Pura Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a famous temple and religious spring in Bali where people go to do Hindu purification/bathing rituals.

Aside from having some great Instagram photo spots, it’s also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some unique cultural sights and history dating back to 960 AD.

Tirta Empul is just one of the many interesting attractions in the Ubud/Tegalalang area. This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!

Where To Stay

The Kayon Resort

Adiwana Unagi Suites

Pondok Serayu

Umah Dajane Guesthouse

Tirta Empul Temple is an ancient temple complex built on top of a crystal clear natural spring.

A few areas are closed off to tourists, but for the most part you can wander everything freely and there’s a lot of neat details to look at.

The traditional Balinese doorways and statues make for great photo spots, along with a koi pond and huge banyan tree.

I would plan to spend up to 1 hour looking around the place, or longer if you want to bathe in the pool.

The Holy Spring

The main tourist attraction at Tirta Empul is the holy spring water where people (locals and foreigners alike) do purification bathing rituals according to Hindu customs.

There are two big pools with fountains of fresh water, and Balinese Hindus consider the springs to be holy, while a lot of spiritual tourists from around the world come here to bathe in them too.

You have to rent a special sarong for a small fee if you want to get in on the bathing ritual.

What To Wear To Temples In Bali

You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter most temples in Bali, including this one.

A sarong is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist, that can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than one US Dollar).

In this case, the sarong is included for free in the ticket price for the temple.

When To Visit

Tirta Empul is one of the busiest temples in Bali. It gets hectic with tourists by noon.

The best time to visit is early in the morning before the bus tours and crowds arrive.

Hours & Fees

Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee (Adults): 50k IDR (~$3)
Entrance Fee (Kids 5-11): 25k IDR

This is the current Tirta Empul ticket price and hours as of 2021, but it’s a very popular temple so they seem to raise the entrance fee every year or two.

The entrance fee includes a sarong to wear at the temple. Ignore the shops near the cave trying to sell you their own sarongs!

How To Get There

Tirta Empul is located near the Tegalalang area of central Bali, in Indonesia.

From the Ubud town center, it’s just a 30 minute drive north.

The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

Two other great places to visit nearby are the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Gunung Kawi archaeological site.

Art Market

When you exit the temple, you’ll have to walk through a maze of shops selling souvenirs and handmade items. It’s a bit annoying unless you’re planning to buy something.

The sellers at this market are some of the rudest and pushiest I’ve ever seen in Bali, but I will say the quality of some of the items (carvings, paintings, etc) is really amazing.

We’ve picked up some fantastic pieces here!

More Bali Temples

Looking for more information on the best temples in Bali, Indonesia?

Check out my Bali Temple Guide for a complete list with photos, maps, and more!

Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental

If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.

Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That’s the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It’s a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.

If you’d rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental