Tirta Empul Temple
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Tirta Empul Temple - by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Description
Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple situated in Central Bali, 15km to the north of Ubud. It was founded around a large water spring in the 10th century (it is named after the source) which is used for ritual purification. The temple is divided in three sections: the front, central and inner yards; it contains 2 sacred purification pools and 30 waterspouts, two of which are used exclusively for cleansing the dead during the melukat ritual.
Access & Transport
The temple is located in the village of Manukaya, near the town of Tampaksiring and close to the Presidential Palace of Tampaksiring. Therre is onsite parking Ubud is 14km south of the temple and the Kuta-Seminyak stretch is 50km away (1h30)
Instructions & Recommendations
You will need to put on a sarong before you can enter the temple; if you do not have your own, some is available inside. We suggest combining this attraction with the temples of Gunung Kawi Sebatu or Gunung Kawi and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. It is unclear what the entrance fees are used for
Conclusion
There is plenty to do and see in the Ubud area and Tirta Empul is definitely worthy of being included in the list because of its original aspects. However, this cultural experience suffers from some over-commercialization as demonstrated by the maze of souvenir shops that visitors are subjected to on exit.
Key positive
A distinctive temple and purification ceremony
Gorgeous countryside
Key negative
Often crowded with both tourists and worshippers
Too commercial
Suitability
No religious determination restrictions. Wheelchair users will require some assistance to see the water fountains area and inside the temple.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h
Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00