Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is the most famous seaside temple in Bali. Also known as Pura Pakendungan, it was established by the 16th-century priest Danghyang Nirartha, in appreciation of the natural beauty of the landscape. The name Tanah Lot means "Land in the Sea", with the word "lot" being a Balinese for "laut" (sea). The dramatic coastline on which this temple is perched makes it every photographer's dream. The little temple sits atop a rocky outcrop that juts into the raging ocean. It is said to be guarded by holy sea snakes, which are available for viewing in a nearby cave on the beach.

Arrayed along the coasts are a few lesser known temples which are just as interesting. Perhaps the most picturesque of them all is Pura Batu Bolong, sitting on a natural rocky archway the leaps seawards.

On my visit to Tanah Lot, our guide Agung Dirga took us first to Pura Batu Balong before ending the trip at Pura Pakendungan. It was a fitting logistical arrangement, and I got many wonderful shots of the sun setting behind Pura Pakendungan.

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