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Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most prestigious and prominent temples in Bali. This Hindu bathing temple is also a very popular attraction for tourists and travelers. BUT there are a few super important things you need to know before you go in 2026.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan a trip to Tirta Empul Temple. We will share prices, how to get there, what to expect, top tips and more.
At the end of this article you also shared some awesome places to stay in the area. If you’re planning to book a hotel in the area please use our links. We use affiliate links which enables us to earn a small commission if you book with our links and there is no extra cost to you.
Don’t miss this AMAZING guide on the best things to do in Bali. You may also be interested in our FULL GUIDE on the best Bali temples
How much does it cost to visit Tirta Empul Temple?
50,000IDR (£3 or $3.50) for adults and 25,000IDR (£1.50 or $1.75) for children 5 – 11 years old. Children under 5 years old are FREE of charge. You can purchase entrance tickets from the ticket office at the main entrance. Rental of green bathing sarong (only if you plan to bathe) 10,000IDR and locker rental costs 15,000IDR. You can borrow a free (non-bathing) Sarong for exploring the temple – these are available at the entrance to the courtyard.
Tirta Empul Opening Hours: Tirta Empul is open daily from 8am – 6pm
TOP TIP: We recommend allowing around 1 hour to see Tirta Empul temple (depending whether you want to bathe).
What is there to see at Tirta Empul Temple?
Tirta Empul is a beautiful large temple complex located in the tranquil countryside of central Bali. The closest town is Ubud. Tirta Empul has an array of statues, temple buildings, shrines, pools and more. Although this is a popular temple and it can be crowded at times – there is a calm and peaceful atmosphere that is not compromised by the crowds. Tirta Empul is not far from the famous Tellalang Rice terrace (one of the most popular rice terrace locations in Bali). Here are some of the things that you can see at Tirta Empul temple:
1 Tirta Empul Gardens
Tirta Empul temple has some beautiful gardens (also known as the Jaba Pura or front yard). These gardens are just after the ticket office at the main entrance. The lush gardens are around 100m in length and around 70m in width. You can see statues, monuments, fruit trees and colorful tropical flowers in the garden area.
2 Gate at Tirta Empul
There are several traditional Balinese gateways around the temple complex. In true Balinese style these gateways are remarkably artistic with intricate carvings and high levels of symmetry and detail. Watch out for the carved figure above the temple gate which is called Bhoma. These striking sculptures were intended to protect the temple from unwanted spirits.
3 Tirta Empul Courtyard
When you enter through the temple gates you will find a large courtyard with temple buildings, benches, statues and shrines. Many locals light incense, make offerings and pray in this area. There are also some changing rooms and lockers located in this area of Tirta Empul.
4 Canang Sari offerings
Around Tirta Empul you can also see small woven baskets made from bamboo or banana leaf. They contain offerings such as flowers, petals, fruits, incense sticks, spices and small food offerings. These small offering baskets can be seen all around Bali including people’s homes, steps, lawns, gates and even on footpaths. Many people place offerings in the courtyard at Tirta Empul.
5 Fish pond at Tirta Empul
If you’re visiting Tirta Empul with kids don’t miss the fish pond. This is located right next to the main temple complex. The fishpond is packed with hungry carp. There are small stalls selling fish food.
6 Ceremonial bathing pools at Tirta Empul
The main attraction at Tirta Empul temple is the ceremonial bathing pools (the petirtaan). There are two adjacent bathing pools, each pool is approximately 20m in length and 6m in width. These pools are filled with clear spring water which is approximately 1m deep (waist deep for most people). The bathing pools are for ritual purification; However they are open to anyone who wants to bathe. At the back of the bathing pools you can see a row of 15 spring water spouts for people to wash and bathe. People generally line up and move along the fountains taking it in turns to wash in the water.
7 Statues at Tirta Empul
Around the Tirta Empul complex you can see a wide array of statues and carvings. Many of the statues depict mythological creatures, Hindu angels or gods and animals or faces. The statues and carvings are very detailed and provide an aesthetic richness to this temple.
8 Market stalls at the exit of Tirta Empul
There is a one way system in and out of Tirta Empul. When you are ready to exit you will be directed towards the market stalls. To leave the temple you need to walk along a winding alleyway of market stalls selling toys, musical instruments, ornaments, statues, clothes and other gifts.
What is the history of Tirta Empul Temple?
Tirta Empul (also called Pura Tirta Empul) is an ancient temple in Bali over 1,000 years old. This ancient temple is a Hindu temple. Its name, Tirta Empul translates to “Holy Spring Temple”. This temple dates back to 962AD when it was founded at a natural spring, which is the source of the Pakerisan river. Locals believed the spring water was holy and used it for ceremonial bathing. This temple was dedicated to Vishnu, who is one of the principal gods of Hinduism. In recent years Tirta Empul has become a very popular temple for locals and travelers.
How do you get to Tirta Empul Temple?
Don’t miss our full guide on the best ways to get around in Bali
Tirta Empul temple is located 16.5km north of Ubud (by road). This is too far to walk from Ubud, so you will need to arrange transportation if you’re staying in Ubud. Furthermore, there are no local buses or public transport that go to Tirta Empul. Here are four ways to get to Tirta Empul:
1 Rent a motorbike
A cheap, fun and convenient way to get to Tirta Empul is to rent a motorbike. It is very easy to rent a small motorbike in Bali. You can find small rental shops in most towns around Bali. Watch out for bike rental at guest houses, travel agents and shops on the side streets. Bike rental in Bali normally costs around 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (roughly £5 – £10 per day). Always barter. You can normally negotiate cheaper deals if you are taking a longer rental period. Remember to ride carefully and use a helmet. Don’t miss these amazing adventures around Bali by Bike.
2 Take a taxi
Another way to get to Tirta Empul is to take a taxi. The easiest and most convenient way to get a taxi in Bali is to use the Grab taxi app. All you need to do is get a SIM card with mobile data and download the app. Once you have registered your account you can use the app to flag taxis. The taxi price is set by the app allowing a really simple and easy way to get a fair price for your journey. For a taxi from Ubud to Tirta Empul expect to pay around 100,000IDR – 150,000IDR each way (roughly £5 – £7.50). You could try to negotiate a return price for the journey with your driver, remember to swap numbers and agree on a wait time.
3 Rent a car
Another way to get around in Bali is to rent a car. Car rental in Bali is relatively cheap and easily available. You can find local car rental deals starting at around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR per day for car rental in Bali (roughly £10 – £20 or $12 – $24). The best way to get a good deal is contact a local car rental dealer directly and negotiate for the best price.
4 Take a tour
A fun way to visit Tirta Empul is to book a tour that includes it on the itinerary. Day tours around Bali including several attractions normally cost around £30 – £40 (or roughly $35 – $50). This Tirta Empul tour on Klook includes the rice terraces, monkey forest, coffee plantations, Tegenungan waterfall and Tirta Empul. The advantage of tours is the opportunity to meet new people, learn about culture from locals and you don’t need to think about where to go or how to get there – it’s all sorted by your guide.
Can you park at Tirta Empul Temple?
There is a large car park located at Tirta Empul (just next to the ticket office). There is a small fee for using this carpark – you need to pay when you exit. The carpark has plenty of space for cars and bikes. Taxis can also drop you off here too.
TOP TIPS for visiting Tirta Empul Temple
Here are a few TOP TIPS to help you make the most of your visit to Tirta Empul temple:
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds – the morning is a beautiful, cool and tranquil time of day to visit
- Agree on a return price if you’re taking a taxi – this could save you money compared to booking two separate journeys
- See the rice terraces on the same day – the rice terraces are very beautiful and nearby. You could start with the rice terraces at sunrise (around 6am) and then head to Tirta Empul when it opens at 8am.
- Bring swimming stuff and a towel if you plan to bathe. You need to rent a bathing Sarong at the temple – but we recommend swimming clothes to wear underneath.
What rules do you need to stick to at Tirta Empul?
Visitors to Tirta Empul are required to wear a Sarong inside the temple grounds. You can borrow a free sarong for exploring the temple (you need to rent a bathing Sarong for 10,000IDR if you wish to bathe). Visitors are also required to dress modestly and keep shoulders covered (apart from bathing).
In general visitors are very welcome to explore the temple, take photos and observe religious ceremonies. However, we do recommend that you are respectful and give people space at Tirta Empul.
Are there changing rooms at Tirta Empul?
Yes, there are changing rooms and lockers at Tirta Empul located in the courtyard near the entrance to the Petirtaan (bathing pool area). From here you can rent bathing Sarongs for 10,000IDR (required for bathing) and rent lockers for 15,000IDR.
Is Tirta Empul family friendly?
Tirta Empul is a family friendly attraction in Bali. Children are welcome at this temple. It is important to teach children to respect local customs and culture. Children are likely to enjoy the gardens, the fishpond and the artwork. Younger children will need close supervision at this temple. Learning about local religion and artwork is a great way to incorporate some worldschooling into your travels.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Bali with kids
What is there to do near Tirta Empul Temple?
Check out our in depth 10 day Bali itinerary
There are plenty of things to do near Tirta Empul. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Tirta Empul is close to the beautiful Tegalalang Rice terrace (one of the most famous rice terrace locations in Bali) – arrive early for the most beautiful and tranquil experience
- Visit a coffee plantation (Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation is close to Tirta Empul)
- Visit other beautiful temples nearby: For example – Goa Gajah cave temple and Saraswati temple in Ubud
- There are some great waterfalls nearby: Tibumana waterfall, Badung waterfall, Tegenungan waterfall are all worth a visit
- Check out the beautiful Penglipuran Village a few kilometers from Tirta Empul
- Don’t miss Monkey Forest in Ubud
ALSO – don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Ubud
What are the best places to stay near Tirta Empul?
If you are planning to visit Tirta Empul in Bali we recommend staying in or around Ubud. There is plenty to do in the area – and Ubud town itself is very beautiful. Ubud is packed with culture, heritage and great food.
Here are some of our TOP PICK hotels in Ubud and the surrounding area. We have picked a range of hotels for every budget level:
1 Poshtel Ubud
£5 – £10 dorm
If you’re traveling on a tight budget check out Poshtel. It may not be super posh but it is comfortable, stylish and provides a great budget option. This trendy little hostel offers an 8 bed mixed dorm. It is also excellently located in the center of Ubud. Perfect for anyone who wants to save on accommodation.
2 Yoga’s House
£10 – £15 double room
Amazing value for money and a great location. This small guest house offers a spacious light double room with a balcony. There are small gardens and lots of character. This guest house is excellently located not too far from Monkey forest. This hotel is a great option for a solo backpacker or couple on a budget.
3 Putu’s Paradise Guest House
£15 – £20
Lovely home style accommodation with lush gardens. Right next to the monkey forest. This guest house is great value for money. Double and twin rooms available – private bathrooms, outdoor seating and a lovely green garden.
4 Liyer Spirit House Ubud
£20 – £50
Packed with character and Balinese artwork this hotel is most famous for its appearance in Eat Love Pray. There are beautiful gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor seating areas and comfortable double and twin rooms available with ensuite bathrooms and bathtubs. They can also add an additional mattress to rooms to accommodate families.
5 Ubud Lestari Bungalows
£20 – £50
Clean, artistic, beautiful and great value for money. Stunning rice terrace hotel with an outdoor pool and spacious suites including bathtubs. Double and twin rooms available. Excellent location on Jalan Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud.
6 Blu Mango
£30 – £40
Blu Mango is a lovely clean and comfortable guest house located in a tranquil neighborhood in the centre of Ubud. This guest house offers great facilities for the price. It is also a great option for families with a deluxe Family Room that can sleep up to 4 people! This is pretty rare in Ubud for these prices!
7 Dua Dari by Hadiprana
£150 – £250
Wild, natural, tranquil and flippin beautiful! The Dua Dari offers spacious, luxurious and beautiful accommodation in the Balinese countryside just on the outskirts of Ubud. This lovely hotel has an outdoor swimming pool. Immersed in the beautiful tropical forest this is a great place to slow down, relax and see some wildlife.
8 Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites
£200 – £400
This remarkable hotel offers luxurious 5 star accommodation right in the heart of Bali. You get a lot for your money here. We are super impressed with the stylish spacious villa with a private pool. This is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic splash out.
9 Goya Boutique Resort
£200 – £1,000
This marvelous 5 star resort has a wide range of rooms and suites for every occasion. This stylish property has a decadent Asian interior design with comfortable furniture and plenty of space to relax. They offer villas with private pools and open air bathtubs. There is also a stunning rooftop infinity pool with mountain views. This really is a remarkable property.
10 Viceroy Bali
£300 – £2,000
This magnificent hotel is one of the most impressive 5 star hotels in Bali. This resort is colorful, vibrant, natural and packed with style and character. Viceroy is super photogenic. There is a beautiful rooftop infinity pool with views of the lush green hills. We are particularly impressed by the valley view pool villas – equipped with private swimming pools overlooking the spectacular valley.
