Tirta Empul, The Bali Water Temple

A few months ago I shared a recap of all the Bali temples I visited and I mentioned that my favorite, Tirta Empul, known as the water temple, would get its’ own post.  Well, better late than never here it is! 

Tirta Empul is located a short drive from Ubud and before we arrived my tour guide warned me it was one of my more expensive places at 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah (though that equals $3.66 USD). It was quite a reality check that this cost was a consideration factor for many.   When we arrived at the holy spring water temple we paid entrance fee and grabbed a sarong which was free and in a bucket next to the ticket counter.   While we arrived before 9am the temple was still quite crowded as it opens at 7am, though more than half of the visitors were locals which made for a great authentic experience.  

The Balianese believe that a sacred spring feeds Tirta Empul and this provides holy water for priests and worshippers who bathe at this temple as they believe this can bring them good fortune and health.  And this is not a new thing,  Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD and it was built to the Balinese Warmadewa dynasty.  In the temple there are many pools, some for bathing, and anyone wishing to enter must make an offering before you can climb into the main pool, which is about waist deep. In this pool I saw dozes of people bathing and meditating. Take a look at: 

My guide shared so much about the temple and I loved learning that closer to religious holidays, Balinese people flock to this temple to take part in meditation. This is usually in the Spring so make sure you plan your visit accordingly!

Would you visit Tirta Empul?