Tirta Empul: the Balinese purification temple, tickets, dress code and how the ritual works
Tirta Empul is a Balinese Hindu temple built around sacred springs at Tampaksiring, north-east of Ubud. Worshippers purify themselves in a pool with water spouts (the melukat ritual), and visitors can watch or take part. Plan on about 50,000 to 75,000 rupiah per adult depending on the source, open daily around 8:00 to 18:00, and one to two hours on site. The prices and hours found in October 2026 come from travel guides, none from an official site: confirm at the ticket desk.
Highlights
The pool of water spouts
A row of stone fountains feeds the pool where people step in to be purified. Each spout has its own ritual role: follow the queue and the guide's or the signs' instructions, and do not skip a fountain.
The melukat ritual
You bathe in a bathing sarong, passing under each spout with your head under the water and a short prayer. It is a religious rite: take part respectfully and do not photograph worshippers up close.
The courtyards and shrines
Behind the pool, the visit continues through the temple courtyards, whose holiest parts are reserved for worshippers. For a fuller day in the area, see the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Tegenungan waterfall.
Practical info
Tips
- The entrance fee is given as 50,000 rupiah per adult and 25,000 per child aged 5 to 11 by some guides, 75,000 and 50,000 by others: bring 75,000 in cash. A sarong and sash are provided or lent at the entrance, with shoulders and knees covered. To bathe (melukat) you need a bathing sarong and a locker, rented separately: about 10,000 and 15,000 rupiah according to one guide; bring dry clothes and a waterproof bag, and leave valuables at the hotel. Women on their period must not enter the sacred area, as in all Balinese temples. You can also simply watch: that costs nothing beyond the ticket. For a guided visit, see Ubud in one day: which tour to choose. Unofficial prices, to confirm on site.
How to get there
Tirta Empul is at Tampaksiring, about 40 minutes to 1 hour from Ubud by car depending on traffic (estimate). The simplest way is a private driver, often combined with the Tegallalang rice terraces, or a tour with hotel pickup.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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