Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. An ancient Hindu shrine perches on top of an outcropping of rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. The priest is said to have spent a night on the rock and spoke to the local fishermen about the spirits of the sea. Tanah Lot is part of a chain of rock temples along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purified and blessed every 210 days in a ceremony called Piodalan.