Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot) is one of Bali’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks, a spectacular Hindu shrine perched dramatically on a large rock formation just off the coast near Tabanan. The name translates fittingly to “Land in the Sea.”
Dating back to the 16th century, the temple’s origins are steeped in legend, attributed to the revered Balinese religious figure Dang Hyang Nirartha. He is said to have established it as a place to worship the sea gods, dedicating it to the guardian deity of the ocean, Dewa Baruna. It is one of seven sea temples that line Bali’s southwestern coast, believed to protect the island from evil spirits.
The temple’s unique positioning means it appears to float on the water during high tide, creating a truly magical silhouette, especially at sunset, which is the most popular time for visitors to arrive. At low tide, a small pathway sometimes becomes accessible, allowing visitors to approach the rock, though entry into the main shrine is often restricted.
Surrounded by powerful waves and believed to be guarded by sacred sea snakes, Tanah Lot remains a vital site of pilgrimage and cultural significance, symbolizing the enduring spiritual harmony between the Balinese people, the land, and the sea.
