Quick answer
Tirta Empul is a Hindu water temple near Tampaksiring in central Bali, built around a holy spring in 962 AD.
Visitors can take part in melukat, a traditional Balinese purification ritual in the spring fed pools, wearing a sarong and following a guide.
With Bali Wellness Journey, the water blessing is included in the 7 night retreat, with a guide, the ceremony and transport, usually on day three from 2pm to about 6pm.
At a glance
What: a traditional Balinese water purification ritual called melukat
Where: Tirta Empul temple, Tampaksiring, central Bali
History: built around a holy spring in 962 AD
What to wear: a sarong and sash (your guide helps you)
Who can’t take part: women who have their period (you can still visit and look around)
With us: included in the 7 night retreat, with guide, ceremony and transport
Some moments on a trip stay with you long after you’re home.
For a lot of people, the water blessing at Tirta Empul is one of them.
It’s quiet, simple and unlike anything back home in Australia or the US.
What is Tirta Empul?
Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple near the town of Tampaksiring. Its bathing pools are fed by a holy spring, and Balinese Hindus come here for a purification ritual called melukat.
The name means “holy spring that rises from the ground”, which is exactly what you’ll see: clear water bubbling up from the earth into a still pool inside the temple.
This isn’t a museum or an attraction built for visitors. It’s a living, working temple. Balinese families come here to pray and purify themselves, and you’ll be sharing the water with them.
How old is Tirta Empul?
Very old. The temple was built around the spring in 962 AD, under King Sri Candrabhayasingha Warmadewa of the Warmadewa dynasty.
That makes it more than a thousand years old.
The spring is also the source of the Pakerisan River, and the temple is dedicated to Vishnu.
Just beside the temple, you’ll also notice a palace on the hill. It was built in 1954 as a retreat for Soekarno, Indonesia’s first president.
What is the legend behind the spring?
Balinese tradition links the spring to a story about a tyrant king called Mayadenawa, who forbade people from worshipping the gods.
When the gods, led by Bhatara Indra, came to defeat him, Mayadenawa created a poisoned spring.
Indra’s troops drank from it and fell. Indra then pierced the ground with his spear, creating a new, holy spring whose water brought them back to life.
That spring is Tirta Empul. For Balinese Hindus, its water carries that story of renewal. It’s a lovely thing to know as you step in.
How does the water blessing work?
Your guide walks you through every step, so you never have to guess.
- Get ready. You’ll wear a sarong and a sash around your waist, as everyone does when entering a Balinese temple. Your guide helps you with this.
- Make an offering. Many people begin with a small offering and a moment of prayer or intention. Your guide will explain what’s appropriate.
- Enter the pool. You step into the cool spring water, which comes up to around your waist.
- Move along the spouts. Stone spouts line the pool, pouring holy water. You pause under each one, lower your head and let the water pour over you. Your guide tells you which spouts to use and which to skip, because not every spout is meant for every purpose.
- Take a moment. When you finish, many people sit quietly for a while. There’s no rush.
There’s no performance to it. Most people find it grounding, calm and surprisingly emotional, especially if they arrive carrying stress from home.
What should I wear to Tirta Empul?
Everyone entering the temple wears a sarong and sash. Underneath, wear swimwear or light clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
Bring a change of clothes and a small towel, because you will get completely soaked.
Leave valuables at the resort if you can.
For a full checklist, see our guide to what to pack for your Bali retreat.
Who can take part in the water blessing?
Anyone who joins respectfully is welcome. The one exception: women who have their period can’t take part in the water blessing, because the temple is sacred. You’re still welcome to come along and look around the temple grounds.
If you’d prefer, we can arrange an alternative excursion to two beautiful waterfalls instead.
For more information, email Putu at hello@baliwellnessjourney.com.
Is Tirta Empul too touristy?
It’s popular, and at busy times you’ll share the pools with other visitors as well as local worshippers.
That’s part of its reality as a living temple.
Going with a guide makes a big difference, because you understand what you’re doing and why, instead of just copying the person in front of you.
How does the water blessing fit into the retreat?
The water blessing is part of our 7 night wellness retreat, usually on day three. You leave the resort at 2pm and you’re back around 6pm, often quiet and thoughtful. Your guide, the ceremony and transport are all included.
For many guests, it becomes a turning point in their week. Before it, they’re still unwinding. After it, the retreat starts to feel like more than a holiday. Our guide to what a week on retreat feels like shows how it fits into the rest of your stay.
If you’re booking the 3 night retreat, the water blessing isn’t included, but it’s a good reason to consider the full week.
Our guide to choosing between 3 and 7 nights can help.
Can groups do the water blessing together?
Yes. Doing it together can be a really special moment for a sisterhood trip, a family, or a group marking a milestone. See our group retreats.
Tirta Empul FAQs
Is the water cold?
It’s cool and fresh rather than icy. After a few seconds it feels wonderful, especially on a warm Bali afternoon.
Do I need to be religious to take part?
No. Visitors of any faith, or no faith, are welcome as long as they take part respectfully.
Can I take photos?
You can take photos around the temple, but be respectful of people praying. Many guests prefer to leave their phone with a friend or at the resort and simply be present.
How long does the water blessing take?
The whole excursion from the resort takes around four hours, from 2pm to about 6pm, including travel.
Is it included in the retreat price?
Yes, on the 7 night retreat. The guide, ceremony and transport are included.