Pura Tanah Lot - Bali’s Most Beautiful Sea Temple.

Om Swastiastu! My name is Denis and I hope that I will be your driver when you're planning to visit Bali´s Top Attractions such our beautiful Pura Tanah Lot Temple.

My recommendation here in Bali is the beautiful offshore Pura Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan. Tanah Lot is only a 45-minute drive (approximately 20km) north-west from central Denpasar. Sitting upon a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, Pura Tanah Lot is possibly the most popular sea temple in Bali due to its unique beauty. The Tanah Lot temple is one of seven ocean temples in Bali and one of the most venerated in Balinese culture.

The history of Pura Tanah Lot dates back to the 16th century, when the high priest Dang Hyang Nirartha visited the region. While on his journeys, Nirartha stayed the night on Tanah Lot, then known as Gili Beo or bird-shaped rock. Nirartha felt enlightened after his stay and built a temple there to venerate Dewa Baruna, the god of the sea. Over the centuries the waves eroded the temple site until the 1980s when a major restoration project was carried out.

Today Tanah Lot has been fully restored and is one of the most popular Bali beach temples for tourists and worshippers alike. You can easily cross the rocky causeway to the base of Tanah Lot during low tide. Although the temple itself is off-limits to non-worshipers you can still look around and visit the magnificent Tirta Pabersihan fountain with its guardian sea snakes that dwell within its pools.

There are many lookouts along the shoreline where you can enjoy great views of the temple. One of the best is directly to the right of the entrance, through the garden and up the nearby hill. There are many excellent restaurants in the area offering a mix of Western and Asian cuisine: some recommended choices are Dewi Sinta, Warung Disini, Ocean Restaurant and Warung Guek.

While visiting Tanah Lot make sure you also visit the nearby sea temple of Pura Batu Bolong. Built upon a jutting cliff face, Pura Batu temple is considered the twin of Pura Tanah Lot. If you arrive on the holy day of Kuningan you will be able to witness the festive pilgrimages to the temple. If you visit just four days later you can watch the ceremony of Tanah Lot’s anniversary which takes place over three days.

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  • Best time to visit Tanah Lot temple?
    It is best to arrive early between 7-10am to avoid the crowds.
  • What are the Tanah Lot Temple entrance fees?
    Entrance fees are 60,000 rupiah (300 INR) per adult and 30,000 rupiah (150 INR) per child. This is approx. 4 USD per adult. Please check your exchange rates when traveling to Bali.
  • What are the Tanah Lot Temple Opening Hours?
    Tanah Lot is open from 7am to 7pm.
The Most Beautiful Sea Temple on Bali - Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tana Lot Sunset View Bali

Enjoy the Pura Tanah Lot Temple Sunset.

If you’ve visited Tanah Lot during the day, seen the temple and explored the entire area, you might think that’s all there is to see here. Not so, because seeing the Tanah Lot Temple at sunset is an entirely different experience. Make sure you arrive well before sunset (approx. 2-3 hours) to avoid major traffic chaos and make your way to the entrance.

Once there you have a few options for enjoying the sunset. First, you can make your way up the path to a raised cliff area where you can capture the embers of the day burning away behind the silhouette of the temple.

Alternatively, there are several restaurants along the clifftops that feature excellent views of the temple at sunset. Enjoy a meal or drink at the Sunset Terrace Restaurant, Dewi Sinta Restaurant or any of the many other restaurants along Sunset Terrace that offer incredible romantic sunset vistas. After sunset make sure you also see the fiery Kecak Dance show which runs from 6:30-7:30pm in the temple grounds.

An equally beautiful (and much less crowded) way to experience the unique beauty of Tanah Lot is to arrive for sunrise. Not only will you avoid fighting through traffic and tourists to get a great view, but you’ll most likely find a lookout all to yourself to witness the glow of the morning sky over the iconic temple.

  • Is it better visiting Tanah Lot at sunrise or better at sunset?
    Both are amazing experiences, but sunset attracts more crowds. Sunrise is much quieter and traffic to Tanah Lot is easier.
  • What is the sunset & sunrise time at Tanah Lot?
    Sunrise usually occurs between 5:30-6:30am at Tanah Lot, while sunset is between 6:00-7:00pm.able to enjoy a whistle-stop tour.
  • Where do I have the best view for the Sunset?
    Sunset Terrace has many restaurants with awesome cliffside views of the sunset. Otherwise climbing the garden path to the south cliff face will reward you with spectacular elevated views of the temple at sunset.
Best way to go to Tanah Lot Temple - Go with Denis.

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Tanah Lot to Kuta for having a great Party

Going from Tanah Lot to Kuta for Partying.

So you’ve visited Tanah Lot, seen the temple and watched the magnificent sunset. Now you want to let your hair down and party! Kuta is known for its bars, markets, and wild nightlife. Whether you come to dance the night away at Sky Garden, enjoy drinks and cocktails at trendy hangouts like Simpsons Bar and Paddy’s Pub, or just sit by the beach and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, you’ll be sure to agree there’s nothing that quite matches the experience of partying in Kuta, Bali.

After leaving Tanah Lot head southeast along the main highway until you reach North Kuta, then head south until you reach Kuta Beach. The distance from Kuta to Tanah Lot is approximately 22km and will take you between 40-50 minutes to arrive in normal traffic conditions. Keep in mind that traffic is often heavy after sunset leaving Tanah Lot, so travel time to Kuta might take longer if this is the case.

Visite Uluwatu - The Bali Ocean Temple

Drive With A Local to Visit the Sea Temples.