Indonesia1 comment

An easy day trip from Ubud is Pura Tirta Empul, the sacred water temple.

Constructed more than 1,000 years ago, Balinese have been coming here since then to bath in the purifying waters.

I like to get an early start. Since most tourists are lazy, getting to popular attractions before 10 am often means only locals are about.

I made it to Tirta Empul before 9 am, and it wasn’t even open yet!

Most tourists rush in, take a couple selfies, and rush to the next temple. I wasn’t in a hurry, so I stuck around for a couple hours, watching the people bath, and perform ceremonies.

It seemed strange to photograph people bathing!

Even though I was there until 11 or so, there still weren’t that many people in the water. It’s probalby better to get here later.

Tirta Empul is a must-see and one of the many highlights of Bali.

I felt weird taking this picture, but I wasn't the only one doing it.
I felt weird taking this picture, but I wasn’t the only one doing it.
The temples in Bali are active holy sites used by the locals.
The temples in Bali are active holy sites used by the locals.
Locals in the inner sanctum.
Locals in the inner sanctum.
Fish in a pond.
Fish in a pond.
Balinese wear traditional clothes when going to the temple.
Balinese wear traditional clothes when going to the temple.
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Terry
I'm Terry, former cubicle-dweller, and now traveler, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur. I quit my job in 2014 to travel to US national parks, then to South East Asia. I write about independent, flexible, long-term, budget travel. Sign up to my newsletter to get the latest news on what I'm up to. I hope you join me on my trek around the world.

One thought on “Tirta Empul, The Water Temple”

  1. Pingback: Temples in Bali - A Travellers Footsteps

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