A hugely popular tourist destination, the sea temple Pura Tanah Lot (adult/child 75,000/30,000Rp) is closely associated with the Majapahit priest Nirartha and has great spiritual significance to the Balinese. Because of its floating illusion at high tide, when the rock on which the temple stands seems to be drifting on the waves, Tanah Lot is also one of Bali’s most visited and photographed temples, especially for the overhyped sunsets.
You can walk to the temple at low tide, but non-Balinese are not allowed to enter. Two sacred snakes are said to live in the innermost sanctum. Follow the pathways in the gardens along the overlooking clifftop to escape the crowds and enjoy a somewhat more contemplative atmosphere. Pura Batu Bolong is connected to land by a natural bridge.
To reach Tanah Lot, you normally follow walkways from the vast car parks through a mind-boggling sideshow of tatty souvenir shops, unsustainable animal attractions and other schlock down to the sea. Clamorous announcements screech from loudspeakers. Note that during the pre- and post-sunset rush, traffic is awful, with backups stretching for many kilometers. The secret to enjoying Tanah Lot is to arrive before noon: you beat the crowds, and the vendors are still asleep.
If coming from south Bali, take the coastal road west from Kerobokan and follow the signs. From other parts of Bali, turn off the Denpasar−Gilimanuk road near Kediri and follow the signs.
