Ethan woke up early the next morning, the tropical sun already bright and strong as it filtered through the bamboo shades of his room. The quiet of Ubud had been refreshing, but today he felt like branching out a bit more. He was eager to explore the famous Tanah Lot Temple, a must-see landmark on the island.
He quickly packed a small bag and grabbed a quick breakfast of Nasi Goreng—fried rice with a fried egg on top and a few fresh slices of cucumber—before heading out to catch a taxi.
The Journey to Tanah Lot
The drive took him out of the lush countryside of Ubud and along the winding roads toward Bali's west coast. As the taxi passed through small villages, the landscape slowly transformed, and Ethan was soon surrounded by open fields and stretches of palm trees. The air was saltier now, the promise of the sea not too far ahead.
As they approached Tanah Lot, Ethan could see the towering rock formations in the distance. The temple sat on a rocky island just off the coast, with waves crashing all around it, making the place look like something out of a dream. This was one of Bali's most iconic locations, often photographed with the temple silhouetted against the setting sun, but Ethan was excited to see it in the daylight.
Arriving at Tanah Lot
He paid the driver and entered the complex, the scent of salty sea breeze mixed with incense and the earthy smells of offerings left by worshipers. The temple was perched on a natural stone outcrop, surrounded by the ocean at high tide and accessible by foot during low tide. Ethan felt small standing before the immense waves that seemed to constantly batter the base of the rock. It was breathtaking, the way nature and religion intertwined so seamlessly here.
Locals were busy preparing offerings, small bundles of flower petals and rice arranged on delicate leaves, while tourists milled around, snapping photos or soaking in the view. There were several shops and food stalls nearby, where Ethan grabbed a fresh coconut and sat on a stone bench to take it all in. The blue sky, the rolling waves, and the centuries-old temple combined into an almost surreal scene.
He marveled at how peaceful it was despite the number of people around. The temple itself had been built in the 16th century, dedicated to the sea gods. Local legend said that the temple was created by a holy priest who meditated on the rock, and the area had since become an important spiritual site for the Balinese.
Interacting with Locals
As he explored, Ethan struck up a conversation with a local man, a priest in his late fifties, who was lighting incense at one of the altars. He explained that Tanah Lot was not only a sacred place for worship but also served as a symbol of the relationship between the Balinese people and the sea. The priest spoke passionately about the importance of maintaining harmony with nature and respecting the gods of the island.
"Bali is a spiritual island," he said, offering Ethan a small piece of betel nut to chew. "We are connected to the sea, to the land, to the mountains. All is one."
Ethan took the nut, a bit unsure about the taste but smiling politely as he chewed. It was strong, bitter, and slightly numbing, but he appreciated the gesture. It was moments like this—simple, quiet exchanges with locals—that made him feel truly connected to a place.
A Walk Along the Coast
By midday, the sun had risen higher, and the heat was starting to intensify. Ethan decided to take a walk along the coast. A path led down to the rocky shoreline where the ocean met the land in a symphony of waves crashing against the jagged rocks. It was a peaceful, almost meditative walk. The sound of the waves combined with the cool breeze made the temperature more bearable.
The beach, though mostly rocky, had patches of soft sand where a few local fishermen were mending their nets. The water sparkled under the sun, and the distant volcanic mountains framed the horizon. As Ethan walked along, he saw a group of children playing in the surf, their laughter echoing across the water.
The scenery around Tanah Lot was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was rugged and raw, with a stark contrast between the lush greenery of Bali's interior and the untamed coastline. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for being able to witness such a place in person.
Lunch by the Sea
It was getting late, and Ethan's stomach was growling again. He headed back toward the entrance and spotted a small beachside restaurant overlooking the ocean. The menu was simple but full of local seafood dishes, and after a quick look, Ethan ordered a Grilled Mahi-Mahi with a side of spicy sambal and a fresh papaya juice.
The fish was grilled perfectly—lightly charred on the outside but tender and flaky on the inside. The sambal added the right amount of heat, and the sweet papaya juice was a refreshing treat in the midday heat. Ethan sat by the open-air window, enjoying the view of the waves crashing against the rocks and the sounds of traditional Gamelan music playing softly in the background.
The restaurant owner, a woman in her forties, came over to chat with him. She told him that the restaurant had been in her family for generations, serving fresh seafood to travelers and locals alike. Her family had lived in this area for centuries, and she was proud to continue the tradition. Ethan admired how connected she was to the place, how the sea seemed to run through her veins.
Heading Back to Ubud
By late afternoon, Ethan decided it was time to head back to Ubud. He caught a local bus, which gave him a chance to see more of Bali's scenic countryside. The bus passed through small villages, rice paddies, and coconut groves as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape.
He was tired, but in the best possible way. He had explored Bali's history, culture, and natural beauty, all in a single day. As the bus bumped along the road, Ethan couldn't help but feel lucky—lucky to be here, in a place so rich with life and spirituality, a place where every corner seemed to hold a new story.