Balinese Water Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple

What you need to know about Tirta Empul Temple and Balinese Water Purification.

Pura Tirta Empul known as Holy Spring Temple when translated to English, is one of the special Hindu temples in Bali. Located close to Ubud in the village of Tampaksiring, Balinese people visit here a couple of times per year or every full moon if they are from the area. Non Hindu Indonesians also visit, so irrespective of religion all are welcome at the Holy Spring Temple.

In more recent times international travellers staying in Ubud have also included a visit to Tirta Empul to find out more about Balinese Water Purification. Initially it was those healing from a life trauma. But now with the realisation that the inner being is just as important as the outer, holiday time is a good time to reset, let go and refocus before returning home. Even if you feel there isn’t any emotions or energy that need shifting you may be surprised.

Pura Tirta Empul is the only holy spring water in Bali. Due to the history of the Tampaksiring area and the spring water being so close to the water purification pools the water is pure and believed to have strong energy. Other temples or locations that offer water purification are mostly form river water sources.

Effective April 2025 a new regulation from Bali Government requires tourists to be accompanied by a licensed guide to enter Pura Tirta Empul. This ensures that tourists follow the correct etiquette for respecting this Balinese sacred temple. All our guides are licensed and will explain the temple’s history, local customs and assist with the water purification ritual. We follow the Balinese water purification process called Melukat to make the experience much more meaningful, not modified for tourists as we often see.

There are three pools that represent past life, present life and future life. The first 10 fountains are for cleansing chakras and emotions that humans need to keep control such as jealousy. The second pool focuses more to forgiveness if you have hurt anyone with words or actions knowingly or unknowingly. The third pool only has one fountain and your guide will give you the message to focus here. Place the crown of your head under each fountain and say a personal mantra. Don’t touch the water coming from the fountain before it hits your head so the holy spring water is pure and more powerful as is coming straight from the spring to the crown chakra. Be careful the last two fountains are for bathing only dead bodies so make sure you don’t use these (just one reason you need a guide)

There is much more to Pura Tirta Empul than the holy spring pools that has made the temple famous. Viewing the pond where the spring water appears from the ground before being syphoned into the pools is remarkable. Individual temple buildings known as Asagan are used daily for placing the beautiful handmade offerings and keeping safe musical instruments and barong costume for bigger ceremonies. You will see the ladies, men and cute kids dressed in Balinese traditional dress which is required to enter the central temple area for prayer. Visitors are not allowed here but you can easily peer through the gate, taking photos is permitted. We were lucky last visit and saw the Tirta Empul in all her glory dressed up for the big ceremony that happens every six months.

Up on the hill is a more modern looking building which is known as the Presidents Palace. This was built by the first President of Indonesia, Pak Soekarno. from 1957 – 1963 after the land was gifted by the King of Gianyar to the Indonesian Government. The Palace is still used for meetings.

As you exit there are some market stalls selling good quality products. You can support local people by making a small purchase. A thank you for sharing their beautiful place with us.

Tirta Empul is a super special place to visit and one of the temples that will give you a true Bali experience. It’s a beautiful site and the experience is so unique, definitely one to remember and that will become a highlight of your Bali holiday.

We recommend you add on to Ubud Highlights Tour or book Balinese Water Purification experience early morning for a more personal experience.

What our guests are saying…..

I followed the instructions and went from water fountain to water fountain, sounds simple? Yes, but I could never have guessed as to the effect. All in our group agreed the experience was amazing. As I left the water,I felt a combination of peace and joy. A truly unforgettable experience.❤️
We really loved coming here and did feel totally renewed afterwards! We will for sure visit again when next staying in Ubud. A combination of introspection for however long the process takes you, coupled with the invigorating fresh water is a combination that does leave you feeling spiritually cleansed afterwards, no matter what you believe in.
This was one of the highlights of our Bali trip. We loved the experience for its authenticity and cultural significance in Balinese traditions. It’s a beautiful site and the experience is so unique, it’s definitely one to remember!
The water blessing couldn’t have some at a better time for me. The experience was really profound and I felt such a mental clarity afterwards. After months of emotional turmoil I felt cleansed and grounded. It was a truly magical experience.

Here are Bisma Cottages Top 10 Tips before visiting Tirta Empul

To respect local custom wear a top that covers your shoulders.
Recommended to wear swimwear under clothes and pack a change of underwear.
Hair must be tied back. Consider bringing a hair brush to use after the ritual.
If you need the toilet we recommend using the toilets in the parking area. They are newer and less busy.
Lockers, Change Rooms and Toilets are available at the temple.
The Balinese do not use a towel after Water Purification as it is better to keep the holy water on your body.
Full Moon and New Moon are usually busy.
Be respectful to the Balinese people who are praying, meditating or bathing. Remember it’s their place and we are lucky they are willing to share it with us.
Be mindful of the tradition here, particularly in relation to dress code.
When entering the pool women should wear conservative swimwear covered by a special green sarong and red sash that will be provided.
Your guide can take photos and video using your phone.
Buy some of the mini bananas from the ladies – they are much more sweet, tasty (and yummy) than at home. Casava and Peanut crisps are also delicious.
If Tirta Empul is closed or busy due to a ceremony we can recommend other temples in the area.

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