Founded in 962 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Temple) in Tampaksiring is one of the most spiritually significant temples in Bali. Pilgrims and curious international travelers from across the globe travel here to partake in 'Melukat' — a traditional Balinese Hindu self-purification ritual using sacred spring waters said to cleanse negative energy and bestow spiritual clarity.
Participating in Melukat requires cultural sensitivity, proper ceremonial attire, and understanding the sequence of water spouts. This practical 2026 guide explains ticket prices, locker procedures, ritual steps, and strict temple taboos.
1. Tirta Empul Opening Hours & 2026 Ticket Prices
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM daily.
- General Temple Entry Ticket: IDR 50,000 / adult (~$3.20 USD), IDR 25,000 / child (includes free yellow/purple temple sarong for walking around outer courtyards).
- Melukat Ritual Package (Optional): IDR 25,000 – 35,000 (~$2.00 USD) for renting the special green bathing sarong, red sash, and a secure locker key.
- Canang Sari Offering & Incense: IDR 10,000 – 20,000 (~$1.00 USD) available at local stalls outside the temple.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to the Melukat Cleansing Ritual
- Change into the Green Melukat Sarong: Standard dry clothes or swimwear are not permitted in the sacred pool. You must wear the traditional green water sarong tied with a sash.
- Place Your Offering at the Altar: Present your small floral Canang Sari offering and light an incense stick with the guidance of temple caretakers.
- Enter the Pool from the Left: Step into the cool mountain spring pool. Walk to the first spout on the western end.
- Cleanse at Each Spout: Bow your head under the water three times, wash your face three times, and take a symbolic sip three times. Move sequentially from left to right.
- Skip the Two Funeral Spouts: Note that two spouts near the eastern end are strictly reserved for deceased purification ceremonies and must not be used by living bathers.
- Dry Off and Change: Use the private changing rooms. Remember to bring a dry towel and a fresh change of clothes.
In accordance with ancient Balinese customary law, women who are menstruating or individuals with open bleeding wounds are strictly forbidden from entering temple grounds and pools. Modest behavior, shoulders covered, and respectful silence are required at all times.
Book the Complete Tirta Empul Purification Tour
Experience the Melukat ceremony with a knowledgeable local guide who assists with offerings, lockers, and respectful etiquette.
View Tirta Empul Purification TourWhat Is the Melukat Ritual? A Step-by-Step Guide
Melukat is the Balinese Hindu purification ritual performed in holy water (tirta). At Tirta Empul, the ritual takes place in the main courtyard pool (Jaba Tengah), which contains 30 fountainheads (pancuran), each with specific spiritual significance. Participants enter wearing a sarong and traditional sash.
- Dress appropriately at the entrance — sarong and sash are mandatory. These can be rented at the temple for IDR 10,000–20,000.
- Purchase a flower offering (canang sari) from vendors outside — approximately IDR 10,000–20,000.
- Enter the changing area and store your belongings in a locker.
- Approach the purification pool from the right side, starting at the first fountainhead.
- Dip beneath each fountainhead three times, holding your hands in prayer position.
- Two fountainheads on the far left are reserved for funeral rituals — do not use these.
- After the final fountainhead, exit the pool and change back into dry clothes.
- A local guide can explain the significance of each fountainhead if you book a private tour.
The Melukat ritual at Tirta Empul is open to all visitors regardless of religion. Women who are menstruating and visitors with open wounds are asked to refrain from entering the pool out of respect for the temple's sanctity.
Tirta Empul Ticket Price & Opening Hours 2026
Tirta Empul Entrance Fee 2026
| Visitor Type | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|
| Foreign tourist (adult) | IDR 50,000 |
| Foreign tourist (child under 10) | IDR 30,000 |
| Indonesian citizen | IDR 15,000 |
| Sarong & sash rental | IDR 10,000–20,000 (if not wearing own) |
| Offering (canang sari) | IDR 10,000–20,000 (optional but respectful) |
Opening hours: 09:00–17:00 daily. The temple is busiest between 10:00 and 13:00. For a quieter experience, arrive at opening time (09:00) or after 14:30.
What to Wear at Tirta Empul
- Sarong and sash are mandatory — available for rent at the entrance (IDR 10,000–20,000)
- Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing underneath if you plan to enter the purification pool
- Flip-flops or sandals that can get wet (you will remove footwear before the inner courtyard)
- Bring a dry change of clothes — a plastic bag for wet items is helpful
- Leave valuable jewellery at your hotel — the pool area is communal and crowded
Photography Tips & Rules
- Photography is generally permitted in the outer courtyard and pool area
- Do not photograph worshippers in prayer without permission — be respectful
- Drone photography is prohibited inside the temple complex
- The best photo opportunity is from the elevated walkway overlooking the pool, early morning when light is soft
- Waterproof phone case or camera recommended if you enter the pool
Best Time to Visit Tirta Empul (Avoid the Crowds)
Tirta Empul is most crowded between 10:00 and 13:00 when tour buses from Seminyak and Kuta arrive. To experience the ritual in a calmer atmosphere:
- Arrive at opening time (09:00) for the quietest experience and softest morning light
- Visit after 14:30 when most day tours have departed
- Avoid national public holidays and Balinese ceremonies when the temple fills with local worshippers
- Dry season (May–September) is busier but offers more stable weather
- Rainy season mornings (October–April) can be remarkably peaceful — showers typically arrive in the afternoon
How to Get to Tirta Empul
Getting to Tirta Empul
| From | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ubud | 12 km | 20–30 min |
| Kuta / Seminyak | 50 km | 75–90 min |
| Canggu | 55 km | 80–100 min |
| Nusa Dua | 60 km | 80–95 min |
| Sanur | 52 km | 75–90 min |
Tirta Empul is located in Tampaksiring village, approximately 12 km north of Ubud. It is most conveniently combined with other Ubud-area attractions such as Tegalalang Rice Terraces, the Monkey Forest, and Gunung Kawi on a full-day private tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Gunung Kawi (2 km) — 11th-century rock-cut royal mortuary temple carved directly into a cliff face along a river gorge
- Goa Gajah / Elephant Cave (10 km) — ancient meditation cave with carved demon-face entrance, bathing pools, and fountains
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (8 km) — Bali's most photographed terraced rice fields, perfect for sunrise and golden hour photography
- Ubud Monkey Forest (14 km) — sacred forest sanctuary home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques
- Kintamani Volcano Viewpoint (20 km) — panoramic view of Mount Batur caldera, best visited for lunch with a view
More Questions About Tirta Empul
Can non-Hindus participate in the Melukat ritual at Tirta Empul?
Yes. Tirta Empul welcomes visitors of all faiths to participate in the purification ritual. The experience is considered spiritual rather than religious — you do not need to be Hindu to take part. Simply dress respectfully, move slowly through the fountainheads, and be mindful of local worshippers.
How long does a visit to Tirta Empul take?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a full visit including the purification ritual. If you only want to observe without entering the pool, 45 minutes is sufficient. Add 30 minutes for Gunung Kawi if you plan to combine both.
Is Tirta Empul safe to swim in?
Yes. The holy spring water at Tirta Empul is continuously refreshed from a natural underground spring and has been tested as clean. The temple management regularly monitors water quality. However, it is a spiritual site, not a recreational swimming pool — treat it with appropriate respect.
Do I need to bring an offering?
An offering (canang sari — a small woven basket with flowers) is not strictly required but is considered respectful. Small offerings are sold by vendors outside the temple for IDR 10,000–20,000. Temple staff and local worshippers will appreciate the gesture.
Can I visit Tirta Empul and Ubud in one day?
Yes, easily. Tirta Empul is just 12 km from central Ubud. A typical combination itinerary includes Tegalalang Rice Terraces in the morning, Tirta Empul before or after lunch, the Ubud Monkey Forest or Ubud Palace in the afternoon, and the Kecak Dance at Tanah Lot or Uluwatu at sunset.
What is the spiritual significance of Tirta Empul?
Tirta Empul was founded in 962 CE during the reign of King Chandrabhayasingha Warmadewa. According to Balinese Hindu belief, the spring was created by the god Indra to revive his soldiers who had been poisoned by the demon king Maya Denawa. Today it is considered one of the most sacred sites in Bali for purification and spiritual healing.
Visit Tirta Empul with a Private Guide
Experience the Melukat purification ritual with a knowledgeable local driver-guide. Combines perfectly with Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Gunung Kawi on a full Ubud day tour.
See Tirta Empul Tour Details →
