Tirta Empul Temple Tour with Spiritual Cleansing Ritual in Ubud

Three temple courtyards, one purification ritual, and a guide who explains what each step means

This tour takes you from Ubud Palace to Tirta Empul Temple for a guided exploration of its three courtyards and participation in the Melukat spiritual cleansing ritual, where you enter the sacred spring fountains under step-by-step guidance. A licensed English-speaking guide provides the cultural context—the history of the temple, the purpose of each purification fountain, and the significance of the ritual in Balinese Hindu tradition—so you understand what you're doing and why. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at Ubud Palace, traditional sarong and sash, offerings and flowers, admission, and a towel; the full experience lasts around three hours depending on crowds and temple activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tirta Empul Temple spiritual cleansing

• Meet guide at Ubud Palace
• Drive 30 minutes to Tirta Empul Temple
• Explore temple courtyards with guide
• Participate in Melukat purification ritual
• Drive 30 minutes back to Ubud Palace
• Guide shares Balinese culture insights

The Experience

Your guide meets you at Ubud Palace with a black Toyota Avanza and drives you through the Balinese countryside for about 30 minutes to reach Tirta Empul Temple. Once there, you walk through the outer, middle, and inner courtyards while your guide explains the history and spiritual purpose of each space. The temple sits around natural spring water that Balinese Hindus have considered sacred for centuries, and the guide walks you through what you're about to do before you enter the purification fountains.

The Melukat ritual is the heart of the tour. You wade into the sacred spring and move through a sequence of fountains, guided step by step, while the guide explains the spiritual significance of each one. In Balinese Hindu tradition, this cleansing is believed to remove negative energy, spiritual obstacles, and curses, purifying body, mind, and soul. You'll wear a traditional sarong and sash throughout, and the guide helps you with photos and videos using your phone so you have a record of the moment. Bring a towel and a change of clothes or extra underwear, since you'll be entering the water.

The return journey to Ubud Palace takes another 30 minutes. Your guide may share additional insights into Balinese culture and Hindu traditions during the drive, and you'll have time to ask questions about what you experienced. The overall tour duration is approximate—the time at Tirta Empul Temple can stretch longer depending on how many visitors are there, whether any religious ceremonies are happening, and waiting times at the fountains themselves.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at Ubud Palace in a private vehicle.
• licensed English-speaking guide throughout.
• admission to Tirta Empul Temple.
• traditional Balinese sarong and sash.
• offerings, flowers, and incense sticks.
• locker for your belongings.
• towel.
• assistance with photos and videos using your phone.
• insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ubud Daily Trips

Is this one for you?The ritual involves entering water and moving through fountains, so you'll need to be comfortable wading and getting wet. The tour moves at a pace set by the guide's explanations and the crowds at the temple rather than by walking distance, making it suitable for most fitness levels, but the time at Tirta Empul can stretch longer than two hours depending on how many visitors are there and whether religious ceremonies are underway—plan for flexibility rather than a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

55 verified traveler reviews

5 ★54

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly happens during the Melukat purification ritual?

The Melukat ritual involves wading into Tirta Empul Temple's sacred spring fountains in a guided sequence. Your guide leads you step by step through each fountain, explaining the spiritual purpose of the cleansing at each stage. In Balinese Hindu tradition, the ritual is believed to cleanse negative energy, remove spiritual obstacles or curses, and purify the body, mind, and soul.

Do I need to know anything about Balinese Hindu practices before I go?

No prior knowledge is required. Your licensed guide explains the history of Tirta Empul Temple, the purpose of each courtyard and fountain, and the significance of the ritual as you move through the temple. The guide provides cultural context so you understand what each part of the experience means.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring a towel and a change of clothes or extra underwear, since you'll be entering the water during the purification ritual. The tour provides traditional sarong and sash, offerings, flowers, and incense sticks. Your guide will help you take photos and videos with your phone.

How long does the tour actually take?

The tour is approximately three hours total, including the 30-minute drive from Ubud Palace to the temple, the time spent exploring and participating in the ritual, and the 30-minute return drive. The time at Tirta Empul Temple itself can vary depending on crowd levels, any religious ceremonies happening that day, and waiting times at the fountains.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet your guide at Ubud Palace, where you're picked up in a black Toyota Avanza and driven to Tirta Empul Temple. After the tour, your guide drives you back to the same meeting point at Ubud Palace. Arrive five minutes early at the designated spot.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age three. However, the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Women who are menstruating are respectfully not permitted to join the purification ritual itself, though they can still explore the temple and learn from the guide.