A Look Into The Region

The sea temple of Tanah Lot at the western tip of the Bukit Peninsula on the southernmost coast of Bali, is one the the most photographed sights on the idyllic isle. Dedicated to the gods of the sea and believed to have been founded by a wandering Hindu saint, Sang Hiyang Niratha, the 15th-century temple is one of Bali's six holiest shrines. In fact, the towering rock temple transforms into an island when battered by dramatic surf at high tide, and added to the spectacular sunsets, becomes a huge attraction for the savvy tourists who visit late each afternoon. Bali, situated almost in the center of the vast Indonesian archipelago, is home to 20,000 temples, no two of which are said to be alike. Despite difficult economic times throughout the region, Bali continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today.