Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple
4.5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Built in the 10th-century, Tirta Empul temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple, and is considered sacred by the community. Worshippers take part in ancient cleansing rituals here and visitors are welcomed to join. Nestled in the lush Balinese countryside amid rice terraces and coffee plantations, the Vishnu-dedicated Hindu complex gets packed with devotees on full moon nights, when it takes on an even more special significance to them. You might get to watch a ceremonial dance performance too.
For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning. After entering, you can rent a sarong for a small donation to wear during the ritual.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from ₱840.31
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,423 reviews
Excellent
1,824
Very good
1,262
Average
264
Poor
51
Terrible
22
It’s Kats
Brisbane, Australia43 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Family travelling with 3 and 6 year old. Yes we did the water blessing with both our girls. We went on a rainy afternoon and it was relatively quite. It was cold but we were adamant to do the ritual. We had our driver with us and thankful that he explained everything to us, although it was still at times confusing. Here is the breakdown:
You buy your admission which gets you into the temple and you also need to have a sarong or hire one (our girls didn’t need one). At this point you can either just look around or pray at the alter. We wanted to do the water blessing so went to the change room area. Here you hire the “wet sarong”. My husband and I plus our eldest daughter hired one, plus my youngest daughter received a sash. You go into the change room (shared change room) and change into this sarong (I was nude underneath and I would probably not recommend, maybe wear a bikini bottom as the water at times wanted to pull the fabric up). You then put all your belongings into a locker which you need to hire. You are not permitted to take towels clothes etc into the water temple part itself as it’s a holy place (our driver also warned us about theft, so don’t leave your key in your shoes). You then hop into the freezing cold water and do the ritual. You start from one side and work your way through dunking your head under the water coming from the spout ( i did this three times, and then washed my face three times and when I remembered I said a quick prayer - we then helped the girls do this when they wanted to participate, unsure if this is the right way, but it appeared to be what most people did). Don’t do the ritual at the fountains that have head stones (2 or 3 of them and towards the end of first pool). The “pool” is broken into three parts, we did the first two and stopped there as our girls were freezing.
If you are thinking of doing this with young children make sure you have someone to help you. You need both parents to hold onto them as the pool is quite deep. But I’m glad I did it with them as it was something special for them the experience.
The bathroom and change room facilities are filthy. There were bits of blood and everything smelled like urine.
You are also pressure to buy offering baskets at the entrance - you actually don’t need this if you don’t intend to prayer at the prayer table. The water ritual does not require you to make an offering.
You buy your admission which gets you into the temple and you also need to have a sarong or hire one (our girls didn’t need one). At this point you can either just look around or pray at the alter. We wanted to do the water blessing so went to the change room area. Here you hire the “wet sarong”. My husband and I plus our eldest daughter hired one, plus my youngest daughter received a sash. You go into the change room (shared change room) and change into this sarong (I was nude underneath and I would probably not recommend, maybe wear a bikini bottom as the water at times wanted to pull the fabric up). You then put all your belongings into a locker which you need to hire. You are not permitted to take towels clothes etc into the water temple part itself as it’s a holy place (our driver also warned us about theft, so don’t leave your key in your shoes). You then hop into the freezing cold water and do the ritual. You start from one side and work your way through dunking your head under the water coming from the spout ( i did this three times, and then washed my face three times and when I remembered I said a quick prayer - we then helped the girls do this when they wanted to participate, unsure if this is the right way, but it appeared to be what most people did). Don’t do the ritual at the fountains that have head stones (2 or 3 of them and towards the end of first pool). The “pool” is broken into three parts, we did the first two and stopped there as our girls were freezing.
If you are thinking of doing this with young children make sure you have someone to help you. You need both parents to hold onto them as the pool is quite deep. But I’m glad I did it with them as it was something special for them the experience.
The bathroom and change room facilities are filthy. There were bits of blood and everything smelled like urine.
You are also pressure to buy offering baskets at the entrance - you actually don’t need this if you don’t intend to prayer at the prayer table. The water ritual does not require you to make an offering.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
You Only Live Once
High Wycombe, UK529 contributions
Jan 2023
This was, without doubt, my favourite attraction/temple/experience during our recent trip to Bali and is absolutely a 'must' if you are visiting the island. The grounds are beautiful, the temple is not the prettiest, but steeped in history and atmosphere and the fountains, the cleansing ritual is just the most amazing, uplifting experience. Do not expect 5 star luxury changing facilties - it is basic at very best and your inhibitions need to be shed, but once you've decided to take the plunge (quite literally) you will not regret it. The steps into the pools are slippery and a little treacherous as they are also steep, Moving quickly is impossible and the pebbles on the floor of the pools are difficult to walk on and certainly quite uncomfortable to stand on, but still the whole experience is worthwhile. Also, be aware there are fish swimming around you during this time so if you don't like the idea of that then maybe this isn't your thing. If you can cope, I'd recommend it - I'm not young or massively mobile but I felt great afterwards and would do it again.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Butterfly🦋
Germany6 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Coming to this place is a very beautiful choice, where I can feel water that is very beautiful, cool, clear, and as holy as this, bathing in this place makes me a very holy human being, when I am in the water, there are so many fish that come over, I am very lucky to be in this place🙏👼
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Capt Wendyll Pereira
Mumbai, India250 contributions
Feb 2023
This is a unique temple and a must visit when in ubud. note that sarongs have to be worn when inside so dress accordingly.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amylavera
Indonesia8 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
The first time visit here so beautiful place an amazing,the cool water is very fresh,the people also very friendly we Will back again, the recommended
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Siobhan C
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
It was beautiful and lovely to be there but be warned, the queues are very long and we gave up going into the holy springs after waiting for ages today and guessing it would be a further 2 hour wait in total (we arrived at 9.30am).
If it helps anyone to know what happens, when you arrive they give you a sarong once you reach the temple area and then you head to the locker room if you want to change for the holy springs. You pay to rent the locker and to rent a special sarong to wear in the water, and you leave your original sarong in the water as they don’t let that one get wet.
Then you queue up for the holy springs - be prepared for a long wait both in and out of the water!
If it helps anyone to know what happens, when you arrive they give you a sarong once you reach the temple area and then you head to the locker room if you want to change for the holy springs. You pay to rent the locker and to rent a special sarong to wear in the water, and you leave your original sarong in the water as they don’t let that one get wet.
Then you queue up for the holy springs - be prepared for a long wait both in and out of the water!
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wils_leon
25 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
I think it’s a good place to do praying in the water. It’s like being blessed with a new life. If you want to visit this place, you should try to make prayers. It’s kind of a new thing, new feelings. It’s good for me.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maruška D
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
A wonderful place of purification. I recommend it to everyone. I wanted a baby and I was at the springs to cleanse all the bad. We have a beautiful daughter. Thank you🙏
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
donavan94563
Orinda, CA186 contributions
Dec 2022
Traveling with a family of four with college kids
Decided to take a day trip to Ubud from Seminyak. We booked one of the many all day private tours offered from Seminyak area.
As part of the tour we stopped at the Tirta Empul Temple.
Tirta Empul temple (Indonesian: Pura Tirta Empul) is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia. The temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification. The temple pond has a spring which gives out fresh water regularly, which Balinese Hindus consider to be holy or amritha. Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese.
Tirta Empul was founded in 926 A.D and is still being actively used to this day. Although it is a sacred place of worship to the locals, tourists from all over the world are welcome to experience the beauty and participate in the purification rituals. In 2017, the former US President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Natasha, made Tirta Empul one of their selected sites to visit and experience.
There is a charge to enter the temple (which cost $50,000 IDR/$3.20 USD per person).
To enter the inner temple area, you must use a sarong to cover the lower body, such as the waist and legs. For the upper body, you can wear a t-shirt or shirt. If you forget to bring a sarong, sarongs are available for the visitor to wear for free.
In the middle temple area, you will see two purification pools with several water fountains. The water in the pool is from an adjacent fresh water spring pool. The purification water pools are not too deep, with a depth of about the waist of an adult. In the purification pool area, Hindus perform a ritual of self-purification by placing their heads in a water fountain.
To partake within the self-purification bathing ritual, you must pay an additional fee ($25,000 IDR/$1.60 for locker and wet sarong).
If you have an interest in joining self-purification at the temple of Tirta Empul, there are some taboo things that you must know. During the embracing procession at the Tirta Empul temple, you cannot urinate, spit, or rinse your mouth.
Expect many tourist and local worshippers standing in long lines in the pools waiting to dip their heads under the water spouts in a purification ritual known as 'melukat'.
The number of water fountains at Tirta Empul temple is 26. With the distribution of 22 fountains lined up from east to west facing the south side and four fountains on the east side of the pool lined up from north to south.
It is at these 22 fountains that Hindus perform a ritual of self-purification. Before committing self-purification in the fountains, Hindus will arrange flower offerings (Canang) in each fountain.
The function of the holy water of each fountain in Tirta Empul for Hindus is also different with different names of Tirta (holy water). There are fountains which is call Tirta Sudamala, Tirta Penglukatan, Tirta Panegtegan.
Bathers start in the pool on the left side standing in the pool to the waist under the first water spout.
Once they have cleansed themselves under the first spout they join the next queue. This process is continued until they have cleansed themselves under each waterspout.
However, there are two spouts that are meant only for cleansing the dead and are for prohibited to be used by the living for the 'melukat' ritual.
Besides the temple, on this tourist attraction, there is an Indonesian presidential palace established by the first president of Indonesia, IR Soekarno. Furthermore, Tampak Siring Presidential Palace was built from 1957 – 1960.
Decided to take a day trip to Ubud from Seminyak. We booked one of the many all day private tours offered from Seminyak area.
As part of the tour we stopped at the Tirta Empul Temple.
Tirta Empul temple (Indonesian: Pura Tirta Empul) is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia. The temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification. The temple pond has a spring which gives out fresh water regularly, which Balinese Hindus consider to be holy or amritha. Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese.
Tirta Empul was founded in 926 A.D and is still being actively used to this day. Although it is a sacred place of worship to the locals, tourists from all over the world are welcome to experience the beauty and participate in the purification rituals. In 2017, the former US President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Natasha, made Tirta Empul one of their selected sites to visit and experience.
There is a charge to enter the temple (which cost $50,000 IDR/$3.20 USD per person).
To enter the inner temple area, you must use a sarong to cover the lower body, such as the waist and legs. For the upper body, you can wear a t-shirt or shirt. If you forget to bring a sarong, sarongs are available for the visitor to wear for free.
In the middle temple area, you will see two purification pools with several water fountains. The water in the pool is from an adjacent fresh water spring pool. The purification water pools are not too deep, with a depth of about the waist of an adult. In the purification pool area, Hindus perform a ritual of self-purification by placing their heads in a water fountain.
To partake within the self-purification bathing ritual, you must pay an additional fee ($25,000 IDR/$1.60 for locker and wet sarong).
If you have an interest in joining self-purification at the temple of Tirta Empul, there are some taboo things that you must know. During the embracing procession at the Tirta Empul temple, you cannot urinate, spit, or rinse your mouth.
Expect many tourist and local worshippers standing in long lines in the pools waiting to dip their heads under the water spouts in a purification ritual known as 'melukat'.
The number of water fountains at Tirta Empul temple is 26. With the distribution of 22 fountains lined up from east to west facing the south side and four fountains on the east side of the pool lined up from north to south.
It is at these 22 fountains that Hindus perform a ritual of self-purification. Before committing self-purification in the fountains, Hindus will arrange flower offerings (Canang) in each fountain.
The function of the holy water of each fountain in Tirta Empul for Hindus is also different with different names of Tirta (holy water). There are fountains which is call Tirta Sudamala, Tirta Penglukatan, Tirta Panegtegan.
Bathers start in the pool on the left side standing in the pool to the waist under the first water spout.
Once they have cleansed themselves under the first spout they join the next queue. This process is continued until they have cleansed themselves under each waterspout.
However, there are two spouts that are meant only for cleansing the dead and are for prohibited to be used by the living for the 'melukat' ritual.
Besides the temple, on this tourist attraction, there is an Indonesian presidential palace established by the first president of Indonesia, IR Soekarno. Furthermore, Tampak Siring Presidential Palace was built from 1957 – 1960.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen & Sue
Canberra, Australia2,417 contributions
Sep 2022
One of the essentials on any day tour of Bali, and for good reason.
This is a lovely temple, set in a beautiful location, and whether you’re here to just look, or take part, it’s well worth the trip.
Taking part is quite complicated, so, let your tour guide know in advance if you plan to take part as you will need to purchase the offering and the different sarongs.
Was it worth it? That’s up to you. It takes a while, and there can be quite a queue. The water is not cold, but the offering, changing, 13 springs and the getting dry will all add a lot of time to your trip.
Either way, the temple itself is beautiful, and well worth seeing.
This is a lovely temple, set in a beautiful location, and whether you’re here to just look, or take part, it’s well worth the trip.
Taking part is quite complicated, so, let your tour guide know in advance if you plan to take part as you will need to purchase the offering and the different sarongs.
Was it worth it? That’s up to you. It takes a while, and there can be quite a queue. The water is not cold, but the offering, changing, 13 springs and the getting dry will all add a lot of time to your trip.
Either way, the temple itself is beautiful, and well worth seeing.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra R
2 contributions
Has anyone been sick after drinking water from tirta empul springs?
shengchi
Pangasinan Province, Philippines246 contributions
We've been doing purification every year in big group and we all drink from it.
No one get sick. We actually feel better after bathing and drinking from the holy spring.
moira0606
Cardiff, UK299 contributions
What time do the water rituals finish. We want to go late afternoon and take part so just wondering if we would have time to take part and do a tour there late afternoon. Thanks
Cherelle Rose Mukoko
Toronto, Canada43 contributions
I'm not actually sure about this, to my knowledge it was something you could do from open to close, maybe search the internet for some more answers. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Velakshani
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1. Can i have a tour guide right in tirta empul or do i have to book earlier? 2. Is it okay if i dont have guide ? 3. Is the rituals(including bath) confusing or simple without a guide ?
957daphneh
Roskilde, Denmark48 contributions
Hi! 1. Think it's Best to gave a guide with you, as it is a very busy place 2. You can go without guide 3. You can get information about the ritual where you buy the entrance ticket at tirta, also in english; be aware the water is very cold, so it gets chilly when you wait on line to clean se. Enjoy 🌞
Cyano Sadia
Dhaka City, Bangladesh64 contributions
1. How much is the entrance fee for an adult?
2. does the entrance fee include sarong?
3. do I have to pay separately if I take a bath there?
Himanshu Jain
Jaipur, India215 contributions
1. 50000 IDR / Per Person
2. Yes Included
3. No.
Herayanti L
Denpasar, Indonesia15 contributions
Do you guys know how much the entrance ticket for foreigners (adult & child) to tirta empul temple? Thanks beforehand
Ivan F
Melaka, Malaysia326 contributions
Dear Herayanti,
Rph50K Adult, Rph25k Children,Sarong Rph10k. I believe these prices are for foreigners. I believe it would be cheaper for the locals like your goodself. Have a great time when you are there.
MyoshiBomb
Brooklyn, NY1 contribution
What do you do with your belongings? I walk with a camera and smart phone when I travel. What options do you suggest?
Seaside755252
19 contributions
There is safety locker you can rent for a smaller amount
Hey! Can you wear your own sarong in the water or do you have to pay for one of theirs? Thanks
Hey! Can you wear your own sarong in the water or do you have to pay for one of theirs? Thanks
Hey! Can you wear your own sarong in the water or do you have to pay for one of theirs? Thanks
shenc48
taguig2 contributions
hey! sorry ,I read your message late. Some brought their own sarong actually but very few .I guess it's better to just get it from there for IDR 15,000 to avoid hassle also since some of the guide there will ask you to wear this green sarong of theirs to bathe in the holy temple.
I want to take part of the ritual, but do you have to book it through a tour group? Is there any other way to book the ritual cleaning?
Ioannis T
119 contributions
You don’t need to book anything through a tour group. There is a Kiosk outside the temple to buy ticket. You need someone (driver) to get you there, but fix with him the transportation cost.
TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE (Tampaksiring) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tirta Empul Temple
- Tirta Empul Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tirta Empul Temple admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost ₱1,684.60, while a popular guided tour starts around ₱380.39 per person. See all 591 Tirta Empul Temple tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Tirta Empul Temple can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 591 Tirta Empul Temple tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Tirta Empul Temple:
- Skip the Line Tirta Empul Temple Admission Ticket All Inclusive (From ₱1,684.60)
- Ubud Tour - Best of Ubud - All Inclusive (From ₱4,890.77)
- Individual Tour in your Chosen Route with a Private Driver and Free WiFi (From ₱511.90)
- Ubud Highlight Tour with Waterfalls Private All-Inclusive (From ₱3,609.39)
- Best of Ubud Tour with Jungle Swing (From ₱3,749.59)
- Hotels near Tirta Empul Temple:
- (2.23 km) Aksari Resort Ubud
- (2.22 km) Nau Villa Ubud
- (2.77 km) Suarapura Resort & Spa
- (2.29 km) Pondok Sebatu Villa
- (2.51 km) Puri Gangga Resort
- Restaurants near Tirta Empul Temple:
- (0.14 km) Warung Sripadi
- (0.30 km) Pure Vegetarian
- (0.36 km) Pangkon Bali (Rumah Makan & Agrowisata)
- (0.35 km) Warung de Koi
- (2.20 km) Ankhusa Restaurant Ubud