The benchmarks in a table
| Item | Benchmark (October 2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Temple entrance | IDR 50,000 adult, IDR 25,000 child (Indonesia.travel); IDR 75,000 in other guides | confirm at the gate |
| Sarong and sash | lent or rented for about IDR 10,000 to 15,000 | compulsory for everyone |
| Locker | about IDR 15,000 | cash |
| Offering (canang sari) and donation | about IDR 10,000 | voluntary donation |
| Guide | about IDR 100,000 for four, no official rate (Bali Untold) | negotiate |
How the ritual goes
First you place your offering at the shrine and pray. You then enter the pool from the left and pass under the spouts one by one, from one side to the other. The pool has about thirty spouts, each tied to an intention; some guides say to skip certain spouts, which you follow from the signs and the temple's instructions. The visit takes about an hour and the temple is busiest at midday and on full-moon days. Finish with a prayer and dry off in the changing rooms.
Dress and respect
Men and women wear a sarong tied at the waist and a sash, with shoulders covered; bring dry clothes and a towel. Temples generally ask women who are menstruating not to enter: follow the signs and ask if in doubt. Do not photograph people at prayer from close up, do not enter in shoes and do not point your feet at an altar. See also dress code in temples.
Other places and tour
Tirta Empul is the best known; other, quieter pools also offer melukat. The temple is described on the Tirta Empul page. If you want a group visit with transport, compare tours that combine Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi.
FAQ
Do you have to be Hindu to do a melukat? No, as long as you respect the ritual and the instructions.
How much does it cost? The temple entrance, plus small cash costs: sarong, locker, offering.
How long does it take? About an hour.
What should I bring? Dry clothes, a towel and cash.
The Ubud Authority editorial team, October 2026. Indicative prices from guides, not official.
