Tirta Empul Temple – Bali’s Sacred Spring Pool

Tirta Empul Temple in Bali (just a few minutes outside Ubud) is the island’s most sacred temple for the Hindus. Everyone is welcome to visit the temple as long as you are dressed properly. That means, no exposed flesh (arms and legs). A sarong at the entrance can be borrowed in exchange for a small donation. And it also helps if you shut up or talk in a low voice because many devotees are doing their bathing rituals.

This Balinese-Hindu Water Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its name, Tirta Empul, literally mean “Holy Spring Water.”

Inside, you will find (or at least what I found) 3 structured pools with holy water coming out from a spring.

Two of these pools were used for rituals where people take a bath or cleanse themselves.

The water from these two pools is coming from the other pool which is off-limits to visitors. However, you can see it behind a concrete fence. And this is where you can find the sacred spring.

Everyone is welcome to get to bathe or cleanse themselves from whatever they want to be cleansed off.

That’s why some people also call it as “purification pool.”

When you are in the pool, just like any other civilized person, you have to queue.

The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god.

Though the spring holy water is the main attraction here, I’d recommend you go around the compound, too.

There are interesting, big and small statues.

All over the temple complex, every structure shows Balinese architectural style.

You can’t go into a Hindu temple without passing a Balinese gate like this.

Next to Tirta Empul is a Presidential House perched above a hill. Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, built it.

Also, this sacred temple was visited by President Obama and his family back when America was great! 😉

Where to Stay in Ubud or in Bali

While in Ubud, I stayed at Tegar Guest House for two weeks. It’s affordable for a long stay and the owners are very accommodating. Their breakfast is good and it comes with tropical fruits. No TV or fridge, but it’s really cozy and clean. I have my own balcony facing the birds of paradise flowers. The location is perfect! It’s in a quiet area, but so close (26 steps) to the main road. Downtown is just a few steps away. The guest house is convenient for everything you’d ask for. You can book it through these websites:  HostelWorld, Booking.com, and CTrip.

If you want to join this tour, click HERE.