Literary meaning ‘land in the sea’, Tanah Lot is one of the most picturesque sites in South Bali. Standing on a jagged rock formation jutting out into the ocean the century temple rises above the gentle waves below. Creating a striking silhouette against the sky, it’s no wonder that this house of worship has turned into a major attraction for the visitors of Bali.
Thought to have been built on the instructions of the priest Niratha, who told the villagers the Balinese gods of the seas can be worshiped there. The shrine was built around the 15th century and forms a chain with six other such sea temples around the south western coast. As legend has it, Niratha’s scarf was turned into a poisonous sea snake to guard the island against evil. Villagers still believe that its descendants dwell in the waters today. Now protected from erosion by a conservation programme, a part of the temple is actually on an artificial rock created to stabilize the foundations.
The surroundings of Tanah Lot are rather commercialized as a tourist attraction, and access to the area will require a ticket. Stalls and vendors of tourist goods form a path along which visitors will travel to reach the beach and temple entrance. However, once you are there the serenity of the temple takes over and peace can be found at last. The best time of the day for the pilgrimage is the sunset, when the changing colours of the sky are reflected in the sea below. The view of the island temple against the setting sun is an outstanding one. Watch the final rays of sun for the day dance on the layered roof of the temple as the cool sea breeze wisps around you.
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