[6] Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of 16th-century religious figure Dang Hyang Nirartha, who was significantly influenced by Hinduism and who allegedly spent a night there in the course of his extensive travels in Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa.

At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders.

The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

[3] To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea.

The smaller Pura Mas Suka, at the southernmost tip of Bukit peninsula and of Bali, presents the same stunning setting on an off-shore cliff.