The Tanah Lot Sea Temple in Bali is a popular destination for sunset viewing and stands as one of the most iconic attractions in Indonesia.

This mysterious ancient shrine sits atop rocks near the Bali coastline, presenting a dramatic scene of floating above the sea during high tide.

This travel guide aims to provide you with information on activities, how to get there, current ticket prices, and everything else you need to know before visiting the Tanah Lot Sea Temple in Bali!

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• Kayon Resort

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• Adiwana Unagi Suites

• Green Leisure Eco Resort

• Green Leisure Eco Resort

• Bali Santai Villas

• Bali Santai Villas

Facts & History – Tanah Lot Temple

The history of Tanah Lot Temple (Indonesian: "Pura Tanah Lot") dates back to the 16th century and is believed to have been built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, the founder of Balinese Shivaism.

Legend has it that Nirartha, during his travels along the southern coast of Bali, spent a night on this picturesque sea rock. Convinced that it was a sacred site for worshipping the Balinese sea god, he instructed local fishermen to construct a shrine on the rock.

Thus, the iconic Tanah Lot Temple was born. Its name roughly translates to "Land in the Sea," and it is one of seven sea temples built along the Bali coastline. Tanah Lot is steeped in myths and legends, and Hindus still consider it an important pilgrimage site.

Today, it is one of Bali's most famous temples, with over 5,000 visitors per day during peak times.

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
"Pura Tanah Lot" – The Floating Temple

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Balinese Sea Temple: Tanah Lot

Travel Guide to Tanah Lot Temple in Bali

The main reasons to visit Tanah Lot Temple in Bali are to see the ancient shrine and witness the sunset.

However, it can be extremely crowded and has turned into a tourist trap, with market-style souvenir shops lining the entire beach entrance.

• Tanah Lot Temple
The best view of Tanah Lot Temple is from the cliff terrace nearby, where you can overlook the island from above and watch the waves crash against it.

The beach at Tanah Lot has black volcanic sand, creating a mystical atmosphere. The temple truly appears to be floating on the sea.

During low tide, you can walk out to the rocks and take a closer look at the wooden temple structure, which sits just 30 meters off the coast.

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Tanah Lot – The Water Temple

Front View of Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Rocks on the Beach

• The Holy Snake
People believe that venomous sea snakes guard Tanah Lot Temple, protecting it from evil spirits and intruders. There is a cave on the shore where a "holy snake" resides and can be visited for a small fee.

This is a black-and-white banded sea snake (obviously a banded sea krait). These snakes are highly venomous but are not aggressive and rarely bite humans.

Read More: Snakes in Bali

• Batu Bolong Temple
Batu Bolong is another uniquely designed sea temple, located just a short walk from Tanah Lot, perched on a rock arch overlooking the sea. It is included in the Tanah Lot ticket.

A steep concrete staircase leads down to the beach, where you can view the arch up close, but sometimes they do not allow entry due to high waves.

"Batu Bolong" means "hollow stone" in Indonesian.

Batu Bolong Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Batu Bolong Temple (also known as "Pura Batu Bolong")

Batu Bolong Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Sea Arch at Batu Bolong Temple

Black Sand Beach
The black volcanic sand on the beach

• Tanah Lot Sunset
The sunset at Tanah Lot Temple is a breathtaking sight in Bali. The best way to enjoy it is by having a sunset dinner or drinks at one of the humble restaurants or snack bars on the cliff terrace nearby.

Don't expect a five-star dinner at Tanah Lot, but it's a great place to sip on an iced Bintang or fresh fruit juice while admiring the sunset.

Another popular spot for sunset photography is the black sand beach next to Tanah Lot Temple, but this depends on the wave height, so you may want to check the tide schedule first.

The rock arch at Batu Bolong Temple is also a great place to capture the sunset, especially if you venture down to the beach below.