Tanah Lot Temple

A 15th-century temple, Pura Tanah Lot is perched on an offshore rock. It is one of those places that justify the phrase — love at first sight. This temple has been a point of much reverence in Balinese mythology. Going by legends, Pura Tanah Lot was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, the founder of Balinese Shaivaim, to offer prayers to the sea gods. The temple is believed to be guarded from evil spirits and intruders by sea serpents that have coiled themselves at the base of the rock that it is built on. A part of the rock had to be restored in the 1980s since strong sea gale led to crumbling of a large portion. While you cannot tell it from real, around 1/3rd of the rock face is now artificial. As the temple sees a throng of tourists every day, it’s advisable to visit it early in the morning to avoid crowd.