One of the most iconic temples in Bali is Tanah Lot Temple. The temple is popular for its sunset and Kecak dance performance. Tanah Lot is part of the many beautifully iconic Hindu temples in Bali. In addition to the beauty of the temple. The access that requires tourists to walk on the beach makes the temple even more unique.
The location set right on the coast makes Tanah Lot different than other temples. And when the seawater is rising, the temple becomes inaccessible. Tanah Lot which translates as land in the sea is an original Balinese language. The temple location in Tabanan is not too far from downtown Denpasar.
Tanah Lot Temple Entrance Fee
International tourists’ entrance fee is Rp40.000 for children and Rp75.000 for adults. The entrance fee doesn’t include the parking fee and ticket show to watch Kecak Dance.
| Tanah Lot Temple Entrance Fee | |
| Temple | Rp40.000 (children) / Rp75.000 (adult) |
| Tanah Lot Kecak Dance Ticket | Rp150.000 |
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Tanah Lot Temple Opening Hours
The temple is open every day from 7 AM to 7 PM except on Nyepi. The best time to visit the Tanah Lot temple is at 4 PM, before sunset. Visitors are allowed to stay awhile after sunset.
| Tanah Lot Temple Opening Hours | |
| Every day except Nyepi | 07:00 – 19:00 |
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Tanah Lot Temple History
Tanah Lot was built during the 16th century. The legend story of Tanah Lot begins when Dang Hyang Nirartha comes to Bali for the first time from Java island. He comes with one mission. To teach and spread Hinduism. During his time in Bali, one time he sees a beautiful rock on the island. He then rests and settles.
Later he saw by the fishermen. The fishermen bought him gifts. That night is one night when Dang Hyang Nirartha rests on that island. During the time on the island, Nirartha tells the fishermen to build a temple on the rock. He feels that this island is a holy place. An appropriate place to worship Balinese sea gods.
The main god of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara also known as the sea god or the mighty power in the sea. Today the temple is also known as a place to worship Dang Hyang Nirartha. Not only the pilgrimage site for Hindu people. Tanah Lot is actually a popular spot to see the sunset.
Tanah Lot Temple is also popular for its religious ritual. In the very beginning, the shrine was lying in the land. Shape and build in gigantic rock. At that moment on the island, in Beraban village, the leader Bendesa Beraban Sakti disagrees with Nirartha’s spiritual belief.
Bendesa belief in monotheism. He is doing any possible way to extrude Nirartha out of his meditating place, the temple. Tanah Lot or land in the sea is the history where Dang Hyang Nirartha moved the rock from the island to the middle of the sea.
Beraban Village after Nirartha Left
From that moment, Bendesa becomes one of Dang Hyang Nirartha’s disciples. Practicing Hindu religion with the rest of the locals. At the time of leaving the village, Nirartha gives a special dagger to Bendesa Beraban. The extraordinary dagger has the magic power to remove any disease in a plant.
And after Nirartha left, the people living in the area still practice and perform ceremonies once in 6 months. The locals believe the ceremony will boost their welfare. It will give them abundant results when harvesting. And they’ll live harmoniously in mutual respect.
Tanah Lot Temple Attractions
One of the magic things in Tanah lot temple is the water cave. There is actually one source of fresh water. A freshwater that believes coming from the center of the sea and is holy water. That is also the reason why the temple never runs out of visitors. Every day, locals will come here to get a blessing from the priest in the cave.
Holy Water Cave
The water splashes at the top of the head and a spark in the face. A pinch of rice grain will be put between the eyebrows. The priest in the cave will bless all guests that came. In fact, visitors could experience it too. Inside the cave, both locals and visitors can drink the holy water or wash their hands or faces.
The holy water is also believed can heal sick people and give fertility to a couple who wishes to have children. There is no entrance fee to enter the holy water cave. However, visitors who wish to donate for maintenance can simply put the donation in the box.
Snake Cave
The snake cave is located in front of the holy water cave. There are a few snakes that are considered holy snakes. One of the snakes is 1.5 meters long and has a stripe of black and white. The locals believe that the snake belongs to God and the duty is to protect the temple.
Visitors can get a closer look at the snake, take a photo, or even touch it. Touching the holy snake is also believed will bring good luck. There is no additional fee to explore the snake cave. However, for visitors who wish to donate, there is a small box for donations.
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Kecak Dance Performance
Another attraction not to miss in Tanah Lot temple is the traditional Balinese dance. Kecak Dance in Tanah Lot temple is scheduled after sunset. Almost all tourist attractions or temples in Bali have Kecak dance shows. However, every Kecak dance has a different storyline.
First, the dancer’s performance in the Tanah Lot temple is magnificent. Kecak dance here comes with a scenario and funny move from one of the characters Hanoman. Right before entering the stage, audiences will get a paper telling the storyline of the play.
Prepare to be amazed by the dance choreography, the song, and the trance. Expect to see a dangerous performance. A priest will put a spell and make one man trance. The show starts at 6:30 PM. To watch Kecak Dance, visitors can buy tickets at the same temple ticket booth inside the temple area.
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Facilities
Basic facilities like toilets are available on the premises. The line of art and souvenir shops are available from the parking area to the entrance gate. There are handicrafts, cheap dresses, and even a T-shirt. Some shops put a fixed price sign, however, customers can always bargain.
Restaurants and small cafes are located near the parking area. There is also a small stall selling snacks, mineral water, and fresh coconut water.
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Address & Location
Tanah lot temple is located in Beraban, Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121.
