This sight is located in Bali, Indonesia. For travel information about Bali, read the Bali Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Indonesia, read also the Indonesia Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation in Bali? Use the Bali Budget Accommodation Map to find budget accommodation that fits your travel needs.
The world-famous temple of Tanah Lot, also known as Pura Pakendungan, was established by the 16th-century priest Danghyang Nirartha, in appreciation of the natural beauty of the landscape. The name Tanah Lot means "Land in the Sea", with the word "lot" being a Balinese for "laut" (sea). The dramatic coastline on which this temple is perched makes it every photographer's dream. The little temple sits atop a rocky outcrop that juts into the raging ocean. It is said to be guarded by holy sea snakes, which are available for viewing in a nearby cave on the beach.
The temple of Tanah Lot at sunset.
Arrayed along the coasts are a few lesser known temples which are just as interesting. Perhaps the most picturesque of them all is Pura Batu Bolong, sitting on a natural rocky archway the leaps seawards.
On my visit to Tanah Lot, our guide Agung Dirga took us first to Pura Batu Balong before ending the trip at Pura Pakendungan. It was a fitting logistical arrangement, and I got many wonderful shots of the sun setting behind Pura Pakendungan.
Tanah Lot Photo Gallery
Tanah Lot facing the Indian Ocean is inundated by visitors daily.
At low tide it is possible to walk towards the temple of Tanah Lot.
Attendants at Tanah Lot guarding the cave with sacred sea snakes.
View of the sea snake coiled up in a hole in Tanah Lot.
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