle taxi for the remaining distance.
- Renting a Scooter or Motorcycle
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter or motorcycle, you can rent one and drive yourself to Tanah Lot Temple. This gives you flexibility in your schedule and allows you to explore other nearby attractions at your own pace.
Choose the option that best suits your preferences and travel style!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Today, Tanah Lot Temple has become a favourite tourist spot for taking photos.
A cinematic atmosphere awaits you as you stroll around the temple. Although famous for its sunset, it’s worth visiting in the morning to experience the tranquillity offered by Tanah Lot.
During low tide, visitors at Tanah Lot Temple have the opportunity to cross the view the rock base where legendary ‘guardian’ sea snakes reside in crevices around the Tirta Pebersihan fountain. This natural spout serves as the source of holy water for all the temples in the vicinity. Priests stationed at the fountain bless visitors by sprinkling holy water over their heads, adding a sacred and immersive experience to the visit.
Batu Bolong Temple is another nearby attraction that you can easily visit from Tanah lot Temple. It’s located just a short distance away and offers stunning views of the ocean. Batu Bolong temple is known for its unique location atop a rocky outcrop with a natural hole in the middle, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Its worth a visit if you are in the area.
Here, visitors can also find many shops selling local products and handicrafts along the entrance road to Tanah Lot Temple.
The tourist area near the rock of Tanah Lot is well-managed for tourism purposes, complete with vehicle parking facilities, toilets, art shops, restaurants, hotels, open-air stages, tourist information services, as well as security and health services.
Visitors will find many restaurants to enjoy luxurious breakfasts or lunches while admiring the beautiful panorama here. Feel the tranquillity as you watch the sun slowly set on the western horizon with the backdrop of the open sea. There’s no doubt, this view will be an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The cool and forested Aling-Aling Waterfall is reachable down rice field paths near Singaraja in North Bali. You’ll pass a collection of smaller weirs as you descend about 100 steps before finding your prize view. The 35-metre falls greets you with cool mist and rushing sounds. From a rocky peak, the water splits into 2 streams, with the one on the right being the larger. The plunge pool at the bottom is about 4 metres deep, so it’s relatively safe to jump into and have a swim around. Take extra caution of the slippery and jagged rocks, though.
HISTORY
Tanah Lot Temple is believed to have originated in the 16th century, according to the accounts of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a respected religious figure in Bali.
Dang Hyang Nirartha is known for establishing a system of three temples in Balinese villages. He designated locations for temple division, with those built to the north dedicated to Lord Brahma, those in the centre to Lord Vishnu, and those on the southern side to Lord Shiva. He was inspired to build temples while walking along the southern coast of Bali. At that time, he encountered a small rocky island known as Gili Beo in the village of Beraban village. However, when he attempted to fulfil his intention of building a temple on Gili Beo, the leaders and people of Beraban village expelled Nirartha.
According to Balinese mythology, Dang Hyang Nirartha was believed to possess extraordinary supernatural powers, enabling him to move the entire rocky island into the sea, build a temple, and name it Tanah Lot. The entire village of Beraban was shocked and then joined in following what Nirartha believed. Tanah Lot Temple was built to worship Bhatara Segara, or the Sea God. It is said that to protect the temple, Nirartha created venomous snakes with the power of his scarf. These sea snakes are believed to live at the bottom of Tanah Lot to guard the temple from evil intruders.
Bali is indeed known as the Island of a Thousand Temples, to the point that you’ll need to take the time to explore all the temples in Bali. Enjoy your visit!