Sunset at Tanah Lot temple

Tanah Lot temple is one of the scenic spots in Bali that should not be missed. Your visit to Bali will not be completed without a visit to Tanah Lot temple. The best time to visit the place is at sunset when the sun colors the sea and sky beautifully with reds, yellows and oranges. Sunrise can do too but it won't be as spectacular as a sunset.  It is also one of the most popular spots to get photographs of beautiful silhouette of the temples during the sunset over the ocean.

pic credit to www.balitoursonline.com - sunset at Tanah Lot 

This place has to be visited in the afternoon if you want to enjoy the sunset and that means you can visit other attractions on the northern part mountain in the morning before heading to Tanah Lot in the afternoon.  For instance, you can start your adventure in the early morning to Pura Taman Ayun, Candi Kuningan, Bedugul Temple, and on the way back stopped at Alas Kedaton ‘Monkey Forest’ and then you should be arriving at Tanah Lot in the afternoon for the sunset which usually takes place after 6.00 pm.

direction to Pura Enjung Galuh Tanh Lot

Pura Tanah Lot was our favorite among the Bali Temples followed by Pura Bedugul and Pura Uluwatu. The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the Indian ocean tide that  makes this a special attraction. Tanah lot is one of the closest to Seminyak, Legian or Kuta where most of the tourists would stay. It is just within 1 – 2 hour travel depends on the traffics.

Tanah Lot bali

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th-century priest, Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

Pura Enjung Galuh 

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple, which was created from Nirartha's scarf when he established the island.

Pura Batu Bolong Tanah Lot

If you are lucky you can witness the Hindus dress for the ceremonies or festivities at this temple. The Hindus are usually praying at Tanah Lot Temple for special days like: Purnama (full moon), Tilem, Buda wage, Anggara Kasih, Saraswati, Siwaratri, Kajeng Kliwon and others.

Beautiful Garden at Tanah lot

Tips:

• Make sure you take plenty of water, a hat, comfortable shoes, camera and possibly a back pack for various souvenirs that you might want to buy
• Usually the tide in the afternoon is low, so it is the best time to visit, as during the low tide, you can cross over to the temple where you would have a traditional hindu blessings.
• Make sure you pick a sunny day that is cloud free so the experience at Tanah Lot Temple is a memorable one, seeing the sun hit the water at sunset without having your view being obstructed
• Within the grounds of Tanah Lot and the other smaller temples, there are beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. These overlook a rock formation jutting out to sea similar to a stone structured bridge. The views there are also breathtaking. This location is also famous for the red sunsets.
• The best thing in this by the sea temple, is the holy spring water in the middle of sea water. Amazing right! It is free of charge, but you need to give some donation (any) to the temple
• While you’re around the shore, try their Barbeque Sweet Corn. Taste is really good. Go for chilies flavor as well, it’s yummy
• Stop over at any of the rice field along the roadside (Jl. By Pass Munggu) at any villages while you’re on the way to Pura Tanah Lot. The view just even nicer than Tegalalang Rice Terrace Field
• There are so many restaurants lined up along the mountain edge providing dining with excellent sunset view. As usual, for a prime tourist location
• You can also see many people who will take your photo and give you instance photo with frame for a nominal fee. If you’re not interested, simply say no nicely but firmly.
• There are also plenty of shops around this temple for shopping almost everything including souvenirs, dress, shoes and what else? You can get anything and everything there including sculptures, paintings and crafts. Bargaining is expected everywhere unless the price is clearly marked, in which case it is fixed.