Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic and beloved destinations, attracting visitors from around the world. The main reason tourists flock to Tanah Lot is its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. Perched dramatically on a rock formation in the sea, this ancient Hindu temple offers stunning views.
Beyond its beauty, Tanah Lot holds deep spiritual importance for the Balinese people. It is one of Bali’s seven sea temples, believed to protect the island from evil spirits. Visitors love the unique blend of spirituality, local legends, and traditional rituals that can be felt here.
The surrounding area is lively too, with local markets, art shops, and seaside cafes.
My friends and I did the same, as tourist — I’m not quite a temple-visitor myself, but my friends were really excited, so we went. And honestly, it was an absolutely beautiful place.
It was a hot day, and we definitely got our suntan here — there was a lot of walking under the sun and plenty of beautiful photo spots that kept us standing outside even longer.
One thing we missed was visiting the temple itself because we went during high tide; at that time, the temple sits like an island in the middle of the sea. When it’s low tide, you can actually walk across the rocks to get closer. So make sure to check the tide timing before you go!
Other than this tip, it’s also really windy — if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, make sure you wear protection inside (haha).
A tripod might not stand steady with the strong wind, so it’s best to bring a friend or ask another tourist to help you take photos. Bringing a sunshade and a hat is also a great idea on hot days to stay comfortable while getting those beautiful shots.
You won’t go hungry or thirsty here — there are restaurants on the hilltop and plenty of shops selling drinks, snacks, and artwork. However, prices aren’t exactly cheap. Some stalls allow bargaining, and you can often negotiate down to half the original price, which shows just how much they mark things up. If you want to avoid paying extra, try shopping at the local market areas further from the hilltop and temple rather than the ones right next to them.
Last but not least, wear comfortable shoes and bring cash — most places here don’t accept credit cards.
How to Get to Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Denpasar and roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car from popular areas like Seminyak or Canggu. If you're coming from Ubud, expect the drive to take around 1.5 hours.
There’s plenty of parking available near the temple, but it can get crowded, especially after the late afternoon. Be prepared for some waiting if you plan to visit during sunset hours.
The road signs can be a bit confusing, so it’s a good idea to ask a local or someone nearby to help you find your way.
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