Tanah Lot: The Magical Temple

If we think of Bali, we think of beaches, temples, traditional culture, panoramic viewing, and shopping. Guess what, you can find it all tied together in Tanah Lot. So I will say that you've never been to Bali if you haven't visit Tanah Lot.

In Tanah Lot, there are two puras (temples, singular is pura) on a huge rock. The first pura is on a cliff (like Pura Uluwatu) and the other one really stands on a huge rock in the middle of beach, surrounded by sand and water. It is also called the temple of the sea, used to praise the guardian gods of the sea.

It is said that this temple was built by a brahmana (top class in Bali's society hierarchy) named Sanghyang Nirantha who came form the island of Java. He built Sad Kahyangan on 16th century and bring Hindu teachings to the people (Sad Kahyangan are temples which was built all over Bali. People use it to honor gods in Bali up until now). Those people had become the follower of Sanghyang Nirantha and began to leave the ruler of Tanah Lot, Bendesa Beraben.

Bendesa Beraben told Sanghyang Nirantha to leave Tanah Lot. Before Nirantha leave, with his mighty strength he moved Bongkahan Batu (huge rock) to the middle of the beach, and built a temple there. He also transformed his long wide shawl into a snake to guard the temple. This type of snake still exist up until now. It's a sea snake type with flat tail like fish, black with yellow-striped body and has a poison that's 3 times stronger than that of a cobra.

The legend said that in the end Bendesa Beraben had become the follower of Sanghyang Nirantha.

It is best to experience Tanah Lot when it's sunset. The big but shy red sun will accompany you for 15 minutes and those will be one of your unforgettable moments.

From the parking lot to the temple area there are art shops and food and drink stall. Feel free to shop, and if you're good at haggling, do so.