Tanah Lot Temple
📍 Tabanan, Bali, ID
★ 5.0 (1)About This Destination
Tanah Lot is Bali's most photographed temple for good reason — a small Hindu shrine perched dramatically on an offshore rock, surrounded by crashing waves that make it look like it's floating at high tide. Time your visit for sunset and you'll see why it's on every Bali bucket list.
What We Do There?
Wander the cliffside path as the tide goes out and the temple rock becomes accessible on foot, browse the little market stalls selling sarongs and snacks, and stick around after dark for a traditional Kecak fire dance performed against the ocean backdrop.
Unique / Point of Interest
The temple rock itself at low tide, that unmistakable sunset silhouette everyone comes for, and the sacred sea-snake cave believed to guard the temple from evil spirits.
Travel Tips
- ✓Come in the late afternoon for the sunset, but arrive early because it gets crowded.
- ✓The temple rock can only be reached on foot at low tide, so check the tide times.
- ✓The inner temple is reserved for worshippers; visitors enjoy it from outside.
- ✓Wear a sarong or sash, as at any Balinese temple; they are often available to borrow or rent at the entrance.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Best months
- •Bali's dry season, April to October, gives the clearest sunsets.
- •July, August and the December holidays are the busiest; arrive early for a good spot.
- •The temple rock can only be reached at low tide, so check the tide times.
🎒 What to Bring
- ✓Sarong or sash for the temple area (often available to borrow or rent at the entrance)
- ✓Sunscreen and a hat for the wait before sunset
- ✓Cash for the entrance fee, snacks and the market
- ✓Comfortable shoes or sandals for steps and wet stone
- ✓Camera, the sunset silhouette is the highlight
⚠️ Safety Notes
- !Only cross to the rock when the tide is low and the staff allow it; the water rises quickly
- !The rocks and steps are slippery, so go slowly and hold the railings
- !The inner temple is for worshippers only, enjoy it from outside
- !The viewpoints get very crowded at sunset, so mind your belongings and the cliff edges
Activity
Sunset Temple Walk
A relaxed evening walk along the cliffs with the temple silhouette and the setting sun stealing the whole show.
Kecak Fire Dance
Settle in for a mesmerizing, fire-lit performance of chanting dancers acting out an ancient Balinese legend.
Traveler Reviews
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Watched the sunset at Tanah Lot and it was every bit as magical as the photos — the whole cliffside glows gold right as the tide comes in.