Bali Must Visit: Tanah Lot Temple

There is a Hindu temple standing on a massive offshore rock at the southwestern coastal area of Bali. When the time of high tides comes, the sole passage leading to the temple is covered by seawater. Its name is Tanah Lot Temple, worshipping the sea god of Hinduism. Established by a Hindu monk named Danghyang Nirartha from Java, the Tanah Lot Temple has been guarding the Indonesian ocean since the 15th century.

“Tanah Lot” is “skerry in the sea” in Balinese. The temple on it is one of the seven ocean temples around the coast of Bali. The Tanah Lot Temple may not be as magnificent as its counterparts, and is only built with a simple Balinese wooden Meru tower and sanctuary. The temple is against the awe-inspiring backdrop of ocean and tides that makes it extraordinary. Hindus on the island throng to the temple for worshipping during Hindu festivals. After visiting the temple, you can go for souvenir shopping in the market nearby, or enjoy Balinese dishes in a restaurant while waiting for the stunning Tanah Lot Temple in the sunset.