Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul, near Tampaksiring about 30 minutes north-east of Ubud, is one of Bali's most important temples and the island's principal site for melukat, ritual purification by water.
It was founded in 962 AD around a natural spring that still feeds the complex. Legend holds the spring was created by the god Indra to revive his poisoned soldiers. The water rises in a clear pool at the rear of the temple, visibly bubbling up through the sand, and is channelled into two long rectangular bathing pools lined with around 30 carved stone spouts.
Worshippers move along the spouts in order from left to right, praying and ducking their head under each one in turn. Specific spouts are excluded — two are reserved for funeral rites — and a local attendant or guide will tell you which to skip.
Visitors are welcome to take part, and many do. The etiquette matters: you must wear a sarong, then change into a separate purification sarong at the pool, women who are menstruating do not enter, and this is a working religious ritual rather than a swimming pool. Lockers and changing rooms are available for a small fee.
Go early. By mid-morning the pools are queued and the coach parties have arrived. The site also contains a large temple courtyard above the pools, and a former presidential retreat overlooks the valley.
Travel tips for Tirta Empul
- Arrive at opening, around 8am. By 10am the pools have queues and the experience changes completely.
- Two sarongs are involved — one to enter the temple, a separate one for the water. Both can be rented at the gate.
- Skip the reserved spouts. Two are for funeral rites only; ask an attendant which ones before you start.
- Women who are menstruating should not enter the pools, in line with Balinese temple custom.
- Bring a towel, dry clothes and small notes for the locker and changing rooms.
- Combine with Tegallalang and Gunung Kawi — all three are on the same road north of Ubud.
Popular tours here
- Ubud, Rice Terraces & Waterfalls Tour
- Bali Private Day Tour with Driver & Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is Tirta Empul?
A Balinese Hindu water temple founded in 962 AD around a sacred spring, and the island's principal site for melukat, or ritual purification.
Can tourists bathe at Tirta Empul?
Yes, visitors are welcome to take part, provided they follow the etiquette — correct sarongs, moving along the spouts in order, and skipping the spouts reserved for funeral rites.
What should you wear at Tirta Empul?
A sarong to enter the temple and a separate purification sarong for the water; both are available to rent at the entrance.
How many spouts are there at Tirta Empul?
Around 30, arranged along two rectangular bathing pools, with worshippers moving from left to right.
When is the best time to visit Tirta Empul?
At opening, around 8am — the pools fill with tour groups from mid-morning onward.