“Crowded” is too kind a word for Temple Number Two, Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot was built by a famous saint called Dang Hyang Dwi Jendra. It is said that during his old age he was led by a holy light to an extremely beautiful location, a huge rock in the shape of a bird. The long story goes on and on and eventually, a rival teacher of religion demanded that he leave the area. Dang Hyant Dwi Jendra lifted the great rock with mystical strength and cast it into the sea, transforming his scarf into snakes to stand guard at his refuge. He then named the place Tengah Lot which means land in the middle of the sea.

A major shock when we pulled into one of four parking lots, made our way through hordes of people and ran the gamut of sellers before walking out to the temple itself. Past a large bat hanging upside down on a post…that alone stopped everyone in their tracks to take a photograph, food, clothes, hats…the variety of goods was endless.

Tanah Lot Temple bat, Bali

With instructions from Ian on how to find our way back to the bus, different perspectives to view Tanah Lot Temple and leaving time, the Imaginative Traveller group scattered in all directions. Tanah Lot Temple is gorgeous. Unfortunately, or fortunately, earthquakes and neglect had totally destroyed the temple and what you are now seeing has carefully been restored with Japanese money.

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali

on the black sand beach of Tanah Lot, Bali

When the tide is out, you can walk out to Tanah Lot easily. The tide was in today but tourists rolled up their pants and went to the steps regardless..View image. Even if you do walk that far, you are not allowed inside the temple. …View image…

A Little Tanah Lot trivia: There is a so-called “holy snake” inside one cave that you pay extra Rupiah to see if you’re really interested. Tanah Lot has a big art festival at the end of May for 7 days with over 4,000 artists and performers. Joged Bumbung Dance, Barong Bangkung Competition, Legong dance, classical dance and much more. I don’t have the faintest idea what these are with the exception of the Legong Dance. Caretakers roam the grounds making appropriate offerings to the gods through the day…View image and there was one beautifully coordinated couple walking through the parking lot, a symphony in yellow… On to Lovinia…

a bright yellow fashion statement in Bali, crocs and all at Tanah Lot, Bali

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