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When it comes to spiritual tourism in Bali, Melukat (a purification ritual) is one of the unique activities that travelers can experience. This sacred Balinese cleansing ceremony is open to everyone and aims to purify the soul by releasing negative energies. Through melukat, participants also strengthen their spiritual connection to the universe, an important aspect of Balinese Hinduism.
The melukat ritual is typically conducted on auspicious days, such as Kajeng Kliwon, Tilem (New Moon), or Purnama (Full Moon), based on the Balinese Hindu calendar. These ceremonies take place at spiritually significant sites like temples, natural springs, oceans, or historical places across Bali. Here are five recommended locations for experiencing the transformative melukat ritual in Bali.
1. Tirta Empul, Bali’s Sacred Water Temple
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Tirta Empul Temple is a beautiful garden and water temple located in a highland in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar. It is one of Bali’s most famous spiritual destinations, especially in the North of Ubud. With 14 holy water fountains, this temple attracts both tourists and locals who seek cleansing and peace. The surroundings are serene, with lush trees encircling the purification pools. The crystal-clear spring water allows you to fully immerse in a peaceful, rejuvenating experience.
Tirta Empul is conveniently located near several other fascinating destinations, including Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring Temple, the Fruit Garden, and the Penglipuran Heritage Village. You can easily plan to explore these attractions together!
Tirta Empul is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM WITA. Admission is IDR 50,000 (about $3.50 USD) for adults and IDR 25,000 for children, with a sarong rental included for entry. For added convenience, lockers are available so visitors can safely store their belongings while taking part in the Melukat ritual.
2. Pancoran Solas Taman Bali
Photo credit: Penglukatan Pancoran Solas, Bali, Indonesia - วิกิพีเดีย
Pancoran Solas, located on the eastern side of Taman Bali Tourist Village in Bangli, is a revered purification site. Known for its healing properties, the waters here are believed to help cleanse negative thoughts and even heal illnesses. Many locals perform the melukat ritual on Saraswati Day, although it can be done at any time.
This site consists of one main fountain used for ceremonial purposes and ten additional fountains for purification. The ten fountains represent the Dasa Aksara (Sa, Ba, Ta, A, I, Na, Ma, Si, Wa, Ya) symbolizing a cleansing of the body and mind.
3. Pura Luhur Tamba Waras: The Batukaru Forest Temple
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Pura Luhur Tamba Waras is nestled on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest mountain, and an extinct volcano. Surrounded by serene bamboo groves near Sangketan Village in Penebel, Tabanan, this sacred site is known for its rich history and healing traditions.
According to local legend, a king once recovered from an illness after praying here, bestowing the temple with its reputation as a place of miraculous healing. Named "Tamba," meaning medicine, Pura Luhur Tamba Waras holds a unique place among Bali’s temples, closely tied to traditional medicine practices.
For those seeking a tranquil escape in pristine natural beauty, far from the bustling areas of Seminyak and Kuta, this temple is a hidden gem worth visiting. It is divided into two main sections: a prayer area and a purification area featuring seven sacred fountains for the Melukat cleansing ritual. Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional attire and bring flower offerings (canang) if possible. There is also an opportunity to donate to help support the temple’s upkeep.
Address: Sangketan, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82152, Indonesia
4. Pura Mengening (Mengening Temple)
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Mengening Temple, located in the serene valley of the Pakerisan River, is surrounded by several other sacred sites, including Tirta Empul, Puncak Merta Sari, Puncak Tegal, and Gunung Kawi. Nestled at a lower altitude, this temple offers a tranquil atmosphere with cool air and lush greenery, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection.
The temple, established in the 11th century, is significant to locals not only for religious rituals but also for the river’s role in irrigating nearby rice paddies. Mengening Temple features 12 holy water springs, known as Tirtas, each serving a unique purpose. For instance, Tirta Sudamala and Tirta Telaga Waja are used for Melukat cleansing rituals, while others like Tirta Dedari, Tirta Melea, and Tirta Angkosa are believed to enhance beauty. An information board on-site provides additional details about each spring's significance.
Though smaller and less visited than the nearby Tirta Empul Temple, Mengening Temple offers a peaceful ambiance, set between hills and away from bustling tourist spots. Located in Saraseda, Tampaksiring—also home to Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi—Mengening Temple shares a spiritual character with Tirta Empul, as both temples are known for their holy springs and are popular for Melukat ceremonies.
One of the pools to perform Melukat in Mengening temple. img: andito
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To reach the temple’s purification area, visitors descend a series of steps through a peaceful landscape with signs directing them to the temple, water source, and Melukat area. Admission for international tourists is Rp30,000, which includes sarong rental. While there are no towel rentals, visitors are encouraged to bring a towel and a change of clothes. For those interested in participating in the Melukat ritual, a guide is available to explain the steps. Mengening Temple is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with weekdays recommended to avoid crowds. It tends to be busiest during the full moon, when locals gather for ceremonies. Women who are menstruating are asked to wait until another time to visit.
Mengening Temple is a tranquil retreat for those seeking a deep connection with Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual traditions.
5. Tirta Sudamala Temple
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Tirta Sudamala Temple offers a serene blend of temple grounds, sacred water springs, and scenic rice fields, with nine fountains symbolizing the Dewata Nawa Sanga, along with two additional fountains dedicated to the purification of Widyadara and Widyadari, often used after the tooth-filing ceremony (mepandes).
One of the temple’s fountains is specifically designated for pitra yadnya (ancestor ceremonies), allowing for a variety of spiritual practices to take place here. Unlike many other sites, Tirta Sudamala does not charge an entry fee, welcoming everyone to experience its peaceful environment. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, follow the melukat ritual guidelines, and keep the area clean.
Located in Sedit Village in the Bebalang district of Bangli, Tirta Sudamala is just 1 km southwest of the city. Enjoy the views of lush rice paddies and forests in your journey to the temple. Situated along the main road, the temple is easily accessible.
Each of the 5 spiritual spots mentioned offers a unique approach to Melukat, a ritual performed to purify the mind, body, and soul. Follow @wonderfulindonesia on Instagram to discover more exciting destinations, cultures, and experiences throughout the enchanting archipelago of #WonderfulIndonesia! Embrace the adventure and let Indonesia inspire your next travel story!
