Pura Tanah Lot is the most popular temple for tourists to visit in Bali. It lies on the coast just west of Kuta and Denpasar on a rocky promontory and is best known for its sublime sunsets.
Unfortunately with the temple’s reputation and proximity to the capital and main beaches, it gets overly busy with tourists. The Balinese markets leading up to the temple are also a bit of a pain. They are carefully positioned to make you walk through them on the way to the sea.
The 16th century temple was built by priest Pedanda Sakti Bau Rauh who was fleeing persecution on Java. The Pura Tanah Lot complex covers the entire small islet with several shrines, of which the tallest is Hindu-entry only. It houses the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, while a sacred snake inhabits another.
Most tourists are simply interested in the temple’s fantastic setting and the subsequent sunset which falls over the back. If you cannot get to the viewing terrace within the temple itself, head back along the coast for the full perspective. There are many cliff top restaurants near Pura Tanah Lot.
Getting There & Away
Most tourists arrive by coach and tours leave the main beaches of Kuta, Sanur and Legian in the evening. Bemos, buses and taxis also run from the beaches and Denpasar. The drive goes along Jala Raya Canggu from Denpasar. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 20kms southeast of Pura Tanah Lot. Flights to Jakarta take 2 hours from Bali.