Bali Breakup Curse: Ultimate Guide To The Curse

Have you heard of the Bali breakup curse?

I didn’t know or hear about the curse despite countless times visiting Bali in the past. It was on our recent trip to Tanah Lot that our guide mentioned the curse. He cheekily said that the curse does not affect married couples.

As the island is predominantly Hindu, there is a strong belief in rituals and ceremonies with an emphasis on spiritual well-being. That being said, curses are not part of Balinese Hinduism and the Bali breakup curse is most likely an old wives tale. So, what is this Bali curse about?

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Are you dreaming of watching the sunrise from the top of an active volcano? Why not join the Mount Batur sunrise hike and refresh yourself with a dip in the natural hot springs. End your trip with a taste of Kopi Luwak, a coffee only found in Bali. 

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What is the Bali breakup curse?

The Bali breakup curse is based on the legend of a princess from a Brahman caste who fell in love with a prince from the neighboring island. While watching the sunset at Tanah Lot temple, the couple became intimate.

The prince only took one flower from the princess. He left and refused to marry her. In a fit of rage, the princess cursed all unmarried couples who visited the Tanah Lot temple at sunset would break up within 6 months of visiting the temple.

As this Bali curse is based on myths and hearsay, there is no consistent version of the said curse. Some myths say the curse applies to the whole island of Bali while another legend specifically mentions the curse is from the Tanah Lot temple.

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Where is the Bali breakup curse?

The Bali breakup curse specifically affects the Tanah Lot temple while some say it affects the whole island. Interestingly, Tanah Lot is one of the major seven sea temples that protect the island. 

Bali breakup curse, Tanah Lot temple at high tide
The main Pura Tanah Lot Temple during high tide

The temple is also part of Balinese mythology for centuries. However, there are 8 temples within the Tanah Lot temple complex with the main temple being the Tanah Lot temple. 

Is the Bali breakup curse real?

No, the Bali breakup curse is not real. It is a myth, superstition, and old wives’ tale based on hearsay. Also, there are no statistics or evidence to suggest that couples break up after being at the Tanah Lot temple at sunset. 

How do you get to Bali?

There are two ways to get to Bali. The first is by flight. If you are coming from overseas, you will arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Denpasar is a 20-minute drive to Kuta, an hour to Ubud, and 45 minutes to Nusa Dua. If you are flying domestically, Bali is very well connected with frequent flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Labuan Bojo, and Bandung.

If you are traveling from nearby islands like Java and Lombok, ferries are available. You can also purchase fast boat tickets to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands. 

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When should I go to Tanah Lot?

The best time to visit is an hour before sunset. The temple complex opens from 7 am to 7 pm and if you wish to avoid the busload of crowds, it is best to be there by 8 am.

There is an entrance fee of IDR 60,000 ($4) for adults and IDR 30,000 ($2) for children. If you plan on bringing your drone, you need to fork out an additional IDR 500,000 ($32) for the drone ticket.

Bali breakup curse. Tanah Lot sunset photo
Our Tanah Lot sunset that day

We visited an hour before sunset and this was the photo we captured. It was already high tide when we visited. The temple was cut off from the mainland. Although we didn’t get the sunset shot we hoped for, It was still a beautiful sight.

Bali breakup curse: Truth or Myth?

The widely held belief that a visit to Bali can lead to the end of a romantic relationship is nothing more than a popular myth. In reality, Bali is a magnificent destination that boasts a plethora of attractions, including stunning natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and an overall romantic ambiance that can be truly magical for couples seeking to strengthen their bond.

Numerous couples have journeyed to Bali and returned with a newfound appreciation for each other and their relationship, having spent time together exploring the island’s many wonders.  However, the success of a trip to Bali ultimately depends on the dynamics of each individual relationship.

While a visit to Bali can certainly be a memorable and romantic experience for some couples, it won’t magically fix a relationship that is already on the rocks. For couples who are in a good place and are willing to communicate effectively, they can plan activities that both partners will enjoy. This can be taking in the stunning natural beauty of the island, Bali can be an unforgettable experience that will bring them even closer together.