The flood of stalls and tourist stands that you have to pass by in front of the entrance to Pura Tanah Lot is quite frustrating, and the prices are exorbitant.
It's when you reach the promenade facing the sacred islet that you realise the beauty of the place. Of course, many people are there but that doesn't take any of Tanah Lot's charm away: it is a place which strikes all travellers in Indonesia.
At low tide, we were able to get to the islet by foot to be purified and blessed there. After a lovely walk with a view over the sea and the temple, we admired a brightly coloured sunset.
A funny story: cameras were more often turned towards us than towards the temple itself, we were also an attraction!
The flood of stalls and tourist stands that you have to pass by in front of the entrance to Pura Tanah Lot is quite frustrating, and the prices are exorbitant.
It's when you reach the promenade facing the sacred islet that you realise the beauty of the place. Of course, many people are there but that doesn't take any of Tanah Lot's charm away: it is a place which strikes all travellers in Indonesia.
At low tide, we were able to get to the islet by foot to be purified and blessed there. After a lovely walk with a view over the sea and the temple, we admired a brightly coloured sunset.
A funny story: cameras were more often turned towards us than towards the temple itself, we were also an attraction!
Tanah Lot is one of the most well known places on the island of Bali, the temple built on the island is dedicated to the god of the sea and has a special importance for the Balinese people. The temple can be accessed on foot at low tide and by boat at high tide; as it is very well known, it is also very popular... The path which leads to Pura Tanah Lot is surrounded by shops of all sorts and tourist traps, and there can sometimes be lots of visitors which spoils the place a little.
That being said the temple is really magnificent and is worth seeing, if you wish to avoid the big crowds go there in the morning instead when there's a few less people. A beautiful place to visit during your stay in Indonesia.
Tanah Lot is one of the most well known places on the island of Bali, the temple built on the island is dedicated to the god of the sea and has a special importance for the Balinese people. The temple can be accessed on foot at low tide and by boat at high tide; as it is very well known, it is also very popular... The path which leads to Pura Tanah Lot is surrounded by shops of all sorts and tourist traps, and there can sometimes be lots of visitors which spoils the place a little.
That being said the temple is really magnificent and is worth seeing, if you wish to avoid the big crowds go there in the morning instead when there's a few less people. A beautiful place to visit during your stay in Indonesia.
According to guides, Tanah Lot has all the charm a visitor needs. This Hindu temple was built on a cliff in the 15th Century by a priest who wanted to create a place of worship in an exceptional setting. It's one of 7 Balinese temples on this part of the coast.
Sadly, Tanah Lot has become a pilgrim site that's over run with tourists and photographers looking for good shots. The site entrance resembles a shopping complex lined with shops. Restaurants have been built along the cliff top so that tourists can benefit from the view. For me, it's destroyed the spiritual side of Tanah Lot.
Despite that, the temple is still an interesting site to explore during a trip to Indonesia, but it's best to go in the morning.
According to guides, Tanah Lot has all the charm a visitor needs. This Hindu temple was built on a cliff in the 15th Century by a priest who wanted to create a place of worship in an exceptional setting. It's one of 7 Balinese temples on this part of the coast.
Sadly, Tanah Lot has become a pilgrim site that's over run with tourists and photographers looking for good shots. The site entrance resembles a shopping complex lined with shops. Restaurants have been built along the cliff top so that tourists can benefit from the view. For me, it's destroyed the spiritual side of Tanah Lot.
Despite that, the temple is still an interesting site to explore during a trip to Indonesia, but it's best to go in the morning.