Tirta Empul Temple purification ritual and rice terraces tour

Bathe under 12 holy springs, trek to a turquoise waterfall, walk emerald rice cliffs

A full-day tour of Bali's spiritual and agricultural heart, centered on participating in an authentic melukat purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple's 1,000-year-old sacred springs, guided by a Balinese priest. You'll cleanse under 12 springs in the central pools, then trek through jungle to Ulu Petanu Waterfall for a private swim, and finish at Tegalalang Rice Terraces walking the UNESCO-listed subak landscape. Private AC transport, a guide in English, sarong, offerings and all entry fees are included; the day runs 7 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Melukat ritual, waterfall, and rice terraces

• Participate in melukat purification ritual
• Trek to Ulu Petanu Waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Walk along rice terrace ridges
• Learn about subak irrigation system

The Experience

If you've landed in Bali without a car or you're staying outside the tourist zones, this tour picks you up and carries you through three stops that most visitors never string together. The melukat ritual at Tirta Empul is the centerpiece—not a photo op from the sidelines, but an actual cleansing under the temple's 12 sacred springs, where locals come for spiritual healing. A Balinese priest guides you through the ceremony, explaining how each spring serves a different purpose. You'll wear a sarong, make offerings of incense and flower baskets, and stand in the central purification pools while water flows over you. The temple itself is carved with intricate shrines and ringed with koi ponds; the ritual takes place in the heart of it.

After the ritual, a 10-minute walk through jungle foliage brings you to Ulu Petanu Waterfall—a cascade that most tour operators don't mention, which is why it stays quiet. Water thunders into a turquoise pool where you can actually swim without a crowd, or sit on volcanic rocks while your guide talks about what the waterfall means to the villages nearby. This is the break in the day where you cool off and breathe.

The final stop is Tegalalang Rice Terraces, the iconic emerald staircases carved into cliffs that define Bali's agricultural landscape. You'll walk along narrow ridges between the paddies, watch farmers tending the fields, and learn how the UNESCO-listed subak irrigation system has worked for centuries. Late afternoon light turns the terraces golden—the light is best for photos then, and your guide will know the angles. Bamboo swings for photos cost extra if you want them, but the views from the ridges themselves need no setup.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport with bottled water.
• English-speaking driver and guide.
• entry to Tirta Empul Temple, Ulu Petanu Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
• sarong and locker for the ritual.
• offerings and incense.
• ceremonial instructions from a Balinese priest.
• insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by My Bali Activities

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Ubud, Seminyak or elsewhere without a car—the private pickup means you don't coordinate transport between three separate sites, and the guide handles the temple protocol so you walk in knowing what to do. The ritual itself is the draw: you're not watching from the gallery, you're in the water with the priest, which is what separates this from the rice-terrace-only tours that fill the afternoon.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the melukat purification ritual at Tirta Empul?

The melukat ritual is a genuine cleansing ceremony where you bathe under 12 sacred springs in the temple's central purification pools, guided by a Balinese priest who explains the spiritual purpose of each spring. You wear a sarong, make offerings of incense and flower baskets at Hindu altars, and participate in the same ritual locals use for spiritual healing—not observation from outside.

Is Ulu Petanu Waterfall safe to swim in, and how crowded does it get?

Ulu Petanu Waterfall is a secluded spot where you can swim in the turquoise pool or rest on volcanic rocks; it stays quiet because most tours don't know it exists. The water is refreshing and the setting is private compared to Bali's famous waterfall stops.

How long do we spend at each stop, and what's the total time for the tour?

The full tour runs 7 hours. The melukat ritual at Tirta Empul takes the bulk of the morning and early afternoon, the jungle trek to Ulu Petanu is a 10-minute walk, and you'll have time to swim or rest there before heading to Tegalalang Rice Terraces for the late-afternoon light and photos.

What's included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes private AC transport with bottled water, an English-speaking driver, entry to all three sites, a sarong, offerings, and ceremonial instructions from the priest. Bamboo swings at the rice terraces are available for an extra cost if you want them for photos.

What should I bring or wear for the purification ritual?

A sarong is provided, and you'll change into it for the ritual at the temple. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes for Ulu Petanu Waterfall, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the jungle trek and the rice terrace ridges. Sunscreen and a hat are useful for the afternoon at Tegalalang.

Can I do this tour if I'm menstruating?

Travelers who are menstruating are not permitted to enter Tirta Empul Temple. If you menstruate after booking, you can request a refund or reschedule the tour for another date.