How to Visit Pura Tirta Empul, Bali’s Famous Holy Water Temple Near Ubud

Plan your visit to Pura Tirta Empul, Bali’s most sacred water temple near Ubud. Learn about the purification ritual, what to wear, and when to go.

One of the most fascinating things about Bali is how deeply its spiritual traditions shape daily life. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, Bali stands apart as the only Hindu-majority island—giving it a cultural identity that feels completely its own.

Balinese Hinduism is a rich tapestry woven from ancient Indian beliefs and centuries of indigenous rituals. It has taken on a unique form as it has combined over centuries with pre-existing local island customs and beliefs. It’s colourful, symbolic, and deeply tied to nature. Nowhere is this more evident than in Bali’s temples—and few are as iconic or spiritually immersive as Pura Tirta Empul, the island’s most famous holy water temple, nestled in the lush highlands near Ubud.

Whether you’re curious about Balinese rituals or simply looking for a unique, meaningful experience in Bali, visiting Tirta Empul Temple and participating in the Melukat purification ritual is one of the best ways of immersing yourself (forgive the pun!) in this remarkable culture.

🛕✨ Ready to step into the sacred waters? Here’s everything you need to know—how to get there, what to wear, the meaning behind the ritual, and tips for making the most of your visit.

What to Expect at Pura Tirta Empul Temple

Dating back to 962 AD, today Pura Tirta Empul Temple is very popular with visitors to Bali, so it does feel more like a tourist attraction rather than a working temple. However, there is something special about people coming from all over the world to take part in a shared experience and celebrate Balinese culture. When you enter the temple complex you will be loaned a dry sarong. This adds to the exotic feeling as all the visitors wander around in colourful Balinese garb.

Taking part in the Melukat spiritual cleansing ritual is completely optional, but I strongly recommend joining in. Sarongs and lockers can be hired on site for a small fee. For a small donation you can also make an offering of petals and incense at the shrine. There are lots of local guides at the temple complex, and if you wish you can pay them to explain the correct instructions for the water ceremony and the significance of the various different fountains. I recommend doing this as some of the fountains should be skipped as they represent cremation. The guides also love taking photos and videos so absolutely worth it if you want memories of the experience, as you are not allowed to take cameras (go-pros and such) into the water itself.

What to bring to Pura Tirta Empul Temple

You will be loaned a dry sarong to wear around the temple for modesty. Then if you wish to participate in the water purification ceremony you can hire a green sarong and red sash to wear in the water for a small fee. You can also hire a locker for your valuables. I recommend bringing:

• Swimwear (to wear under the green sarong)
• Towel to dry off afterwards
• Sun cream (you’ll be in the water for a while and the sun is strong)
• Cash for temple admission fee
• Cash for the sarong hire, locker hire and also for a donation if you would like to make an offering

How to Get to the Pura Tirta Empul Temple

The easiest way to get to the Pura Tirta Empul Temple is to stay in Ubud itself and then hire a Grab to take you to the temple. The drivers will be familiar with the area so will drop you off at the entrance. I recommend a motorbike rather than a car. They can weave through the traffic and so are much quicker. The drive from central Ubud will take around 30 minutes.

The Melukat Ceremony Preparation: Get Changed

Once you are inside the Pura Tirta Empul temple complex and have explored a bit, make your way to the locker room area (to the right of the altar if facing it). Just outside the locker room you can hire your sarong and key. Then go inside to get changed. The locker rooms are mixed and although there are some changing cubicles these are really wet so most people just get changed by their lockers. Easiest if you already have your swimmers on underneath your clothes / bring a large towel.

The Melukat Ceremony Part 1: Offering (Optional)

For a small donation, you can get a Canang Sari. This is a small basket made of woven palm leaves. It will contain an incense stick and flower petals. This offering to the gods is a nice way to get into a peaceful frame of mind, even if the temple is busy. You can sit on the floor in front of the altar for as long as you want, and say prayers. Once complete, you lay the offering on the altar and make your way to the water temple.

The Melukat Ceremony Part 2: Purification Ceremony

Now it’s time to get into the water! If you don’t have a guide, just join the line and follow the person in front. You will snake your way through the whole pool, visiting most of the fountains in turn. When you reach each fountain, you should:

• put your hands together and say a prayer
• wash the water over your face 3 times
• dunk your entire head under the fountain

Each fountain represents something different, so technically each of your prayers should relate to each particular fountain. But if you’re not sure of the meaning, just make a wish. Note that some of the fountains do need to be skipped as they represent cremation.

Visiting Pura Tirta Empul Temple in Ubud, Bali is a wonderful way to experience Hindu Balinese culture. For some general guidance on visiting Bali and Indonesia overall, read on below.

More Things to Do in Ubud

Where to Stay in Ubud

Ubud has a totally different vibe from Bali’s beachy or party areas — think jungle views, wellness retreats, artisan cafés, and boutique shopping. Whether you’re here to heal, explore, or just unwind with nature, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ubud:

💸 Budget-Friendly Stays:

• In Da Lodge: A long-time backpacker favourite, this social hostel is tucked away in a leafy garden setting. There’s a chill vibe, lots of hammocks, and an easy walk into town. 👉 Book In Da Lodge now.
• Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel: Clean, budget-friendly, and well-located with free breakfast and friendly staff — perfect if you’re travelling solo. 👉 Book Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel now.
• Kuna Bali: Set amidst lush greenery a short walk from the Monkey Forest, Kuna offers a beautiful tropical design, a free daily yoga class, and a chilled pool area that makes it easy to meet fellow travellers. 👉 Book Kuna Bali now.

🧘‍♀️ Mid-Range & Wellness Retreats:

• Arya Wellness Retreat: A gorgeous women-only wellness sanctuary in central Ubud. Think yoga, plant-based meals, jungle vibes, and a pool with serious Bali aesthetics. Great for solo travellers and digital nomads craving sisterhood and serenity. 👉 Book Arya Wellness Retreat now.
• Alaya Resort Ubud: A peaceful boutique resort right in the heart of Ubud, with lush gardens, spa treatments, and beautiful rooms that blend traditional and modern design. 👉 Book Alaya Resort Ubud now.
• Ubud Aura Retreat: A peaceful retreat centre right next to the Yoga Barn. It’s perfect for those wanting wellness vibes on a mid-range budget. 👉 Book Ubud Aura Retreat now.

✨ Luxury Escapes:

• Chapung Sebali: For those seeking total jungle luxury. This stylish hilltop resort has private pool villas, epic views, and a cocktail bar that makes you feel like you’re floating above the treetops. 👉 Book Chapung Sebali now.
• Como Shambhala Estate: One of the most luxurious wellness resorts in Bali — think personalised holistic healing, private villas, and riverside tranquility. It’s a splurge, but if you’re here to completely reset, it’s the place. 👉 Book Como Shambhala Estate now.

Still browsing? Ubud is packed with amazing villas, boutique resorts, and peaceful homestays — check more places to stay in Ubud on Booking.com.

Further Exploring: What Else to Do in Indonesia

If you’re planning a longer trip to Indonesia, there are plenty of other incredible destinations to explore. Indonesia is a country full of diverse cultures, rich history, and spectacular landscapes, from the lush jungles of Bali to the ancient temples of Yogyakarta. Be sure to check out my other posts about travelling in Indonesia for more travel inspiration, tips, and detailed guides on must-see places.

No matter where you’re headed in Indonesia, you’re bound to have an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and amazing adventures. Safe travels, and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!

👉 Find cheap flights to Indonesia here.

Practical Guidance for Bali, Indonesia

Hopefully this post will have inspired you to book a trip to Ubud, Bali. I’ve also included some useful information for Bali and Indonesia in general below. If you plan all the boring stuff in advance you can relax and enjoy your trip more!

How do I get a visa for Indonesia?

Make sure to check the Indonesian visa requirements for your own country as the rules can vary depending on what passport you have. Many countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA). I purchased mine at Bali Denpasar airport and was able to pay with my WISE card. You must meet passport validity requirements and have a return or onward ticket. You can explore different visa options on the official Indonesian Immigration website. If you overstay your visa there is a fine of 1 million rupiah a day.

How to Get to Indonesia & Where to Find Cheap Flights

Indonesia is a major travel hub in Southeast Asia, with several international airports in key cities such as Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), and Yogyakarta (JOG). Most travellers fly into Bali or Jakarta, which offer the most frequent connections to Indonesia’s various islands. From these cities, you can easily connect to other destinations in Indonesia by domestic flights, ferries, or even private boats.

To find cheap flights to Indonesia, use comparison tools like Skyscanner. Booking your flight several months in advance or flying mid-week can often lead to the best deals. This is especially true if you’re travelling during the off-peak season (April to June or September to October). Budget airlines like AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, and Lion Air also offer great discounts on domestic and regional flights, so be sure to keep an eye out for sales.

👉 Find cheap flights to Indonesia here.

Transport from Bali Denpasar airport to Ubud

Arriving at Bali Denpasar airport can be pretty hectic. It can feel overwhelming especially if you’ve just come off a long haul flight. A lot of flights seem to be scheduled to arrive quite late at night too, so I recommend planning in advance so that you feel safe. There will be a lot of local taxi drivers waiting at arrivals, but you will need to haggle which can be exhausting.

Personally, I booked an airport pickup in advance with Welcome Pickups. You prepay when you book at a flat rate that matches the local standard fare. The advantage of Welcome Pickups over rideshare apps (see below) is that there is no surge pricing. I did check my Grab app out of curiosity when I arrived to compare, and Welcome Pickups was indeed cheaper. The Welcome Pickups app is also incredibly easy to use and I was able to chat to my driver via the app to coordinate a meeting spot. Welcome Pickups operate in lots of different countries worldwide. You can sign up here.

How to get around Bali and Ubud

The easiest way to get around Ubud (and Bali in general) is to use Grab. Grab is a Singaporean-headquartered rideshare app (like Uber) that operates in a number of countries in South East Asia. You can choose to book either a car or a scooter. Scooters are cheaper and much faster as they can weave through the traffic. It’s also safer to use Grab and have a local driver rather than hiring a scooter yourself. I recommend downloading the app in advance before your trip so that you can set up the payment card etc. The best card to link in order to avoid high FX exchange fees is a WISE card (see below).

Money in Indonesia: (IDR)

If you’re visiting Indonesia you’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). To get IDR at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Indonesian Rupiah (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in Indonesia without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Get your WISE card here.

SIM Card and Data for Indonesia

There are two main options for getting a SIM card and data to use in Indonesia:

Option 1: eSIM with Airalo

The main advantages of purchasing an eSIM via Airalo (enter the referral code ROWAN1271 for a discount) are:

• you do not need to insert a physical SIM card, so you can keep your home country SIM in your phone
• you can get a multi-country eSIM rather than having to get a new one each time you go to a new country
• you can download the eSim before you leave your home country, meaning that you will have data immediately on arrival. This gives you peace of mind and is perfect for using Google Maps and rideshare apps etc.
• You can top up your data allowance via the app

Option 2: Buy a local physical SIM card

The main advantages of purchasing a local SIM card are:

• Local SIM cards generally offer better rates. You can often (depending on the country) get a lot more data for a lower price.
• You will get a local phone number which is better for making local calls / text messages

Personally I think Airalo is the best for short holidays or if you are only spending a short time in each country. If you’re staying for a longer time, or if like me you use a lot of data, a local physical SIM card may be better.

Get your Airalo eSIM here. Enter the referral code ROWAN1271 for a discount.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Indonesia

As well as planning your How to Spend 3 days in Ubud, Bali: Epic Itinerary, you should also make sure you have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travellers or families visiting Indonesia:

1. Heymondo Travel Insurance

I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Indonesia.

Why choose Heymondo?

• Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
• User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
• Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.

👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For digital nomads, long-term travellers, or those planning an extended stay in Indonesia, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues. Ideal for travellers who need long-term protection.

Why choose SafetyWing?

• Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travellers or digital nomads.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.

👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Plan Your Trip to Indonesia: Useful Travel Resource Links

🌞 Useful Travel Resources & Essentials 🌞

By using the following links, you can support Call of the World at no additional cost to yourself

HEALTH & INSURANCE

🚨 TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE: To ensure peace of mind while travelling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance. SafetyWing offer Nomad Insurance with globally mobile individuals in mind. Find out more here.

🏥 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with Heymondo, your trusted travel companion. They offer single-trip, annual and long-stay travel insurance. App with 24-hour medical support. (Call of the World readers get 5% off your travel insurance policy using my link)

BANKING & CURRENCY EXCHANGE

💶 FOREIGN CURRENCY CARD: To pay by card and withdraw cash at the best rates, get a WISE card before your trip. This allows you to convert money into any other currency at the best rates and withdraw cash without hidden fees. WISE is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

FLIGHTS & TRANSPORT

✈️ FLIGHTS: I always use SKYSCANNER to book my flights. It shows you the best deals and allows you to be flexible with dates. Feeling adventurous? Try out the “explore everywhere” feature.

🚂 BUS, TRAIN & FERRY TICKETS: Book your bus, train and ferry transportation in advance online using 12Go.

🚘 AIRPORT PICKUPS: Ensure peace of mind by booking your airport pickup with Welcome Pickups. Highly recommended if arriving late at night in an unfamiliar location.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

🗺️ DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Book your tours and activities with Viator. Viator partner with local guides and businesses to offer you the very best travel experiences available. Browse tours here.

🌏 ETHICAL GROUP TOURS: If you fancy joining a group tour, I can highly recommend G Adventures. Not only do G Adventures offer amazing group tours all over the world, but they really put the effort in to do good in the communities they visit. Browse tours here.

STAYING CONNECTED

📳 eSIM: AIRALO: Sort out an eSIM before your arrival with Airalo. Having an eSIM allows you to connect to local network data as soon as you arrive – super useful for Google Maps and rideshare apps!

📳 eSIM: HOLAFLY: Likewise Holafly also offer a convenient eSIM service. They offer unlimited data plans at multiple destinations – perfect whether you’re a remote worker or just want unlimited data for Insta Stories! Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “CALLOFTHEWORLD”.

📳 eSIM: SAILY: Another eSIM provider is Saily, by the creators of NordVPN (see below), so security is a top feature. Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “SPECIAL5”.

💻 NordVPN: Remote worker and need a secure network? Or do you simply want to keep up-to-date with your favourite tv show from home? Having a VPN like NordVPN allows you to access the internet securely via an encrypted connection, making the use of public wifi spots much safer.

💻 ExpressVPN: Likewise, ExpressVPN also offer a reliable secure connection using their VPN service, enabling you to protect your privacy when connecting to the internet overseas.

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