Tanah Lot (Temple of the Earth in the Sea) is a beautiful Hindu temple located on an islet 100 meters off the southwest coast of Bali. Built by a priest during the sixteenth century, the temple is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea and is believed to be guarded by the dangerous marine snakes that live below the surface.
When the tide is high, the rock in which Pura Tanah Lot is located almost wholly gets covered, but during some hours a day, it is possible to reach the temple walking without getting wet. The interior of the temple, which is accessed through a staircase carved into the rock, cannot be visited but at dusk, it is possible to approach the sanctuary to receive a blessing granted by the priests.
An Unparalleled Location!
The Tanah Lot Temple is a spectacular place, especially at dusk, when sunlight turns golden and descends over the horizon, turning the temple into a dark silhouette. At the end of the day, the area is filled with tourists who complete their excursions in one of the most special temples of Bali.
In the surroundings of Tanah Lot, you can visit other temples among which Batu Bolong stands out, a small sanctuary located on a mound in the sea that communicates with the shore by means of a natural bridge. It is a temple that was built on a rocky promontory that is said to protect Tanah Lot. At 7 o'clock in the afternoon the fire dance show, known as kechak, starts in the surrounding area.
Know the Batu Bolong Temple!
Built in 1489, the Pura Batu Bolong Temple or the Temple of the Arch (Batu means stone and Bolong means hole) is a place that often goes unnoticed by many tourists who only associate the Tanah Lot Temple with this area. The Temple as such is a small sanctuary built on a rock with a large arch and joined to the ground by a natural point, which breaks majestically with the cliffs so typical of the area.
Undoubtedly, the place does not stand out for the majestic temple itself, but on the incredible place that recreates looking at the sea.
How to go to the Batu Bolong Temple:
As I said earlier, the Batu Bolong is located almost on the beach of Canggu and in the vicinity of the Tanah Lot, making it very easy to visit from Denpasar, Kuta or Jimbaran. The best way is to go by motorcycle or rental car or hire private guide service. If you do not have your transport, you can go from Bemo to Canggu and from there go on foot to the temple.
The opening hours are from 8 AM to 7 PM, and the price of the visit is 30000 Indonesian Rupiah.
MacroTraveller Tips:
To visit these temples, it is very important that you keep the appropriate dress code. It is forbidden to enter with tank tops and shorts. The ideal dress is a short sleeve T-shirt and a sarong or Balinese sarong to cover the legs (in case you have your own you can rent one during your visit). This dress code for Bali temples applies to both men and women. Remember that you are visiting a religious place. Be very respectful. Do not miss the chance to see the sunset over the cliffs of the Batu Bolong Temple, sincerely the sunset is incredible. Sunset is so magical and mystical, and one should realize that when you lie low like the sun during sunset, doesn't mean you can be written off, for sure, you are going to rise again every day!