Travel Diary #2: Tanah Lot in Bali

Today's headline picture: Tanah Lot temple in Bali

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I set off early next morning to visit Tanah Lot, a famous traditional Balinese temple located on a small, rocky island. I had learnt that Tanah Lot means "Land in the Sea" in Balinese, so it's not a surprise that the temple is located on an island!

Don't let me get ahead of myself... First things first. The views on the half an hour car journey there deserves a mention. Rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see suddenly appear in front of you, but the car takes a sudden turn on the lone winding road, and the scene is hidden, replaced instead by groups of motorcyclists racing past and the traditional Balinese houses lining the road.

The scenery felt distinctively Southeast Asian, although it's hard to place why. In my captivation, I reached Tanah Lot in no time at all.

That's the entrance to the compound. Small shops lining the street peddled goods to tourists, quite unsuccessfully it seemed, since most of the tourists were eager to see the temple.

I perched on some rocks by the sea and watched the waves beating on the rocks. Repeatedly, turbulent water rushed in and crashed upon the black rocks, instantly disintegrating into thousands of fine water particles that sparkled like diamonds under the hot sun. Part of why nature is so beautiful must be because it is such a powerful force, capable of throwing me around if I dare face it.

More sights at the temple. I thought this statue was pretty cute!

By now, it was time for lunch so I set out to find myself some food. On the way, a stall was selling durians so I got myself a small portion. Tasted amazing to me, but definitely not a fruit for everyone!

Later in the day, I visited the Uluwatu Temple perched on the Lovers' Cliff and enjoyed the sunset at Jimbaran beach. Follow for more!