For many people, Tanah Lot or Tanah Laut symbolizes the romance of the island of Bali. As the name suggests, Tanah Lot does have a unique offshore setting. Tanah Lot is also the ‘home’ of one of the famous icons in Bali, namely the Tanah Lot Temple Silhouette.
View of a temple standing tall on a rock overlooking the open sea. The waves crash beneath the coral walls, a tinge of twilight orange that sinks slowly at the edge of the ocean. Beautiful, isn’t it?
Tanah Lot is located in Tabanan, only 30 km from Denpasar. Meanwhile, the temple is located about 300 meters offshore. Tanah Lot Temple is believed to have originated in the 16th century according to Dang Hyang Nirartha, a respected religious figure in Bali.
Dang Hyang Nirartha is believed to be the figure who created the three temple system in villages in Bali. He determined the location of the temple divisions where the temple built on the north side of the village was dedicated to Lord Brahma, in the middle of the village for Lord Vishnu, while the temple on the south side was for Lord Shiva. He got the inspiration to build the temple while walking along the southern coast of Bali. At that time he saw a small rock island known as Gili Beo, in the village of Beraban. When he wanted to carry out his intention to build a temple on Gili Beo, the Beraban leaders and people actually expelled Nirartha.
Based on Balinese mythology, Dang Hyang Nirartha is known as a person who had extraordinary supernatural powers to the point that he was able to move an entire rock island into the sea, build a temple and name it Tanah Lot. To the point that the entire Beraban village was very surprised and then joined in following what Nirartha believed. Tanah Lot Temple was built to worship Bhatara Segara, or the God of the Sea. It is said that to protect his temple, Nirartha created a poisonous snake thanks to the power of his shawl. This sea snake is believed to live at the bottom of Tanah Lot, to protect the temple from evil intruders.
Currently, Tanah Lot has become a favorite tourist spot for taking photos. Here, Pesona Friends can also find many shops selling local products and handicrafts along the entrance to Tanah Lot.
The best time to visit Tanah Lot is on Odalan Day, which is celebrated every 210 days. This ritual usually takes place on the Buddhist holy day Cemeng Langkir near the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations. On this day, Pesona Friends will see rows of Balinese women gracefully carrying offerings on their heads to pray at the Tanah Lot temple.
The Tanah Lot tourist area near Batu is very well managed for tourist purposes, complete with vehicle parking facilities, toilets, art shops, restaurants, hotels, open stages, tourist information services, as well as security and health services.
Pesona friends will find many restaurants to enjoy a luxurious breakfast or lunch while looking at the beautiful panorama here. Feel calm when you see the sunlight slowly sinking over the western horizon with the atmosphere of the open sea. There is no doubt, this view will be a memorable experience for Pesona Friends.
Access to Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is located about 30 km from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar. If Pesona Friends depart from Denpasar, at the main intersection of the Kediri City highway, there is a sign pointing to the southwest which will take Pesona Friends to Tanah Lot. To get to Tanah Lot Temple, Pesona Friends will pass through dry plains and climb the hill.
Get around
Pesona Friends can encounter a cinematic atmosphere when walking around the temple. Even though it is famous for its sunsets, there is no harm in visiting it in the morning to experience the tranquility offered by Tanah Lot. Pekendungan Temple, Batu Bolong Temple, Jero Kandang Temple, Enjung Galuh Temple, and Batu Mejan Temple are some of the temples that Pesona Friends can visit while around Tanah Lot.
Historically, these temples have their own legends and myths, you know! When Nirartha left the Beraban village, he gave the keris to the Beraban leaders. Keris Ki Batu Gajah is believed to have the ability to repel pests from plants. This keris is kept at Pekendungan Temple, which was previously kept at Puri Kediri. However, on Odalan day, the Ki Batu Gajah keris is always presented at the ceremony.
Pura Batu Bolong or Perforated Rock is an extraordinary sea temple built on a jutting rock cliff. This temple is considered the twin of Tanah Lot, because there are many similar temple reliefs. This temple is located in T Canggu and is the birthplace of the holy spring. Many important Balinese rituals and ceremonies are held at this stunning location.
Jero Kandang Temple in Tabanan is a temple that is usually visited to seek health and protection for livestock and agricultural crops. Meanwhile, Enjung Galuh Temple is a famous temple for worshiping Dewi Sri, where Hindus pray for prosperity and prosperity. Meanwhile, Batu Mejan Temple is the location where the holy spring, namely Tirta Penglukatan, is believed to be able to eliminate all negative things and bring happiness.
Yes, Bali is known as the Island of a thousand temples, so Pesona Friends have to take the time to explore all the temples in Bali. Welcome, Pesona Friends!
Address:
Jl.Raya Tanah Lot, Kawasan Pura Tanah Lot. Beraban Village, Kediri, Beraban 82121
Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/id/id/destinasi/bali-nusa-tenggara/tanah-lot