Tanah lot is one of the most famous landmarks in Bali, a 16th century temple built on a small rock formation in the sea, around 20km north of Kuta, Tanah Lot is best visited first thing in the morning or in the evening for sunset. After paying and parking the car there's a short walk through hoards of shops and down a hill before you meet the entrance to the temple grounds.
Stories say that a high priest visiting from Java fell in love with the area, and thought it was the perfect place to worship the sea god Baruna. He told all the local people but they disagreed with his ideas so tried to banish him from Bali. The high priest resisted their efforts and forced the spot where he'd been meditating out to sea, throwing a sash into the water which formed a giant sea snake to guard it. The locals saw the high priests immense power and decided to follow his teachings after all.
We visited at high tide, when the temple is an island with no access. However, at low tide a small path way is revealed which allows visitors to walk to the base of the temple (you can't go inside).
Entry for tourists is 30,000 RP ($3 / £1.50) and car parking is 5,000RP.
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