Most people opt to stay in more popular areas and visit Tanah Lot temple for the day or a road trip along the west coast. However, there is a charming offer of serenity being away from the commotion. Tanah Lot hosts a number of boutique hotels and resorts for the restless and weary looking for some time away. Some are situated a walkable distance to the temple of modern Balinese decor and style, and others in the surrounding area.

Glamping is an underrated experience in Bali when visitors more commonly look for luxury villas, but the rustic accommodation still offers the same level of comfort. Essentially, a camping resort, Tanah Lot is an area that provides the space for retreats and getaways, an alternative to staying in villas. Not only does Tanah Lot has glamping, but the hotel selections range from 3* hotels to resorts to accommodate family road trips and couples seeking luxurious privacy away from bustling parts of Bali. Although not too far removed from the touristy areas, guests will enjoy both the accessibility and quiet by staying in Tanah Lot.

Many warungs and small eateries are lined up for tourists within the temple complex, known as Sunset Terrace; it offers a larger view of the beach and temple during sunset. The coffee shops specialize in Bali’s kopi luwak for coffee enthusiasts that desire a highlighted flavor. There are also humble cafes and hidden restaurants in the greater area that serve both scrumptious local and western food.

Tanah Lot beach is one you could take advantage of during low tide when visiting the temple, where people take photographs and enjoy their visit the best. However, the opportunity to visit comes and goes depending on the season. The Beach Love, a grassy hilltop overlooking a quiet beach and also has a bar with bean bags for an afternoon picnic. Kedungu Beach, a beautifully black sand beach that is not often frequented, has a local surf camp and nearby villas to experience a hidden piece of Bali. Further north is Yeh Gangga beach for thrill seekers who enjoy riding  ATVs and dirtbikes for an adventurous day, coupled with dinner and beer at a humble shack by the beach.

There are a number of sights to explore in the temple and the complex itself, despite the inner area being restricted to praying ceremonies and local Hindus. The cave at the front of the temple is where the Holy Snake is depicted, said to be the guardian of the temple to ward off evil spirits. After watching the sunset by the temple, they also hold a Kecak Fire Dance at the Surya Mandala Cultural Park in the evenings. An equally stunning place to visit is Batu Bolong Temple, on a clifftop with a natural overpass leading out to sea. This side of Bali emanates a certain breath of magic, and not just because of the angle in which the sun sets.

Tanah Lot is frequented by tourists, often coming in groups or tours, warranted by the grandness of the temple itself. The parking lot accommodates both cars and motorbikes, whether you’re riding in or driving with a private driver. Renting a motorbike is never a hassle, but knowing the ease of having a driver show you all the good places makes a day trip relaxing.