Sleman (MAN 3 Sleman) — All participants of the Gelar Pengenalan Lingkungan dan Observasi Kampus Impian (GALAKSI) 2026 program from MAN 3 Sleman took part in an educational field activity at Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most iconic cultural heritage sites, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The activity was designed as contextual learning to introduce students to Balinese history, culture, and local wisdom through direct experience.
The educational visit was guided by local Balinese tour guides, including Novi, who provided comprehensive explanations about the historical background of Tanah Lot, its cultural significance, and its spiritual value within Balinese society. Students learned not only about Tanah Lot as a tourist destination, but also as a sacred site deeply rooted in tradition and belief.
Historically, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s important sea temples (pura segara). The site is closely associated with Dang Hyang Nirartha (Dang Hyang Dwijendra), a revered Hindu priest who played a major role in the spread of Hindu teachings in Bali during the 16th century. According to local history and legend, Dang Hyang Nirartha chose this location as a place for meditation due to its strong spiritual energy.
The name Tanah Lot comes from the words tanah (land) and lot or lod (sea), referring to the temple’s unique position on a large offshore rock formation. Today, Tanah Lot stands as a symbol of harmony between humanity, nature, and spirituality. During the session, Novi emphasized the deeper meaning of the site beyond its visual beauty.
“Tanah Lot is not merely a tourist attraction; it is a sacred site that carries profound historical, cultural, and spiritual values. Here, we learn about harmony between human beings, nature, and God, which forms the foundation of Balinese philosophy of life,” Novi explained.
Throughout the activity, MAN 3 Sleman students showed strong enthusiasm by actively listening, observing their surroundings, and engaging in discussions about Balinese history and traditions. This outdoor learning experience offered students meaningful insights that extended beyond classroom-based instruction. One of the students shared a positive impression of the visit.
“Learning directly at Tanah Lot helped me better understand Balinese history and culture. The explanation was engaging and made us realize that tourist sites can also be powerful sources of education,” said one of the GALAKSI 2026 participants.
The educational activity at Tanah Lot was attended by all GALAKSI 2026 participants, reflecting MAN 3 Sleman’s commitment to holistic education that integrates academic learning with cultural awareness, tolerance, and appreciation of Indonesia’s rich diversity. (fiq)
Kontributor: M. Taufikurohman
Editor: Esti Nurjanah
