There are few places in Bali more pictured and more picturesque than Tanah Lot Temple. Lying on the coast in the shadow of western mountains, the temple is located in Tabanan Regency, less than 1 hour's drive from Kuta or Seminyak. A magnificent sight, it sits on a rocky spur with the waves constantly crashing on the rocks upon which it is built. Only reachable on low tide, you most pick your way across a coral isthmus, stepping carefully over tide pools and seaweed to gain access to the main temple complex. Visitor are now allowed to come in to the temple unless for praying.

Many visitors are content however, to view it from the main land. Chairs are provided in the late afternoon for those waiting for that perfect photo a cacophony of shutters clicking fills the air, as the sun drops into the sea framing the temple in fiery, golden hues. For the more adventurous, in a cave on the mainland side of the promontory resides a coral snakes considered by the local to be guardian of the temple. For a small donation one can gain admittance to the cave and if you are brave enough to touch the snake it is said to bring you wonderfully good luck!

Tanah Lot is said to have been built in the 16th century after a visit the late 15th century by one of Bali's most famous holy man who had felt the power of the place and marked it out as a religious site. Danghyang Nirartha also know as Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh came to Bali in 1489 to escape the fall of Majapahit empire in Java. During this time many learned Hindus, Mahayana Buddhists and Siva Buddhist arrived in Bali bringing many new ideas and religious teaching with them. Wawu Rauh, a Siva Buddhist, was an incredibly wise and learned man and wherever he went great crowds of people would come to listen to his teachings.

After spending some time at Rambut Siwi in Jembrana Regency he and his followers progressed south along the shoreline. It was said that the Priest never tired and seemed to float along - his disciplines however were made of more ordinary stuff and a decision was made to stop and rest at a small coral island almost joined to the shore. His reputation had preceded him and the local fishermen came out and invited them into their homes. Wawu Rauh declined, preferring to stay in the open air and soak up the beauty of his surroundings. He started to talk and taught the ever growing crowd much about religion and ethics - ideas that have survived until the present day. He advised the people to built a temple on the spot as he felt that incredible energy of the place made it the perfect place to praise and communicate with the God.

Sun set time at Tanah Lot is so amazing and exotic, come Bali holiday island and of course, Tanah Lot is your list that places of interesting must be visited. Rent a car in Bali either self driver or with driver, drive to Tanah Lot just take about 1 hour from Seminyak area, the traffic a bit busy during afternoon as most tourist take a Tanah Lot Sunset Tour. Memorable holiday will be yours.