Low Tide at Tanah Lot

Tweet The Tanah Lot Temple in South Bali is the most popular in all of Bali -- according to the guide books. It was certainly packed the day I was there -- only Balinese are allowed inside the temple -- which sits on a rock -- most of which is artificial. Much of the original has crumbled after being pounded by the surf for thousands of years.

Getting down to the sea temple involves walking a gauntlet of vendors -- selling cheap t-shirts and other souvenirs -- always ready to give visitors "the best price."

During high tide, you need to roll up your pants and wade to the temple steps -- as the entire rock on which the temple sits is surrounded by water. The tide was just beginning to come in during my visit -- occasionally catching photographers who got too close to the water -- off guard and all wet.

Below is a smaller temple that sits on a cliff to the right of Tanah Lot.