Bali Tirta Empul Temple: Holy Water Ritual & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Balinese holy water blessing ritual with local guide and tea

You’ll join locals at Bali’s Tirta Empul Temple for a real holy water blessing, guided step-by-step so you don’t have to guess what comes next. Hotel pickup makes things easy; your ticket covers entry, sarong loan, offerings for the ritual, plus tea time after you dry off. It’s peaceful but lively — a mix of quiet moments and laughter you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

Wayan was already waiting by the van when I shuffled out of the hotel lobby, still half-asleep and clutching my coffee. He smiled — that kind of patient Balinese smile — and asked if I’d ever been to Tirta Empul Temple before. I shook my head, and he just nodded like he knew something I didn’t. The drive from Ubud was quieter than I expected; rice fields flickered past the window, and there was this faint smell of incense even before we got close to the temple. Maybe it stuck to Wayan’s shirt, or maybe it’s just everywhere here.

I’ll admit I felt awkward at first — pulling on the sarong they handed me at the entrance (I tied it wrong, obviously), trying not to look too clueless as Wayan explained what each gate meant. There were families already lined up for the holy water blessing, some locals murmuring prayers, others just laughing with their kids. The air had this coolness under the banyan trees that made everything feel slower. When it was my turn for the ritual, Wayan gently showed me how to cup the water and let it run over my head. It wasn’t dramatic or anything — more like a quiet reset. The scent of wet stone mixed with flowers from someone’s offering drifted by. I didn’t expect to feel so calm after.

Afterwards we sat for tea (included in the ticket — strong and sweet), watching people come and go from the main temple courtyard. Wayan told me a story about his grandmother doing this same blessing every year; he laughed when I tried repeating “Tirta Empul” in Balinese — apparently my accent is hopeless. On the way back to Ubud, I kept thinking about that moment under the water. It’s hard to explain but yeah…something sticks with you after a day trip like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Tirta Empul Temple and Blessing Ritual

• Pickup from hotel lobby
• Travel to Tirta Empul Temple
• Enter temple from first gate
• Explore middle side and main temple
• Participate in sacred blessing ritual
• Use sarong and offering for ritual
• Return to hotel with drop-off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for Tirta Empul Temple tours?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most areas in Southern, Middle, and East Bali.

Do I need to bring my own sarong or offering?

No, sarong rental and offerings are provided as part of your admission ticket.

Can women on their period enter Tirta Empul Temple?

No, women who are menstruating are not allowed to visit or participate in temple rituals.

How long does a typical day trip to Tirta Empul from Ubud take?

The drive is about 30-45 minutes each way; expect a few hours total including ritual and tea time.

Is Tirta Empul wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Tirta Empul Temple are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join and strollers/prams are welcome on site.

What is included in the Tirta Empul Temple admission ticket?

Your ticket includes entry fees, sarong costume rental, offerings/donation/incense for ritual, tea time after your visit, insurance coverage, plus hotel pickup/drop-off.

What’s included

Your day includes seamless hotel pickup and drop-off across Bali regions listed on your voucher; entry tickets to Tirta Empul Temple; use of a Balinese sarong; all offerings needed for the holy water ritual; donation and incense; insurance coverage during your visit; plus tea time after exploring the temple grounds before heading back.