An ancient site of pilgrimage and one of Bali’s most scenic Hindu temples, Tanah Lot is a bucket-list destination around Canggu, for sure.
Despite being one of the most visited tourist sites in Indonesia, Tanah Lot is one of our favourite temples in Bali. Here is all you need to know before visiting this Balinese shrine.
Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot) At A Glance
Tanah Lot is a sacred site for Balinese people, a temple and a market located right outside Canggu. It is hugely popular among both domestic and foreign tourists!
Tanah Lot means “land in the sea”, which describes the temple location exactly, as it is built on a rocky outcrop 300 meters into the Indian Ocean.
It is considered to be one of Bali’s seven sea temples built to protect the island from any danger coming from the Ocean and to worship Sea Gods.
Where Is Tanah Lot Temple?
Tanah Lot temple sits on the rock formation in the area called Tanah Lot, in Beraban village, in Tabanan Regency, on the Southern coast of Bali.
It is just a short drive from Canggu (minus traffic), and is about 3 hours away from the international airport in Kuta.
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
How To Get To Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is located super close to Canggu, so you will be able to find a taxi or bike to go from Canggu to Tanah Lot.
However, the drop-off spot isn’t exactly at the entrance, as the parking is paid, so drivers are reluctant to pick you up here to go back.
That’s why the best option is to either go here on your rental bike/car or hire a private driver for a day and combine some other things in Tabanan with visiting Tanah Lot temple.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Early morning during low tide is the best time to visit Tanah Lot, as you will be able to actually reach the temple, otherwise surrounded by water.
The temple is open from 6 AM, and the time before 10 AM is the best time to head here to avoid other visitors. You can also relax in the park before it gets too hot.
Of course, it is just as stunning during high tide, but the area for taking photos with the temple as a backdrop and the access to the cave and temple itself will be blocked.
Another thing to consider when deciding about visiting Tanah Lot is public holidays.
Sunset is very beautiful around Tanah Lot, but in the late afternoon, especially around 5 PM, the place gets busy, and more people will be lining up to take a photo on a flat rock formation underneath the temple.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Tanah Lot Temple?
Yes, Tanah Lot temple is a big tourist attraction and you will need to buy tickets at the entrance gate (the parking area also has a ticket box).
The prices for foreigners, starting from April 2026, are: an adult ticket will be 100,000 IDR (10 AUD), and children will pay 60,000 IDR (6 AUD).
Plus, if you are travelling by bike or car and want to use the temple’s ample parking, you need to pay extra fees (around 1 AUD).
History Of Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
Tanah Lot is one of the oldest temples in Bali, dating back to the 15th-16th centuries and the Majapahit Kingdom.
Dang Hyang Nirartha, a prominent Hindu priest from Java, travelled extensively between Indonesian islands in the 16th century, spreading Hinduism.
The place where Tanah Lot is today was one of the places he used to stay and meditate, a rock called Gili Beo (Bird Rock). It is believed that here Dang Hyang Nirartha reached spiritual enlightenment.
Following his holy journey, a temple was built here to worship the Sea Gods and his religious figure.
Although myths say it was Nirartha himself who moved the rocks and built the wooden temple just with his superpowers!
In the 80s, part of the rock under the main temple started to crumble, and restoration works funded by the Japanese government helped to create an artificial rock and concrete pillars to support the structure.
What To Do At Tanah Lot Temple
Temple Grounds
Tanah Lot is actually not one but a complex of temples situated in different areas of a big park along the shoreline.
The main temple sits on a little rock island just a few meters from the coast, being completely surrounded by water during high tide. It is dedicated to Bhatara Segara, or the Sea Power.
Other temples on the territory are:
- Pura Penetaran and Pura Penataran Madya are the two temples on left and right sides of the main temple.
- Pura Jero Kandang is at the beginning of the park, right before Pura Enjung Galuh, sitting on the rock offshore.
- Pura Batu Bolong is probably the second most recognizable temple from Tanah Lot, thanks to its location: it also sits on the edge of the cliff and is connected to the main cliffside by a rocky arch. From the side of the park, the photos are stunning!
- Pura Batu Mejan is the furthest temple at the end of the path.
- Pura Pakendungan is the least visited temple as it is located behind the parking lot.
You can not enter any of the temples’ courtyards as they are active places of worship for Balinese Hindus.
To learn about history, we highly recommend hiring a personal guide.
Holy Cave
During the low tide, the ocean recedes and exposes a cave under the cliffs.
This cliff is a sacred place where you can see and even touch the two guardian snakes of Tanah Lot.
According to Balinese mythology, the Sea God turned his ceremonial belt (called a sash in Indonesian) into a snake to protect the shrine, and locals believe that while snakes live at the temple grounds, it is safe. People ask the Holy Snake for blessings during major temple ceremonies, as well.
Park
On the right side of the main entrance to the temple grounds, there is a well-maintained green space with some pavilions and stages used during festivals and big ceremonies, some trees to provide shade, and some paths to stroll around.
Locals bring big pythons to take pictures with tourists, and it is one of the main attractions of the park.
It is an amazing spot to watch the sunset, as well, with lots of rocks and smaller temples framing the picture perfectly.
Please note that there is no beach here that you can access.
Art Market
The arts and crafts market at Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s best and most affordable markets to buy handmade items, carved masks, and souvenirs.
Souvenir vendors are scattered in many locations: along the entrance street, parking lot, and in the corners of the path leading up the cliff to the cafes and the views on the left of the main Tanah Lot temple.
You can buy magnets, cups, notebooks, art inside the temple, and clothing, large wood carvings, kitchen utensils, and larger-scale paintings at the market outside.
For clothing, take a closer look at the parking lot market.
Events
Keep an eye on the official calendar of the festivals, ceremonies, Kecak Fire Dance (rare now), and events at Tanah Lot.
Balinese life is based on the Saka calendar, and people celebrate temple anniversaries every year. It is called the Pujawali Ceremony or Odalan.
There will be ceremonial processions, a lot of elaborate decorations and offerings, and it is just an amazingly unique piece of Balinese culture to witness firsthand.
FAQs
Is Tanah Lot, Bali, Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you are interested in Balinese culture and Hinduism, Tanah Lot temple is a must, as it is one of the oldest, most important, and beautiful sea temples in South Bali.
It also offers peaceful surroundings and can be just a nice place to visit to walk and admire Balinese architecture and ocean views.
What Is Tanah Lot Famous For?
Tanah Lot is a famous temple near Canggu, Bali, well known for its unique location and stunning views.
Tanah Lot temple is a sea temple mounted on a volcanic rock formation surrounded by crashing waves and green cliffs.
What Is The Curse Of Tanah Lot, Bali?
The Curse of Tanah Lot or Bali Breakup Curse is not a real thing.
The myth says that a Brahmin princess cursed any unmarried couple visiting Tanah Lot so they would break up within 6 months. She was angry at her prince who broke off the engagement after they visited the temple and spent a night together.
Can I Wear Shorts To Tanah Lot?
No. Tanah Lot is a holy place for Balinese Hindus, and a respectful dress code is expected here: covered knees and shoulders. No bikinis or short skirts and shorts are allowed.
Wear long pants or bring a sarong and tie it around your waist as a skirt. You can ask local staff at the entrance or temple to help you tie it, if necessary.
Final Thoughts On Tanah Lot, Bali
There is no doubt that Tanah Lot temple is a magical and sacred place to explore to understand more about Balinese Hinduism and marvel at the architecture dating back centuries, which is hard to imagine!
This Balinese version of French Mont-Saint-Michel, Tanah Lot temple, is a beautiful sight in the Indian Ocean and a great place to visit outside Canggu to see the real Bali.