Tanah Lot
A 16th-century sea temple on a coral rock off the Tabanan coast, accessible on foot at low tide and crowded at sunset for good reason.
Tanah Lot is on the southwest coast of Tabanan in Beraban Village, about 45 minutes from Seminyak or Canggu. The temple sits on a three-hectare coral rock that rises roughly 16 metres above the Indian Ocean. At high tide the rock turns into an offshore island. At low tide a sandy causeway appears and you can walk to the base.
Dang Hyang Nirartha built Tanah Lot in the 16th century. It is one of six sea temples that form a spiritual chain along Bali's coast from Tanah Lot in the west down to Uluwatu in the south. The Tabanan Regency cultural office manages the site as a tourist attraction, so visitors get broader access than they would at an active worship temple.
Entrance fees and opening hours
A planned 2026 fee increase was postponed in March 2026, so the rates below are current. Ticket prices are set by the local management authority and may be reviewed periodically.
| Ticket type | Price (IDR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | 75,000 | $5 |
| Foreign child (5-10) | 40,000 | $2.50 |
| Domestic adult | 30,000 | $2 |
| Parking (car) | 5,000 | $0.30 |
| Parking (scooter) | 2,000-3,000 | $0.15 |
The site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The main entrance closes at 7:00 PM; ceremonies may continue later but visitors cannot enter after closing. The complex is closed on Nyepi. Tickets are cash-only at the counter — bring small IDR notes; cards and digital payments are not accepted.
What to see and do
The main draw is the temple's silhouette at sunset, but the complex also offers several sights and experiences worth exploring.
- Walk to the rock base at low tide — check tide times first, as the path is accessible only for a short window.
- Visit the holy spring on the rock's western side, where worshippers collect blessed water for ceremonies.
- Watch Kecak fire dance performances held in the evenings at a stage inside the complex.
- Explore the manicured grounds, viewpoints, and smaller shrines within the walled area.
- Browse market stalls near the entrance for sarongs, carvings, and other souvenirs.
The temple on the rock is reserved for Hindu worshippers; visitors may explore the surrounding cliffs and the low-tide path to the base. This is standard practice at active Balinese temples.
Best time to visit
Sunset (roughly 5:00 PM–6:30 PM) is the busiest time and draws large crowds. For a quieter visit, aim for early morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM — the light is great for photos and you can explore before tour buses arrive.
April–August is the driest period with clearer skies. January–February are wetter and more humid, with sunsets often obscured by clouds. During the wet season, occasional large waves can reach the temple base — keep a safe distance from the water regardless of the tide.
Check local tide charts before you visit — the path to the rock base is only accessible at low tide. Arriving at low tide with clear weather gives the best experience.
How to get there
| From | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seminyak / Canggu | 45 to 60 minutes | Via Jalan Raya Tanah Lot; heavy traffic near sunset |
| Ngurah Rai Airport | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Via toll road and Tabanan coastal road |
| Ubud | About 1.5 hours | Via Tabanan or Mengwi route |
Hiring a private driver is the most common option; many tours pair Tanah Lot with nearby stops such as Taman Ayun or the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Scooters can reach the temple, but expect congestion in the late afternoon near the entrance.
Safety and practical tips
- Bring cash — the ticket counter does not accept cards or digital wallets.
- Wear a sarong if you plan to enter any shrine areas; rentals are available at the entrance.
- Beware slippery rock surfaces near the water, especially during the wet season.
- Monkeys are common in the grounds — secure bags and keep hold of sunglasses and hats.
- Nyepi closures occur annually; check local dates before you travel.
