Bali: Tirta Empul Melukat Ceremony & Temple Tour with Guide

Summary

Balinese water purification at Tirta Empul temple springs

You’ll step into sacred pools at Tirta Empul Temple for a Melukat cleansing ritual with a local guide explaining each tradition. Feel cool spring water on your skin, wear traditional attire (sarong included), and share quiet moments with Balinese worshippers. It’s less about knowing what you’re doing and more about being open to whatever you feel in that space.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed at Tirta Empul Temple was the smell — incense and wet stone, kind of earthy but sweet too. Our guide, Komang, handed me a sarong and grinned when I fumbled with the knot (he fixed it in two seconds). The temple was already humming with quiet voices and the sound of water trickling from those old spouts. I felt a bit awkward at first, honestly — standing there barefoot, watching locals move through the pools like they’d done it forever.

Komang explained each step of the Melukat ceremony as we went along. He showed us how to cup our hands under the spring water and bring it to our heads, then our faces — “for clarity,” he said. The water was colder than I expected; it kind of woke me up. There were little offerings everywhere: flowers, rice, incense burning on stone ledges. At one point an older woman smiled at me and pressed her palms together. I tried to copy her gesture but probably got it wrong. Still, she laughed softly.

I didn’t expect to feel much — maybe just wet and out of place — but something about the rhythm of moving from fountain to fountain made everything slow down. Even my thoughts got quieter for a minute. When we finished, Komang handed out towels and joked about my hair looking “extra blessed.” We sat on the steps after, steam rising off the stones as the sun broke through clouds for a second. I still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Melukat Ceremony and Temple Tour

• Arrive at Tirta Empul Temple
• Receive traditional Sarong attire
• Explore temple grounds with guide
• Learn about temple history and culture
• Participate in Melukat cleansing ceremony

Top questions

What is included in the Tirta Empul Melukat Ceremony tour?

The tour includes ceremony materials, English-speaking guide, locker use, sarong and simple dress rental (not full Balinese dress), and entrance fee.

Do I need special clothing for the Melukat ceremony?

You’ll be given a sarong and simple attire to wear during the ritual; just bring a top that covers your shoulders and shorts or a skirt above the knee.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers who are pregnant, have spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can I participate if I’m menstruating?

No, menstruating travelers are strictly not allowed inside Tirta Empul Temple; you can request a refund or reschedule if needed.

How do I book this day trip from Ubud or other areas?

You need to enter your WhatsApp-registered phone number when booking so organizers can contact you easily before your visit.

Is lunch included in this Tirta Empul Temple tour?

No lunch is included; only ceremony materials, attire rental, guide services, locker use, and entrance fee are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes all ceremony materials for Melukat purification at Tirta Empul Temple, entry fees covered up front so there’s no hassle at arrival, English-speaking local guide throughout the experience, plus sarong and simple dress rental (not full ceremonial outfits). Lockers are available onsite for your things while you take part in the ritual.