The sea temple gets the attention, but the country around Tanah Lot is just as good, and a bicycle is the best way through it. Bikes can be hired at Natya Hotel Tanah Lot, and three routes start at the gate.
The temple route runs from the hotel towards Tanah Lot itself, and early morning is the time to ride it — soft light, cool air and very few people. The village and rice terrace route heads inland instead, past working paddies and everyday Balinese life. The coastal route is for late afternoon, following the shoreline into the sunset.
What all three share is the quiet. You hear the sea and the wind through the rice, you stop at small shrines along the way when something catches your eye, and you cover more ground than you would on foot without missing any of it.
Set out early or after four to avoid the midday sun, carry water, wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, and bring a camera. Afterwards there is the pool, the restaurant, and a sunset over the temple to finish on.
