About this Place Of Interest

Tanah Lot is a 15th century Hindu temple located in Kediri district, some 12km from Tambahan. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, sits majestically on an offshore rock which is about 1.2 hectares in size and surrounded by the shimmering blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is one of Bali’s nine directional temples and accessible only at low tide. It is said to be one of the most photographed temples in all of Bali, especially due to its splendid sunset. Legend has it that the high priest of the Empire of Majapahit, Dang Hyang Nirartha (also known as Pedanda Shakti Wawu Rauh) had visited Bali in 1537 and his arrival was much welcomed by the then Bali ruler, Raja Dalem Waturenggong. The Saivite religious figure was allowed to freely preach and during his voyage along the southern coast of Bali, he was led to a holy spring by a ray of light and was said to have rested and meditated at Gili Beo. When fishermen discovered that the famous saint was there, they approached him and were advised to build a temple, which is now known as Pura Tanah Lot. Located at the base of the temple is the holy spring, which is also known as beji among the locals. During low tide, hundreds of local and foreign tourists queue up for a chance to sip the holy water in return for a small donation. Some bring along empty bottles to fill up. Immediately after drinking the holy water, priests dress in white will sprinkle water on the heads of visitors before putting sticky rice grains on their foreheads. Frangipani flowers are placed over the ears of the visitors, as a sign that the prayers have been completed. A small cave is located opposite the temple and is home to the ‘guardian’ of the temple, the black-and-white snake of Tanah Lot. Legend has it that Dang Hyang Nirartha had created the snake from his shawl. Locals claim that the sea snake cannot be found anywhere else in the world and is as old as the temple itself. Although it is said to be venomous, it has never harmed a single visitor. Women on their menstrual cycle are forbidden to be anywhere near the holy snake and holy spring as well as the temple. Another well-photographed location within the vicinity and 300 metres from Tanah Lot is Pura Batu Bulong. The small temple which faces the sea is beautifully located on a sea arch at Senggigi Beach.

About this Learning Experience

In this Learning Experience, you will learn how natural forces and processes function to shape and transform beautiful coastal erosional landforms. This Learning Experience is suitable for learners Year 4 and above. Note: The reflection phase will take place under Point A.

Syllabus Content

• Lower Secondary
• Physical geography relating to: Coasts.
• Upper Secondary
• Demonstrate an understanding of the work of the sea and wind in eroding, transporting and depositing.
• Describe and explain the formation of the landforms associated with the processes.

Resources Needed

Notebook drinking water face towel stationery