Tanah Lot

Where it is & how to get there

• From Canggu: About 30 minutes by car.
• From Seminyak: About 45 minutes–1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Low tide: At low tide you can walk to the base of the rock.

The story of Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot means "land in the sea". The temple was founded in the 16th century by the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who is said to have rested on the rock and told local fishermen to build a shrine there to honour the sea gods.

Sacred sea snakes are said to guard the temple, and a freshwater spring flows at the foot of the rock. Only Hindu worshippers may climb into the temple itself.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Arrive before sunset.
• Watch the sunset from the clifftop cafés facing the temple.
• Visit nearby Batu Bolong, a temple on a rock arch.

What's around Tanah Lot

• Pura Batu BolongTemple on a natural rock arch.
• CangguSurf town with cafés.
• Pan Pacific Nirwana golf courseOverlooks the temple.
• Taman Ayun Temple30 minutes inland.

Questions travellers ask