5 Beautiful Water Temples in Bali

Beyond the famous beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bali is a haven for spiritual tourism, especially for those seeking a deeper connection with its rich Hinduism in Bali and Balinese culture. 

One of the most unique and beautiful aspects of this culture is the tradition of "water temples," or pura tirta. 

These are sacred sites built around natural springs, where the Balinese perform a purification ritual called melukat.

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If you’re looking for a profound and tranquil experience, visiting these water temples in Bali is a must.

Beautiful Water Temples in Bali

Water temples offer a window into the island's soul, showcasing stunning Balinese architecture and age-old Hindu-Balinese rituals. To help you explore these sacred places with ease and comfort, we've compiled a list of five of the most beautiful water temples you can visit.

1. Pura Tirta Empul

credit: Instagram @backsso_kimdonghyuk

Located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Pura Tirta Empul is arguably the most famous water temple in Bali. Dating back to 926 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, its name literally means "holy spring," referring to the natural spring that feeds its purification pools. This temple is a magnificent example of a sacred space built around a natural phenomenon.

The main attraction here is the two large purification pools, fed by 26 separate spring spouts. Each spout has a different purpose in the water purification ceremony. 

Visitors, both Hindu and non-Hindu, are welcome to partake in the melukat ritual, but must adhere to a strict dress code. Sarongs and sashes are required, and can be rented at the temple's entrance. 

The best time to visit is in the morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds, and for an even more spiritual experience, consider visiting during a full moon when many Balinese come to pray.

This temple is an ideal starting point for your spiritual journey. From Ngurah Rai airport, it's about a 90-minute ride. 

2. Pura Tirta Silakarang

credit: Google Maps - Pura Tirta Silakarang | Photo by wayan kardana

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Gianyar, Pura Tirta Silakarang is a hidden gem that captivates with its natural beauty and artistic details. This temple is a perfect blend of natural tranquility and intricate Balinese craftsmanship. 

Surrounded by tall, shady trees and a babbling river, it offers a profoundly peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for meditation and reflection.

What truly sets Pura Tirta Silakarang apart is its breathtaking stone carvings. The temple's walls and courtyards are adorned with detailed engravings, a hallmark of the famous Silakarang carving art. 

These carvings tell stories and reflect a deep artistic heritage passed down through generations. Like other water temples in Bali, it has a holy spring used for melukat, where visitors can find deep tranquility. 

The serene environment, combined with the calming sound of running water and the intricate carvings, makes it a truly special place to visit.

3. Pura Tirta Sudamala

credit: Instagram @maako

Located in Bebalang, Bangli, Pura Tirta Sudamala is renowned for its healing waters. The water temple in Bali is believed to have powerful properties, making it a popular destination for those seeking a cure or a spiritual cleanse. 

The temple's beautiful, natural setting, surrounded by rice fields and a community that holds fast to its cultural values, adds to its sacred atmosphere.

Pura Tirta Sudamala features nine spouts, each with a specific meaning related to the Dewata Nawa Sanga (Nine Deities), and two lower spouts for a different kind of purification. There is even a special spout for a specific Hindu-Balinese ritual, the Pitra Yadnya (ceremony for the deceased). 

This place is a testament to the strong belief in the spiritual power of water in Balinese culture. For tourists on a spiritual journey, this temple offers a unique glimpse into the local customs and beliefs surrounding healing and purification.

Read Also:

What is Melukat (Water Purification Ritual) in Bali?

7 Best Places to Do Melukat in Bali

How Much Does the Melukat Ceremony Cost?

Bali Temple Etiquette: A Guide for Visitors

What is Canang Sari, History, and Its Function

4. Pura Tirta Tawar

credit: Instagram @dkissa

In the serene village of Petulu, Ubud, you'll find Pura Tirta Tawar, a sacred temple known for its holy spring believed to purify the mind and soul. Surrounded by the vibrant green landscapes and lush rice fields of Ubud, it's an ideal destination for spiritual reflection and inner peace.

The temple is built with traditional Balinese architecture and features several shrines for prayers and ceremonies. The spring water is said to have the power to cleanse negative energy and bring harmony to one's life. 

A visit here offers a chance to experience a truly serene Balinese culture and a moment of quiet contemplation. As an added bonus, the village of Petulu is famous for its white herons that flock to the area every afternoon, creating a beautiful and sacred scene that enhances the temple's peaceful ambiance.

5. Pura Taman Beji Griya Gede Manuaba Punggul

credit: Instagram @m_wanderlust_soul

For those seeking a truly unique and breathtaking experience, Pura Taman Beji Griya Gede Manuaba Punggul is a hidden treasure located in the cliffs of Punggul village. 

Unlike most pura beji (beji temples), this sacred site boasts an incredible nine springs and two stunning waterfalls, all believed to hold profound spiritual power.

This temple is a dream destination for lovers of natural beauty and spiritual tourism in Bali. The main purification spot is the waterfalls, offering a powerful and refreshing melukat experience. 

The temple's location in a river valley, next to the Griya Beji waterfall and surrounded by terraced rice fields, creates a tranquil and picturesque setting. 

The area is also home to a naturally formed cave, known as Goa Pingit or the "Hidden Canyon," which contains two more holy springs. This is truly one of the best water temples in Bali to visit if you’re looking for a combination of stunning natural scenery and deep spiritual significance.

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To comfortably explore these magnificent water temples in Bali, you'll need a reliable ride. The distance between these sacred sites can be significant, and a comfortable scooter will make all the difference. 

That's why we highly recommend renting a Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX from Cinchy's Comfort category.

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• Quick and Easy Rental Process: With Cinchy, the rental process is straightforward. Just have your valid ID (Passport or KTP), driving license, round trip flight tickets, and hotel bookings ready.

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When you rent a scooter from Cinchy, you’ll get:

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• A phone holder on most scooters, so you can easily follow navigation apps.

• A free raincoat or poncho to keep you dry during Bali's sudden tropical downpours.

Don't let logistics stop you from experiencing the profound beauty and spirituality of Bali's water temples. 

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