Bali - Religion and Tanah Lot Temple

Indonesia is a complicated country. It’s an archipelago consisting of more than 10,000 islands (no one can agree on exactly how many). Four of the five major islands are shared with other countries.  It spans east-west more than 5,000 kilometers (3,000 mi) – more than the continental US.


Indonesia’s culture and religion have been influenced throughout its history by traders and immigrants from India, China, Portugal, Arabia, Britain and the Netherlands. It is a Muslim-majority country (87%) – the largest in the world in fact with a Muslim population of over 200 million – but freedom of religion is part of the Indonesian constitution and many other religions are practiced. Bali is unique among the islands with a majority (84%) practicing Hinduism. Like all religions it has evolved over time and been influenced by other neighboring religions and philosophies such that the Balinese version of Hinduism is more interested in art and ritual rather than scripture and strict religious law.  We as tourists get to witness the expression of this in the form of everything from small daily offerings to major temples like Tanah Lot.

Tanah Lot Temple. It can only be reached at low tide.


A priest at the entrance. Only Balinese can enter, and they must be properly attired.





Tanah Lot


Deborah with her new $4 hat.



Inside a small temple in Ubud.


Offering at a small shrine (photo by Deborah)



Most businesses place some small offering outside their shop.


Your moment of zen (video by Deborah)








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