As we hadn`t been to Tanah Lot for several years, we decided to re-visit this “must see” Bali attraction last Sunday, and we were pleasantly surprised. Being a Sunday made for a smooth ride, just an hour and 15 minutes of leisurely drive from the Jimbaran area. After Canggu, the landscape changes from busy village life to vast stretches of green rice fields and we were lucky to get a clear view of Bali`s mountains, from Mount Batukaru in the west to Mount Agung in the east.
Once reaching the Tanah Lot temple area, we paid the entrance fees (different fees for foreign & Indonesian nationals/residents) and parked the car in the spacious carpark. As it was lunch time, there weren`t too many visitors, and we could easily walk around the paths to take photos and enjoy the fantastic views across the temple, the “Batu Bolong” (rock bridge) and several other shrines and structures. It was also full moon and low tide, so we could go down to the water’s edge and lots of people made the crossing on foot to the main temple. The whole site is very well maintained and tidy, with lots of shady trees and benches to rest, as well as numerous “selfie” spots.
On the northern side there is the recently opened de Jukung Resto & Bar with it`s 32 iconic Bali jukungs (traditional fishing boats), modified into a unique table setting. It offers spectacular views across the sea, the cliff and it`s the perfect place to experience the sunset in Tanah Lot. A wide variety of food and beverages is available, as well as an air-conditioned private dining/meeting room. Further up there is a huge, park-like garden for special events, weddings and other gatherings.
On the way back we passed many new villas around Tanah Lot, most of them private Bali villas and secluded Bali vacation homes. Along the road there are many small “warungs” to stop for a quick meal with great views across paddy fields and distant volcanoes. A trip well worth!
