A Sweet Escape to The Holy Water of Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul, Bali, is one of the largest and busiest water temples in Indonesia. The temple was founded in 926 A.D. and is dedicated to Vishnu, who is the Hindu god of water. The name of the temple actually means ‘holy water spring’ in Balinese. This water temple located in the village of Manukaya, about 30-minute drive to the north of Ubud and the water on the pool comes from a natural spring. The spring feeds various purification baths, pools and fish ponds surrounding the outer perimeter, which all flow to the Tukad Pakerisan River.

Tirta Empul is clearly signposted from the town of Tampaksiring. The site serves as a legendary setting of a traditional tale about good versus evil. It is also a national cultural heritage site. Overlooking the temple complex is a presidential palace that was built for Soekarno, the first President of Indonesia, in 1954. The government palace is now used as a place to host visiting dignitaries and important guests.

The entrance to Tirta Empul is set away from the main road. There’s a large car park in the front of the temple, which is always full of tour buses and cars. Far at the front of the temple complex is a large parking area with its eastern side lined with art markets and rows of shops selling various curios and souvenirs. There are also several warungs or food stalls selling local food, snacks and refreshments. The opening hours for the temple are between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The entrance fee is Rp 15,000 for an adult and Rp 7,500 for a child.

As with any Bali temple tour or a visit to a holy place, it is always important to dress respectfully. The simple Balinese temple visitor dress code is a traditional ‘kamen’ wrap around the lower body plus a sash around the waist. Women during their periods are prohibited entry to any temple or sacred site, and may enjoy the sights and attractions in the outer perimeters only. Don't worry, you can rent a sarong for a small donation at the entrance to the temple.

The Tirta Empul Temple complex has three key divisions, namely a front, secondary and inner courtyard. It takes at least 30 minutes to an hour to explore the entire site. Visitors to Tirta Empul first come upon the lush gardens and pathways adorned with statues and tropical plants that lead to its entrance.

After stepping through this typical 'candi bentar' (temple gate), a vast walled courtyard welcomes visitors to the bathing pools where a large 'wantilan' meeting hall stands at the right. Inside the central courtyard, referred to as ‘madya mandala’ or ‘jaba tengah’, pilgrims first approach a rectangular purification bath where a total of 13 elaborately sculpted spouts that line the edge from west to east. After solemn prayers at an altar-like shrine, they proceed to enter the crystal-clear, cold mountain water. People lining up to bathe themselves under the water spouts at Tirta Empul water temple. With hands pressed together, they bow under the gushing water of the first spout, carrying on to the eleventh. The water from the last two of the 13 spouts is meant for purification purposes in funerary rites.

Behind the purification pools is the final section of Tirta Empul holy water temple, the Jeroan, or ‘inner courtyard’ is overlooked by most of the tourists who visit Tirta Empul. The inner courtyard is where people come to pray. The front part of the courtyard is dominated by the large water spring that feeds the purification pools. The spring is filled with green algae and small fish swim between the reeds. Behind the spring are large Hindu shrines.

This part of the temple is nice to quickly explore. The shrines are brightly decorated, which contrasts with the starched white clothing of the Balinese who come here to pray. It’s a nice place to take photos or just sit down and relax for a few minutes.

As you exit Tirta Empul water temple you pass through the final section, the large koi pool. Fat koi swim lazily in the pond waiting for their next meal from the tourists. This section of the temple is walled off on all four sides from the rest of the complex, which gives it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoying a day with a sweet escape to The Holy Water of Tirta Empul accompanied by Bali Male Escort Service is truly an unforgettable experience in life !

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