Bali’s Temple Tanah Lot

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Tanah Lot Temple: A Majestic Coastal Sanctuary

by Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Bali, Tanah Lot is one of the island’s most iconic and revered sea temples. Known for its stunning beauty and cultural significance, this temple is a must-visit for both spiritual seekers and travellers looking to experience the magic of Bali’s natural landscapes. The name “Tanah Lot” translates to “Land in the Sea,” which perfectly describes the temple’s unique location—perched atop a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.

A Spiritual Haven

Tanah Lot is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods and serves as a spiritual centre for locals who come to pray and offer sacrifices to the gods for safe voyages and bountiful harvests. According to Balinese mythology, the temple was built in the 15th century by the priest Nirartha, who sought a place to meditate while travelling along the island’s coast. Enchanted by the stunning view, he is said to have built the temple on the rock as a tribute to the gods.

The temple itself is a serene place of worship. Though visitors are not permitted to enter the temple grounds, they can admire the intricate carvings and architecture from a distance. For those interested in the temple’s spiritual significance, Tanah Lot offers a glimpse into the deep connection the Balinese people have with nature and the sea.

A Scenic Wonder

What makes Tanah Lot truly remarkable is its picturesque setting. The temple is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and the backdrop of the crashing waves adds to its mystique. The best time to visit is during sunset when the sky turns into a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow over the temple. It is one of the most photographed sites in Bali, and the view from the temple is nothing short of breathtaking.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, where small stalls and shops sell traditional Balinese crafts and souvenirs. Local fishermen often work nearby, adding a touch of authenticity to the area. The tides can make the temple either accessible or isolated, depending on the time of day. At low tide, visitors can walk up to the temple, while at high tide, it becomes a dramatic silhouette against the waves.

Cultural and Environmental Preservation

The Balinese people continue to preserve Tanah Lot not only as a sacred site but also as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. The temple is part of a larger effort to protect Bali’s religious traditions, while its surrounding environment is maintained to ensure the temple’s stunning views remain unspoiled.

In conclusion, Tanah Lot stands as a symbol of Bali’s natural beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn by its religious significance or simply its scenic beauty, a visit to Tanah Lot is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Bali’s mystical charm.

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Mount Agung

Posted on December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Mount Agung is Bali’s Most Sacred Mountain

Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) lies in central-eastern Bali and, at 3,148m, is Bali’s highest point by almost 1km – it is even visible in the early mornings from my house in south west Bali. The height of Mt Agung actually affects Bali’s climate: clouds coming from the west drop their rain (unsurprisingly) on the west side of the mountain which is why east Bali is usually dry and barren.

According to Balinese Hindus, the gods created mountains as their thrones meaning Mt Agung, as the highest, is Bali’s most sacred mountain and is therefore the location of Pura Besakih, Bali’s ‘mother’ temple.

Sunrise Rise Trekking on Mount Agung

Sunrise Trekking on Mount Agung is very popular: you leave, with your guide, from a fixed departure point in the early hours so you can be at the top to watch the sunrise.

Mt Agung is an active stratovolcano (built of layered lava), with the most recent major eruption in 1963. Those lava flows missed Besakih Temple by only a few metres in places; that was regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.

The earth tremors of the 1963 Mt Agung eruption were what caused the 120m USAT Liberty Shipwreck to slide off the beach and into the shallows of Tulamben Bay. For that at least, we can be thankful.

The Burning Ring of Fire

Bali is part of ‘The Ring of Fire’ and we therefore have several other dormant volcanoes, eg: Mount Batur – although we do see occasional puffs of smoke.

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Nyepi Segara

Posted on October 18, 2024October 18, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Nyepi Segara: The Silent Sea Day

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

Nyepi Segara, also known as Silent Sea Day, is a traditional ritual in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, Bali, Indonesia. This unique ritual pays homage to Dewa Baruna, the ruler of the sea and one of the manifestations of the Balinese Hindu almighty god, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (a.k.a Acintya), God of gods. This ritual aims to promote the conservation of the sea and maintain the balance of the ecosystem and marine biodiversity. With the meaning of silence and stillness, Nyepi Segara is a significant event that shows the importance of preserving the environment and respecting local wisdom and traditions.

One of the primary purposes of Nyepi Segara is to allow the sea to rest from all human activities for an entire day. All sea activities, including transportation, fishing, and all tourism-related activities such as scuba diving, freediving, snorkelling, walking on the beach and swimming are halted on the islands. This temporary pause in human interference enables the sea’s ecosystem to rejuvenate and maintain its natural balance.

Honoring the Silent Sea Day in Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan

The implementation of Nyepi Segara involves the active participation of the local community and the government. This practice starts at 6:00 a.m. and lasts for 24 hours; the government and tourism stakeholders work together to ensure that tourists comply with the appeal to refrain from using the sea for any activities during this time. Meanwhile, the people of Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan engage in collective activities related to religious rituals to pay their respect to Dewa Baruna and express gratitude for the blessings provided by the sea.

Nyepi Segara, the Silent Sea Day, is a highly significant and cherished ritual deeply rooted in the culture of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, Bali. This unique and sacred tradition holds immense value. It is a powerful symbol of their deep connection to the marine environment and their relentless efforts to maintain the delicate balance of marine biodiversity. Nyepi Segara serves as a gentle yet impactful reminder for all of us to be more conscious and mindful of our actions toward the environment. It reminds us to appreciate and cherish the abundance provided by the sea, which sustains the lives and livelihoods of the local community, and the incredible beauty and diversity of the marine ecosystem.