a Bali favorite- Tanah Lot, part 1

Beyond the postcard spectacle, the temple of Tanah Lot is a source of strength and power for the faithful in Hindu Bali. The collective belief of life beyond the physical is inculcated in a society who holds sacred the basic elements of the sun, the earth, the sea, all of which are converged in this temple in Tabanan, some 20 kilometers away from the capital.


March 20, 2002


October 26, 2006


Literally meaning land (tanah) and sea (lot), the temple sits on a rocky islet separated from the mainland by the sea. The temple directly faces the west, and as a “sunset” temple, its silhouette against the void of the Indian Ocean is world-famous.


October 10, 2005


October 22, 2006


Whittled into its current craggy shape by the strong wind and surf, the temple is easily accessible during low tide although crossings during high water are common, especially during temple anniversaries or important ceremonies, as I personally witnessed last week.


October 10, 2005


April 3, 2009


Soon: More of the temple celebration at Tanah Lot.