Life By The Sea Temple

Though Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the island of Bali, it is also quite the tourist spot. The temple sits on a large formation on the coast of Tabanan. It is one of the seven sea temples around the Balinese coast and is by far, the most photographed. Legend has it that the temple is surrounded by poisonous sea snakes to guard it from evil spirits and intruders.

I really don't have a good photograph of the temple itself. Perhaps because of it's many tourists that mar the setting. I, being one of them.

Against a stunning backdrop and obvious commercialism, there is however, pockets of magic. Nearby, locals, young and old alike, traipse through the coast during low tide to gather seaweed -- for the dinner table, perhaps, or as a commodity to trade in the market. Shallow pools are everywhere for you to dip your feet in, play with the tiny fish, or try your hand in in seaweed harvesting.

It's an entirely separate world from tourists, yet it exists alongside it.

One of the temple's guardians having a nap.

The entrance to the temple itself is guarded since non-Hindus cannot enter.