The Temple at Tanah Lot

One of our favorite spots that we visited was the Temple at Tanah Lot. Bali is know for its many temples. Each has it's unique features that draw visitors to see them. One of the most popular and most beautiful is Tanah Lot. The grounds the temple sits on are vast and the entrance is through magnificent carved gates.

The second gate opens to a view of the Indian Ocean.

There are individual areas for worship throughout the grounds with the ocean as their backdrop.

Tanah Lot Temple is situated on a gigantic rock formation a few meters from shore. It can only be accessed during low tide. Anyone may go part way up the temple, although only worshipers may go to the top.

If you want to visit the temple itself, you must wade through some shallow water to the base of the rocks. Once there you take water from the rocks and and place some on your lips, your cheeks and on the top of your head. Then one of the worshipers puts rice grains on your forehead and a flower in your hair. This is a blessing to bring you health. Since I had just fallen on some sandy steps on my way down to the water, I really needed this blessing.

Once you have climbed the rocks, the views of the ocean are spectacular.

Tourists may climb on one side while worshipers ascend on the opposite side. As Shayne and I were coming down, a group of worshipers were preparing for a service. They cross through the water and up the stairs in a long procession. It is a beautiful sight to see.

Shayne had several admirers who asked to have there photos taken with her. This gentleman was quite charming.

Once back to the shore we rejoined the less adventurous members of our group. To be fair, they were wearing tennis shoes and socks and did not want to get them wet.

Buried in the base of the cliff is a small cave which we did not go into but it looked interesting.

At this point we were only part way through our visit. The grounds still had much to offer including some  beautiful ocean views. 

Once again we were in awe of the architecture found throughout the grounds.

In every direction there were views that took your breath away.

We could hardly believe we were there. But we have proof.

As we prepared to say goodbye to Tanah Lot, we once again stood in awe of this amazing place.