Tanah Lot, which means “Land in the middle of the sea”, is said to be the work of Nirartha, a 15 century priest. On his instructions the local people built a temple to worship the Balinese Sea Gods.

The locals believe the island is protected from evil spirits and intruders by snakes. They also claim that there is a giant snake created from Niratha’s scarf especially to protect the temple.

At high tide, the shape of the rock, which looks like a large boat, gives the temple a floating appearance. At high tide the temple is completely cut off from the land and waves break dramatically on its shores.

The temple can be visited during the low tide.