The district of Tabanan comprises two main regions : the mountains and the lower plains. Tanah Lot,probably the best known and most-photographed temple in Bali,is closely associated with the legendary priest Nirartha. Legend says that as he passed by and was impressed by the tiny island's superb setting and suggested to locals that it would be a good place to build a temple. Tanah means earth, and Lot means sea. The temple symbolizes the meeting point of natural and cosmic elements.

Tanah Lot is also famous for its magnificent sunsets. Every dusk tourists flock to witness the fantastic starkly-outlined temple against the glowing horizon. The best view is from the cliff overlooking the temple.

The city of Tabanan is a modern, prosperous home to a substantial ethic Chinese community. It is the birthplace of Mario, a dancer who revolutionized Balinese dance in the 30's with his kebyar and kebyar trompong dances, and commemorated by The Mario Theatre.

Southwest of Tabanan is Kerambitan. The enchantment of this place lies in the fact that it is still to be affected by modernization. It is particularly noted for the beautiful old buildings and low large palaces.

The Tabanan highlands mostly consist of volcanic areas, with Mount Batukaru (2275m), Mount Sanghyang (2093m), and Lake Bratan, one of three lakes that make up the Bedugul resort area. The area has the last remaining tropical forest on the island. The tranquil botanical gardens of Kebun Raya Eka Karya in Bedugul are home to 650 species of trees and a unique collection of ferns and orchids.