For many, Tanah Lot or Tanah Laut symbolizes the romance of Bali. As the name suggests, Tanah Lot does have a unique offshore setting. Tanah Lot is also the 'home' of one of Bali's famous icons, the Silhouette of Tanah Lot Temple.
Magnificent Balinese Temple in the Open Ocean
Enchantment buddy can imagine, the view of a temple that stands tall on the reef facing the open sea. The waves crashing under the coral wall, the orange tinge of dusk that sinks slowly at the end of the ocean. Beautiful, isn't it?
Tanah Lot is located in Tabanan, only 30 kilometers from Denpasar. The temple is located about 300 meters offshore. Tanah Lot Temple is believed to date back to the 16th century according to Dang Hyang Nirartha, a respected religious figure in Bali.
Dang Hyang Nirartha is believed to be the man who created the three temple system in Balinese villages. He determined the location of the temple division where the temple built in the north of the village is reserved for Lord Brahma, in the center of the village for Lord Vishnu, while the temple on the south side is for Lord Shiva. He got the inspiration to build the temple while taking a walk on the southern coast of Bali. At that time he saw a small rock island known as Gili Beo, in the village of Beraban. When he wanted to carry out his intention to build a temple on Gili Beo, the leaders and people of Beraban actually expelled Nirartha.
According to Balinese mythology, Dang Hyang Nirartha was known as a man of such extraordinary magical powers that he was able to move an entire island of rock into the sea, build a temple and call it Tanah Lot. To the extent that the entire village of Beraban was shocked and then joined to follow what Nirartha believed in. Tanah Lot Temple was built to worship Bhatara Segara, or the God of the Sea. It is said that to protect the temple, Nirartha created a venomous snake thanks to the power of his shawl. This sea snake is believed to live at the bottom of Tanah Lot, to guard the temple from evil intruders.
Nowadays, Tanah Lot has become a favorite tourist spot for taking pictures. Here, you can also find many shops selling local products and handicrafts along the entrance to Tanah Lot.
The best time to visit Tanah Lot is during Hari Odalan, which is celebrated once every 210 days. This ritual usually takes place on the Buddhist holy day Cemeng Langkir near the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations. On this day you will see rows of Balinese women gracefully carrying offerings on their heads to pray at the Tanah Lot temple.
The Tanah Lot tourist area near the stone is very well managed for tourist purposes, complete with vehicle parking facilities, toilets, art shops, restaurants, hotels, open stages, tourist information services, as well as security and health services.
You will find many restaurants to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or lunch while gazing at the beautiful panorama here. Feel the tranquility when you see the sun slowly sinking in the western horizon with the atmosphere of the open sea. Needless to say, this view will be a memorable experience for you.
Access to Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is located about 30 km from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar. If you depart from Denpasar, at the main intersection of Kediri City highway, there is a signpost that leads to the southwest that will take you to Tanah Lot. To get to Tanah Lot Temple, you will pass through the dry land and climb up to the hill.
Wandering around
The cinematic atmosphere can be found while walking around the temple. Although it is famous for its sunset, but it never hurts to visit it in the morning to feel the tranquility offered by Tanah Lot. Pekendungan Temple, Batu Bolong Temple, Jero Kandang Temple, Enjung Galuh Temple, and Batu Mejan Temple are some of the temples that you can visit while around Tanah Lot.
Historically, these temples have their own legends and myths! When Nirartha left Beraban village, he gave a kris to the Beraban leaders. Ki Batu Gajah is believed to have the ability to repel pests from crops. This kris is kept in Pekendungan Temple which was previously kept in Kediri Castle. However, on Odalan day, the keris Ki Batu Gajah is always presented in the ceremony.
Pura Batu Bolong or perforated stone is an extraordinary sea temple built on an overhanging rock cliff. This temple is considered the twin of Tanah Lot, as there are many similar temple reliefs. The temple is located in T Canggu and is the birthplace of a holy spring. Many important Balinese rituals and ceremonies are held at this stunning location.
Jero Kandang Temple in Tabanan is a temple commonly visited to seek health and protection for livestock and agricultural crops. Meanwhile, Enjung Galuh Temple is a famous temple to worship Dewi Sri, where Hindus pray for prosperity and well-being. Meanwhile, Batu Mejan Temple is the location of the holy spring, Tirta Penglukatan, which is believed to eliminate all negativity and bring happiness.
Yes, Bali is indeed known as the Island of a thousand temples, to the point that Charming Friend must take the time to explore all the temples in Bali. Happy visiting, Charming Friend!
Address:
Jl.Raya Tanah Lot, Tanah Lot Temple Area. Beraban Village, Kediri, Beraban 82121