The Tirta Empul Temple is a place you don’t visit just for the nice photos, but especially to see – or even experience – how important spirituality is on Bali. At Tirta Empul, it’s all about water. Clear, sacred spring water. In large pools, locals and tourists immerse themselves in a purification ritual: the Melukat ritual. You see people in sarongs, stepping one by one under the fountains. It’s special to witness this up close. And if you want, you can join in yourself.
The temple itself is large, atmospheric and full of details: sculptures, ponds, pavilions and of course the famous water basins. We wandered around for well over an hour, our eyes wide open and watched as others performed the ritual. Personally, I don’t think it’s proper as a tourist to just do a ritual because you’re a visitor and think it’s fun. Especially since it has greater meaning for others. Still, it’s also nice to see!
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What Makes Tirta Empul So Special?
The Tirta Empul Temple is located in Tampaksiring, just north of Ubud. It is one of the most important water temples on Bali, and you feel that immediately when you arrive. The temple was already built in the year 962 and is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of water. The sacred spring water still flows here through various basins where Balinese people and tourists let themselves be purified. And that doesn’t happen with just a splash of water – here you do a real ritual, step by step.
The Melukat Ritual: Magical or Mass?
In the central pool of Tirta Empul, there are dozens of fountains in a row. Underneath, you see people, all neatly dressed in sarong and sash, stepping one by one under the streams. First fold your hands, then put your head under water, then a prayer. And then to the next fountain. Some people deliberately skip a fountain, because the ritual there is not meant for them. Everything has meaning here.
It’s beautiful to see how Balinese people and tourists perform the ritual together here in silence. We didn’t participate, but it still felt special to be there. And yes, it can get quite busy, but it’s also manageable. There are plenty of spots where you can watch as a tourist without disturbing anyone. You can also change here. You get appropriate clothing from the temple (because otherwise you can’t enter), but you can wear your swimwear underneath.
Practical Tips for Pura Tirta Empul
If you want to do the Melukat ritual, take your time. It’s not a quick dip, but a fixed sequence of actions. You start at the first fountain and move further along, pausing under each stream, praying or immersing your head. Some fountains are intended for specific purifications, like letting go of grief or removing negative energy. Locals sometimes deliberately skip those.
You don’t have to be religious to participate, but respect is important. Wear appropriate clothing, don’t take photos of people praying and be quiet during the ritual. We didn’t participate ourselves, but it was special to see how much meaning this place has for the Balinese (aside from all the tourists, that is).
- Location: Tampaksiring, 30-40 min drive from Ubud
- Opening hours: Daily from 07:00 to 18:00
- Entrance fee: Approx. 75,000 IDR p.p. (about €4.50)
- Clothing: Sarong and sash mandatory (available for rent at the entrance)
- Do Melukat? Rent an extra bath sarong, and locker for your belongings
- Best time: Before 10:00 or after 16:00 (less crowded)
Tip: always respect local customs. Don’t ask praying people for selfies, and don’t drink the water. It’s sacred, but not drinkable.
Oh and as you walk to the exit, you first have to go through an endless amount of stalls. If you think you’re there… there are even more stalls. But fortunately, it does come to an end, haha!
Our Day Tour: Goa Gajah, Kanto Lampo & Tirta Empul
We started the day at Goa Gajah, the mysterious Elephant Cave right near Ubud. This place feels a bit like discovering an ancient secret. Via a tropical path, you descend to a temple complex full of sculptures, baths and of course the famous cave with the demon face. The entrance is carved into the rock, with a wide-open mouth: that’s where you step inside. Inside it’s dark, cool and smells of incense – a special atmosphere.
After that, we drove on to the Kanto Lampo waterfall. It’s a bit more touristy, but really cool to see. The water flows in wide layers down over black rocks. You can stand under it for a natural shower, but to be honest: you’re not the only one. There’s often a queue for photos, because yes – it’s an Instagram hotspot. Still, it’s a fun stop, especially if you want to cool off for a bit.
Our last stop of the day was the sacred water temple Pura Tirta Empul, where you read all about in this blog!
Arrange a day trip with a local taxi driver, use the Grab app or book a tour, whatever suits you best!
Stay Nearby: From Basic to Luxury
Want to stay near Tirta Empul? Here are three great options for every budget:
1. Umah Tis Sebatu (budget)
A 3-star hotel less than 2km from Tirta Empul with all comforts provided.
💰 From € 30 per night
2. Campuhan Sebatu Resort (mid-range)
4-star hotel with a beautiful pool and great location near rice terraces and Tirta Empul
💰 From € 70 per night
3. Pondok Sebatu Villa (luxury)
Prefer your own villa? Then Pondok Sebatu Villa is a wonderful place to stay!
💰 From € 100 per night
Or Stay in Northeast Bali
After Tirta Empul, we drove further towards Kintamani, a village in the mountains on the edge of Mount Batur. You immediately feel that you’re higher up: the air is fresher, the view rougher, and you completely relax. We checked into our hotel, took a refreshing dip in the pool and then plopped down for dinner. And as if that wasn’t enough, we sat by a campfire with live music in the evening. High in the mountains!
We deliberately ended our day trip in the north of Bali in Kintamani to climb Mount Batur at sunrise. Costs you a bit of muscle pain, but also a view you’ll never forget!
Is Pura Tirta Empul Worth It?
Absolutely. It’s a beautiful temple to visit, whether you participate in the ritual or just watch. Still, for many tourists, the main reason to go to Tirta Empul is the ritual. Up to you whether you join or not. It’s one of the places on Bali where spirituality, nature and history come together.
