Tanah Lot is one of the important directional temples in Bali. The temple is located on a rock just offshore. It is said to be the work of revered 15th century Hindu priest Nirartha and forms an important element of Balinese spirtualism and mythology.
This is an extremely popular tourist destination and the whole area is often very busy indeed, especially in the late afternoons, pre-sunset. The area between the car park (Rp 5,000 per vehicle) and the beach adjacent to the temple is a maze of souvenir shops selling just about every Balinese trinket imaginable.
Once you have fought your way through the souvenir vendors to the beach, you will see the magnificent temple perched on a rock just a few metres offshore. There is a footpath to the raised cliff area just to the south from where the views of the temple and the sunset behind it are outstanding. Photo-opportunities abound.
At low tide visitors can walk to to the base of Tanah Lot. For a small donation you can be blessed and can then walk some 20 metres around the side on a path, that eventually leads up to the temple. You have no better view of than from that on the sand. The only advantage being that you are standing on the base of Tanah Lot itself.
Restoration of the Temple. A comprehensive restoration programme started in the 1990s when it was realised that the rock was seriously eroded and in danger of collapse. This major work resulted in the actual temple being out of bounds which is still the case as of February 2013. This is not really a hindrance to visitors though as entrance to the actual temple is not the key attraction.
The best time to do to Tanah Lot is at Sunset. After that, stop by Echo Beach for sunset barbeques on the way back.
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