In Bali, water is more than a life source; it is the essence of purity, balance, and divine connection. Flowing through temples, rice fields, and sacred springs, water symbolizes the continuous cycle of cleansing and renewal that defines Balinese spirituality.
Water purification, or melukat, is more than just a tourist attraction it's a deeply spiritual Balinese ritual that has been practiced for centuries. The Balinese believe that water from sacred springs possesses divine energy capable of washing away negative vibrations, past traumas, and spiritual impurities that accumulate in our daily lives.
The ceremony's roots reach back into ancient Hindu philosophy, where the concept of melukat is essential for maintaining spiritual health.
Think of it this way: just as the body accumulates toxins, the spirit collects impurities and negative energy through daily life. Stress, trauma, conflict, even just the weight of existing in a complicated world—all of it clings to us like dust on skin.
Picture this. You arrive at a sacred spring or temple in the early morning, when mist still clings to the jungle canopy and the air feels thick with possibility. You've tied a traditional sarong around you, a simple act that already begins to shift your consciousness from tourist to participant.
First come the offerings. You present canang sari, those intricate little baskets woven from palm leaves and filled with flowers, incense, and rice. These aren't just pretty decorations. They're prayers made tangible, expressions of gratitude and requests for blessing from the divine forces that guard these sacred waters.
Then, guided by a pemangku (a Balinese priest who serves as a bridge between worlds) you enter the water. It's cool. Sometimes shockingly so. But that's part of it, that moment when the physical sensation snaps you fully into presence. At each fountains or spouts, you let the water cascade over your head and shoulders as the priest chants mantras that have been spoken at these very springs for hundreds of years.
Afterward comes the blessing. Holy water sprinkled on your forehead, rice grains pressed to your temple, quiet words of protection and grace.
Ubud and its surrounding villages are dotted with sacred springs and water temples, each carrying its own particular energy and story. These are the most popular spots for a water purification ceremony in Ubud.
However, it is important to note that the prices listed below are only entrance fees. To embark on a water purification experience, you may be required to pay a separate fee or arrange your own guide.
This is probably the most popular of all Balinese water temples. Built in 960 AD, Tirta Empul is believed to have been blessed by the god Indra himself, who pierced the earth to produce the waters that would heal his poisoned soldiers. Today, you'll find 30 ornate fountains flowing continuously from underground springs, each spout carved with intricate detail.
Location: Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring
Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000/adult; IDR 50,000/children aged 5-12 (incl. Sarong)
For those craving something quieter, Gunung Kawi offers purification in a more contemplative setting. This 11th-century temple complex features ancient shrines carved directly into cliff faces. The journey down to the temple itself becomes part of the spiritual practice: over 200 steps descending through lush, overgrown foliages that make it seem like a portal through time.
Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang,
Entrance Fee: IDR 50,000-75,000/adult; IDR 30,000-50,000/children aged 5-11
Hidden away from the main tourist circuits, Pura Mengening feels like a secret. This jungle temple features natural spring waters flowing through beautifully carved fountains, all surrounded by dense tropical vegetation that creates a sense of complete seclusion. It's intimate. Peaceful. The kind of place where you can hear your own thoughts.
Location: Jalan Tirta No.25M, Sareseda, Tampaksiring, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552
Entrance Fee: IDR 30,000
Located in Sebatu village, this water temple showcases some of Bali's most stunning architecture intricately carved gates and shrines set against a backdrop of lush gardens. The purification pools are fed by natural springs, and because it's less famous than Tirta Empul, you're likely to experience it with fewer people around.
Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80561
Entrance Fee: IDR 30,000
The Benefits of Melukat
A water purification in Ubud, or in any part of Bali, carries a profound meaning. It’s more than just an ancient tradition; it continues today as a way of holistically releasing negative energy and restoring inner harmony.
Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud
Many of our guests pair a water purification ritual with one of our curated spa and wellness treatments to extend their journey to rejuvenation. Here are our top picks for the best experiences to complement your melukat excursion:
No, you do not need to be spiritual or be exclusively of the Hindu faith to join in the water purification ceremony. What’s important is that you come with an open heart and good intentions.
There are no strict age restrictions for melukat, however, we always recommend parental supervision. Consider kids ages 11 and above where they are more understanding of the ritual and why they are done. Additionally, the pools in the temples are quite deep and young children may not be able to stand comfortably.
Absolutely! We recommend combining your water purification experience in Ubud with one of the many indulgent spa or curated wellness retreats available around the neighborhood.
If you’re seeking to experience the true essence of Bali, joining a water purification ritual is one of the most profound ways to connect with the island’s spiritual energy. Many have described this short yet transformative journey as leaving them lighter, clearer, and deeply inspired to live with renewed intention.
And if you’re looking to continue your holistic journey, Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud in Keliki invites you to unwind in a sanctuary where tranquility and tradition meet, transforming the beauty of heritage.
