Due to erosion over the centuries, the temple underwent a full restoration in 1980 to prevent structural collapse, resulting in a third of its current structure being made from artificial rock. Influenced by Balinese mythology and Hinduism, Tanah Lot is one of seven sea temples along the Balinese coast, positioned within sight of one another to create a chain along the southwestern shoreline.

Visitors can walk to the temple at low tide from the expansive parking area to the rock base, where the legendary ‘guardian' sea snakes reside in the crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain. At high tide, the waves flood the causeways, making the crossing impossible.

Although it is a very popular tourist destination and entry to the temple grounds is restricted, the site offers breathtaking scenery that is nothing short of picture-perfect. Pura Tanah Lot is located in Beraban village within the Tabanan regency, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta.