Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bali and is well known for its holy spring water. Located in the Tampak Siring area, the temple is also one of the most popular places in Bali for visitors who want to experience a traditional Balinese purification ritual, known locally as melukat.

This Ubud and Tirta Empul full-day tour combines a visit to the holy spring temple with several interesting places around Ubud, including Goa Gajah, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali Swing, a coffee plantation, and Ubud Center.

If your main purpose is to visit Tirta Empul and take part in the purification ritual, this page will help you understand the basic procedure, what to prepare, and the additional costs you may need to pay at the temple.

Tirta Empul Purification Ritual

The purification ritual at Tirta Empul is a traditional Balinese Hindu practice of praying and bathing with holy spring water.

Balinese people believe that holy water can be used for spiritual purification and prayer. Visitors who are interested in Balinese culture can also experience this tradition, as long as they respect the religious rules and temple environment.

The ritual takes place in a special bathing area inside the temple. Several water spouts flow into the bathing pools, and participants follow the ritual by moving from one water spout to another while praying and following the proper procedure.

If this is your first time taking part in the ritual, do not worry if you are not familiar with the process. You can ask the temple staff for information and assistance before starting
tourist joint the purify ritual at tirta empul temple

How to Join the Purification Ritual

Before entering the bathing area, visitors need to follow the temple's rules and prepare the required clothing.

You will normally need to:

1. Enter the temple respectfully and follow the temple rules.

2. Prepare the required sarong.

3. Store personal belongings in a locker before entering the bathing area.

4. Change into the special sarong used for the purification ritual.

5. Follow the instructions for the bathing ritual.

6. Pray and bathe under the holy spring water according to the ritual procedure.

7. Change back into dry clothes after completing the ritual.

If you are unsure about the order or meaning of the ritual, you can ask for assistance from the temple staff.

Special Sarong and Locker

Visitors joining the purification ritual need to use a special sarong for the bathing ceremony.

A locker is also available for keeping personal belongings while you are taking part in the ritual.

The special ritual sarong and locker require an additional payment. This cost is separate from the temple entrance ticket.

Based on the current information we have, the estimated cost is around IDR 50,000 for two people for the special ritual sarong and locker.

The actual arrangement and cost may change, so it is best to confirm the current fee at the temple when you arrive.

Entrance Ticket and Purification Ritual Costs

There are several costs to consider if you want to visit Tirta Empul and join the purification ritual.

The current estimated costs are:

• Temple entrance ticket and temple sarong: around IDR 75,000 per person

• Special sarong for the purification ritual and locker: around IDR 50,000 for 2 people

• Optional assistance from temple staff: usually around IDR 100,000–200,000 per person

These costs are paid separately at the temple and are not included in the private car service.

The temple staff assistance is optional. Some visitors prefer to join the ritual on their own after receiving the necessary instructions, while others prefer assistance because it is their first time.

The fee for staff assistance can vary depending on the arrangement at the temple. If you would like this assistance, it is recommended to ask about the current fee and agree on the cost before starting the ritual.

Please remember that these are estimated costs based on current information. Temple fees and arrangements can change, so the actual amount may be different when you visit.

What to Wear for Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is a sacred temple, so visitors should dress respectfully.

A sarong is required when entering the temple area. Visitors taking part in the purification ritual will use the special sarong provided for the bathing ceremony.

It is also a good idea to bring:

• A change of clothes

• A small towel

• Extra underwear or swimwear if preferred

• Some extra cash

• A small bag for personal items

You will get wet during the purification ritual, so having dry clothes to change into afterwards will make your visit more comfortable.

Important Temple Rules

The purification ritual is a religious tradition, not simply a tourist attraction.

Please follow the instructions given by the temple staff and respect people who are praying.

Women who are menstruating should not enter the sacred areas or take part in the purification ritual according to the temple's religious rules.

Visitors should also avoid behaving loudly or taking photographs in areas where photography is not appropriate.

If you are unsure about a temple rule, it is always better to ask before entering or joining the ritual.

Do You Need Assistance During the Ritual?

If you already understand the purification procedure, you may be comfortable following the instructions provided at the temple.

However, first-time visitors may prefer to have someone explain the procedure and help them understand what to do.

Temple staff may be available to provide assistance for an additional fee. The current estimated cost is around IDR 100,000–200,000 per person, although the actual arrangement may vary.

If you choose this service, we recommend asking about the fee before the ritual begins.

Our local driver can also help explain general information about the temple and assist with practical arrangements during your visit.

Tour Itinerary

A typical full-day itinerary can be arranged as:

Hotel Pickup → Goa Gajah → Tirta Empul Temple → Tegalalang Rice Terrace → Bali Swing → Coffee Plantation → Ubud Center → Hotel Return

The itinerary can be adjusted depending on your interests, traffic conditions, and the amount of time you want to spend at Tirta Empul.

If your main purpose is the purification ritual, we recommend allowing enough time at the temple instead of trying to visit too many places in one day.

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, can be visited before Tirta Empul.

The temple area has an ancient cave entrance, stone carvings, bathing areas, and a peaceful green environment.

You can walk around the site and learn about its historical and religious importance before continuing to Tampak Siring.

Tirta Empul Temple in Tampak Siring

Tirta Empul is located in the Tampak Siring area of central Bali.

The temple is famous for its natural holy spring, which flows into pools used for traditional purification rituals.

Inside the temple complex, you can see Balinese temple buildings, prayer areas, bathing pools, and the holy spring.

For visitors interested in experiencing melukat, this is the main part of the tour.

Take your time at the temple and follow the instructions provided by the temple staff.

The Legend of Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul has an important place in Balinese Hindu tradition.

According to Balinese tradition, the holy spring is connected with the story of Lord Indra and Mayadenawa.

Mayadenawa was a powerful king who opposed the gods. During the conflict, he created poisoned water to harm Lord Indra's followers.

Lord Indra then created a holy spring that could restore those who had been affected by the poison. This spring became associated with Tirta Empul.

The story is one of the traditional legends connected with the sacred spring and helps explain the spiritual importance of Tirta Empul to Balinese people.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

After the purification ritual, the journey can continue to Tegalalang.

Tegalalang is famous for its beautiful rice terraces and traditional agricultural landscape.

You can walk around the rice terrace area, take photographs, enjoy the scenery, and see local farmers working around the fields.

If you would like to try a Bali Swing, the activity can also be included in the itinerary.

Bali Swing

Bali Swing is one of the popular activities around Ubud and Tegalalang.

There are different swing locations and activity packages available.

If you are interested in trying a swing, you can discuss the available options with your driver before visiting.

The activity fee is paid separately.

Coffee Plantation

The tour can also include a visit to a local coffee plantation.

Here you can learn about traditional coffee production and see different types of Bali coffee and herbal drinks.

If you are interested in trying Luwak coffee, you can ask about the available tasting options at the plantation.

Ubud Center

The final part of the tour can continue to Ubud Center.

Depending on your available time, you can visit places such as Ubud Market, Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple, or other areas around the center of Ubud.

Your driver can help arrange the route based on the time remaining after your visit to Tirta Empul.

Private Car with an English-Speaking Local Driver

This tour is provided with a private car and an English-speaking local driver.

The main service is private transportation. Your driver can help with the route, explain simple information about the places you visit, and assist with practical matters during the trip.

The driver is not a professional tour guide, but as a local driver can share general local knowledge and help make your journey around Bali more comfortable.

If your main reason for booking this tour is the Tirta Empul purification ritual, please let us know when making your booking. This helps us plan enough time for the temple visit.

What Is Included

The private transportation service includes:

• Private air-conditioned car

• English-speaking local driver

• Petrol

• Parking fees

• Mineral water

• Hotel pickup and return

What Is Not Included

The following expenses are paid separately:

• Temple entrance tickets

• Special purification ritual sarong and locker

• Optional temple staff assistance

• Bali Swing activity

• Coffee plantation activities or purchases

• Meals

• Personal expenses

• Tips

What to Bring

For a comfortable Tirta Empul purification experience, we recommend bringing:

• A change of clothes

• A small towel

• Extra cash for temple and ritual expenses

• A small bag for necessary belongings

• Respectful clothing

• Your personal camera or phone

Try not to bring unnecessary valuables because you will need to store your belongings in a locker during the bathing ritual.

Plan Your Ubud and Tirta Empul Tour

Tirta Empul is a special place to visit if you are interested in Balinese culture and would like to experience a traditional purification ritual.

The experience is different from simply visiting a tourist attraction. You will enter a sacred temple environment, follow a traditional bathing process, and have the opportunity to learn more about an important part of Balinese Hindu culture.

By combining Tirta Empul with Goa Gajah, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali Swing, a coffee plantation, and Ubud Center, you can enjoy a full day around central Bali.

If your main purpose is to take part in the Tirta Empul purification ritual, please tell us when booking so we can arrange the route and allow enough time for your temple visit.

For current private car service, available vehicles, service hours, and booking information, please visit our Bali Hire Car with English-Speaking Local Driver page.

Enjoy your Bali journey and have a meaningful experience at Tirta Empul.