Tanah Lot is a unique beach in Bali, highly favored and frequently visited by tourists. One of the main attractions of this beach is Tanah Lot Temple. With the temple situated in Tanah Lot, visitors are not only treated to breathtaking natural scenery but also to something unique that relates to Balinese culture.

Why is Tanah Lot Temple so popular? And why do so many people include Tanah Lot Beach on their holiday wish list? Let’s explore further the uniqueness and history of this temple.

Tanah Lot Beach

Tanah Lot is the name given to a beach located in Tabanan, Bali, just 30 minutes away from Denpasar. This beach is one of Bali’s pride and is visited by many local and international tourists every year. Besides the charm of its beautiful beach, Tanah Lot is also fascinating due to the temple situated in the middle of the sea.

This beach is rich in legends and myths believed by the local Balinese community. Additionally, Kecak dance performances are often held on this beach. The Kecak dance is a traditional Balinese dance that includes the epic drama of Ramayana.

The name “Tanah Lot” comes from two words: “tanah” meaning land, and “lot” meaning sea. This name reflects the landscape of Tanah Lot Beach, which features a small landmass in the middle of the sea, resembling a small island. This small island appears to float when the sea is at high tide.

The Tanah Lot Temple is also located on this island, adding to the beach’s appeal. Religious ceremonies are regularly held here by the local Balinese community, as the temple serves as a place of worship.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is a temple located on a small landmass near the beach. This temple is a sacred place of worship for Hindus in Bali.

There are two temples at Tanah Lot—one is situated on top of a large rock island, while the other is on a cliff. Both temples serve as places of worship for the gods. Given its location in the sea, Tanah Lot Temple is specifically used for worshiping the sea gods.

History of Tanah Lot Temple

To this day, the story of Tanah Lot Temple’s origin is still based on legends passed down by the local community. It is believed that the temple was built in the 16th century.

Dang Hyang Niratha is considered the figure who established this temple. It is said that while he was walking along the beach, he received a vision to build a temple on top of a large rock that he saw.

At the time, his desire to build the temple at that location faced opposition from the local community. In fact, Dang Hyang Niratha was expelled from the area.

According to the myth believed by the Balinese people, Dang Hyang Niratha possessed great power. In response to the rejection of his intentions, he moved a massive rock and placed it in the middle of the sea. He then built the temple on this large rock that he had relocated.

Seeing what he had done, the local community was astonished and eventually followed Dang Hyang Niratha’s wishes. The people of the village began to believe in what he believed, which was to worship the sea gods to protect the temple and bring them safety.

In addition to this, Dang Hyang Niratha is also believed to have created a giant snake to protect the temple and the small island on which Tanah Lot Temple stands. This snake is said to live at the bottom of the sea and will forever guard the temple above.

However, the historical story above is based on legend, which may not align with your logical reasoning. Nevertheless, this tale remains a unique cultural product of Bali.

Renovation of the Temple

Because it is located in the middle of the sea, the island and Tanah Lot Temple are constantly battered by strong waves and winds. As a result, the island is prone to erosion. To preserve this historical site and sacred temple, the Balinese government initiated a coastal protection project for Bali’s shores.

The government installed tetrapods designed to break the waves from the sea, reducing the impact of the waves on the island. This project was carried out in 1987.

Previously, the plan was to protect Tanah Lot Temple by placing concrete blocks along the offshore area. However, this proposal was rejected as it would disrupt the natural beauty of the beach and potentially diminish its appeal to visitors.

As a solution, the concrete construction was done underwater. This method ensured that the beauty of the beach remained undisturbed, while still providing effective protection for Tanah Lot Temple.

The Sacred Freshwater Spring

One more unique feature of this beach, aside from Tanah Lot Temple, is a rare natural phenomenon. Around the cliffs of Tanah Lot, there is a freshwater spring that flows. As we know, seawater is salty, but on this beach, there is a spring that produces fresh water.

This spring is a unique attraction for tourists. Anyone is welcome to experience this freshwater spring.

The local community also considers the spring sacred, and it is believed to bring blessings. If you want to try the water from this spring, you will be adorned with a fragrant frangipani flower behind your ear, and your forehead will be marked with yellow rice as part of the ritual.

Watching the Sunset at Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Beach is one of the best locations to enjoy the sunset. Since it faces the open sea directly toward the sunset, there are several beautiful spots to take in the view.

Additionally, with the presence of Tanah Lot Temple, the beach offers a unique beauty. You will witness an orange sky, a large sun, and the rays of the sun shining on Tanah Lot Temple, creating a stunning silhouette.

You can also choose from three locations to watch the sunset at this beach, each offering a different sensation. There’s even a café where you can enjoy the sunset while savoring delicious food and drinks.

Read also: Tanah Lot Sunset Tour and Best Adventure in Bali

Riding ATVs and Watching the Sunset with Ubud Quad Biking

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled tour in Tanah Lot, you can enjoy a thrilling holiday with Ubud Quad Biking. We’ll take you on an ATV ride through the beautiful forests of Bali.

You will ride along challenging trails deep in the forest, exploring various unique spots. Then, end your day by relaxing and watching the serene sunset at Tanah Lot. We will choose the best spot for you to fully enjoy the beauty.

For more detailed information, you can visit our ATV and Tanah Lot Sunset page. Or, you can browse all of our holiday packages on our tour packages page.