Pura Tanah Lot, Bali-Indonesia

Pura Tanah Lot

My mind was filled with anticipation as the van approached Pura Tanah Lot (often known as Tanah Lot only). I have heard a lot of this temple before coming here. It was the star icon of Bali. During our journey, our driver Aple stressed on the fact that one has not consider visited Bali without visiting Tanah Lot. I agreed with him wholeheartedly after witnessing the effort of the local tourism authority has put in to promote this star attraction.

Gate to Tanah Lot

As expected, we saw loads of tourists at the entrance to Tanah Lot. Many of them were from China. We have to walk a distance through alleys lined with tourists' shops to the temple. I could not stop feeling a bit disappointed that this attraction has become overly-commercialized and evolved into a tourist trap. On the other hand, I was also comforted by the fact that the temple has provided many locals there a kind of livelihood. Well, life was always so ironical.

Charlotte with deity's statue

We knew we were closed when the crowd got thicker and the smell of sea struck our nose. We could also hear the sound of the waves crushing against the rocks. Our paces picked up. Finally we saw what we came to witness. The temple was a simple one but the setting was not. Set on top of a rocky formation- "Tanah" which means land in Balinese, the temple stood facing the Indian Ocean which represented the "Lot" and thus came the combined name Tanah Lot. The ferocious waves struck mercilessly and relentlessly against the temple ground. But like a monstrous guardian, Tanah Lot stood firm on it's ground and seemed to protect it's believers safely before the shoreline. Many locals believed a gigantic snake guarded the temple ground from those visiting the holy ground with ill intents.

Tanah Lot at Sunset 1

Welcome to Tanah Lot

As the tide was not too high, many visitors took the opportunity to wet their feet and  visited the temple area (You cannot visit the temple at high tide). Priests were at the temple to bless those who gave a donation for a good cause. We chose not to visit the temple. Instead, we went to  higher ground to wait for the sunset. The sunset at Tanah Lot was always described as something one would die for. It might be overly exaggerated but it was truly something worth waiting for.

Family Photo at Tanah Lot

We could hear religious music when the sun began to set. I guessed it should be telling the visitors to get ready for the sunset view. When the sun began it's descend into the blue horizon, Tanah Lot was bathed in it's heavenly-like golden rays.  The view was indeed breathtaking. We knew the golden moment would be short and hardly blinked our eyes as we absorbed the beautiful scenery. The waves seemed to got stronger and added to the spectacular aura of the whole place.

Golden Sunset at Tanah Lot

We have visited many temples before but was still fascinated by Tanah Lot. It's presence by the sea made the temple unique.  Is it a must to visit when you are in Bali? Well, it always depends on one's perspective and what he/she is looking for. My philosophy is always "Relax and do not hold high expectation. You will have a more fruitful and enjoyable trip". Have a great time when you are here next time ;-)!   

Tanah Lot at Sunset 2

 *This article was a recap during my visit to Pura Tanah Lot on 19 March 2013

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I have skeptical feeling when I planned the family trip to Bali. Although those were many years ago, the 2002 and 2005 terrorists' attack on the island are something many people still talk and worry about. But all these fear dissipated when we visited the island. The captivating scenery, friendly people, unique temples and good food have made us forgot Bali's sorrow past. We never regret that we have visited the "The Land of the Gods".

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Guardian Statue

Pura Tanah Lot

I have earlier engaged a local Balinese driver through the net to bring us around the island. It was definitely a great decision as we conveniently got to places that I planned (and unplanned) for. He doubled up as a guide and informed us on the potential risks and scams to look out for. Do send me an email if you are visiting Bali and want his contact.

Sunset at Tanah Lot

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Pura Taman Ayun

I am a fan of temples and have churned a list of them in the "must visit" column. The Balinese call their temples as "Pura". As a first time visitor, I was eager to visit all the principal puras. My initial list consisted of Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Besakih Temple Complex. The last item was eventually replaced by Pura Tirta Empul due to the warning by my driver. He warned me that the local villagers at Besakih are notorious for extorting money from tourists and advised me to change my destination. The driver's warning confirmed the bad reviews that I have read up in the net. Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", it was about 2000 years old and built on the slope of the volcanic Mount Agung. It offers stunning view and great cultural values. But the local villagers bad attitudes have turned off many potential visitors. Me included. I will surely visit the place in the future if the situation improves.

Candi Bentar (Split Gate)

Rice Terraces

Mount Batur

Many people have actually thought Bali as just a great beach resort. I readily beg to differ. Our journey in the island have brought us new horizon of thoughts. The island is called the "Land of the Gods" for good reasons. Almost all household we passed by have a private shrine. Each of them is defined by a split gate (candi bentar) flanked by two ferocious (sometimes humorous) guardian statues. The wall details are intricately designed by fine and beautiful artworks. There are supposedly to be well over 200 000 temples in Bali!  We were behold by the majestic Mount Agung and still active Volcano Mount Batur as we drove past beautiful rice terraces and bountiful fruits and coffee plantations. My wife and daughter were always fascinated by the life-like stone and wooden carvings of godly beings and Buddhas that line the roads and populate the front yards of the houses. The cultural performance of the Kecak, Barong and Legong dance have never fail to amaze us (although my wife was a bit disturbed by the "cak" chant during the Kecak performance :-p)

Kecak Dance

Barong Dance

Bountiful Fruits On Sale

My main focus would always be the Puras. Always accompanied by different tiers of the unique Meru, each Pura has a different setting and story to narrate. Uluwatu stands proudly on a clifftop, overlooking and guarding the awesome Indian Ocean. Situated at the shoreline, Tanah Lot seems to conjure a magical boundary to prevent the aggressive demonic waves from invading the land. Taman Ayun emitting an aura of majestic presence, reminding people of their royal past. Ulun Danu Bratan poses beautifully at Lake Bratan, just like the Goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu that it is devoted to. Many people from all round the globe come to Tirta Empul just to bath in it's holy water. It is believed the holy water helps to cleanse them from all sickness and bad fortune.

Bali Door Painting

Bali is indeed a worthy place for relaxation and more importantly, cultural learning. But commercial development and expansion have taken it's toll on it's natural beauty. Many rice terraces and fruits plantation have made way for new hotels and resorts.  I really hope these will not reach a level of no return.

We will surely be back. We love Bali :-)!

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