When you set foot in Bali, it doesn’t take long before the island starts whispering its ancient stories. You feel it in the air scented with incense, you hear it in the distant gamelan, and you see it in the quiet devotion of its people. Bali is more than a paradise of beaches and sunsets — it is a living spiritual landscape. Among its thousands of temples, two stand out not just for their beauty, but for their soul-stirring energy: Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul.
This is not just a travel story — it’s a journey through faith, nature, and human connection. Let’s dive in.
The Call of Tanah Lot: Where the Sea Meets the Spirit
Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea.” It’s exactly that — a temple perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves. During high tide, the ocean completely separates it from the mainland, creating the illusion of a floating temple. When the tide is low, a natural causeway appears, allowing visitors to walk across the wet sand and coral stones to get closer.
But this temple isn’t just a postcard-perfect scene. It’s a sacred place that tells a story of faith that has endured for centuries.
A Glimpse into History
The origins of Tanah Lot date back to the 16th century, during the time of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu priest who played a major role in spreading Hinduism across Bali. According to legend, Nirartha traveled along the southern coast and was drawn to a small rocky island that seemed to glow with spiritual energy. He meditated there, and villagers from the nearby area of Beraban came to see him.
Nirartha told them that the site was a holy place to worship the sea gods, protectors of the island from evil spirits coming from the ocean. He built a shrine there and blessed it. The locals, inspired by his teaching, continued to maintain and worship the temple long after he left.
Even now, you can feel that sense of timeless devotion. Every evening, as the sun begins to set, locals and visitors gather to witness not only the beauty of nature but also the spiritual essence that lingers around this place.
The Sunset Spectacle
There’s a reason photographers love Tanah Lot. As the golden sun dips into the horizon, the temple silhouette turns jet-black against a sky painted in fiery orange, pink, and purple hues. The crashing waves sparkle with light, and the chanting of temple priests blends with the soft rhythm of the sea.
Standing there, camera forgotten in hand, you feel small — yet deeply connected to something vast and eternal.
Even the most seasoned traveler can’t help but fall silent at that moment. Tanah Lot is not about sightseeing. It’s about feeling.
The Guardians of Tanah Lot
Underneath the rocky base of the temple lies a cave where, legend says, sacred sea snakes dwell. Locals believe they are the guardians of the temple, protecting it from dark forces and unwanted intruders. If you’re lucky, you might see one being cared for by the temple priests. They’re considered holy creatures, and many Balinese people come to offer flowers and prayers before approaching them.
These rituals may seem mystical, but they are part of Bali’s everyday life. For the Balinese, spirituality is not separated from daily existence — it is daily existence.
Journey to the Heart of Bali: The Sacred Waters of Tirta Empul
After the sea breeze of Tanah Lot, the road turns inland — toward the heart of Bali. As you drive through Ubud’s emerald rice terraces and thick tropical forests, you reach a village called Tampaksiring. Here lies another sacred site: Tirta Empul Temple, a place where water itself is believed to purify the soul.
The name “Tirta Empul” means “holy spring.” And that’s exactly what makes this temple special — a natural spring that continuously flows with crystal-clear water, feeding the temple’s baths, pools, and fountains.
For centuries, Balinese Hindus have come here to perform melukat, a ritual of spiritual cleansing and purification. Visitors from all over the world come not just to watch — but to participate.
The Legend of the Holy Spring
Every sacred place in Bali comes with a story, and Tirta Empul’s legend is one of power and renewal. According to ancient mythology, the spring was created by the god Indra.
The story goes that Indra was fighting against a powerful but evil king named Mayadenawa, who denied the people their right to worship the gods. Mayadenawa created a poisoned spring that killed Indra’s soldiers. In response, Indra pierced the ground with his spear, creating a new spring of pure water to revive them — Tirta Empul.
That sacred water still flows today, bubbling up from the earth, cool and clear, carrying the blessing of life and purity.
Walking Through the Temple Complex
As you enter Tirta Empul, the scent of flowers and incense greets you. The temple complex is divided into three main areas: Jaba Pura (the front courtyard), Jaba Tengah (the main courtyard with the purification pools), and Jeroan (the inner sanctum where prayers and offerings take place).
The most captivating part, of course, is the melukat pools. There are 30 fountains, each believed to have its own specific purpose — from cleansing negative thoughts to healing emotional wounds or bringing luck and prosperity. The sound of splashing water mixes with soft prayers, and the air feels alive with devotion.
The Purification Ritual: Step by Step
Participating in the purification ritual at Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most moving experiences. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
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Preparation:Visitors wear a sarong and a selendang (waist sash) — traditional Balinese attire for temple ceremonies. Before entering the pools, you must make an offering at a small shrine to ask for permission and blessings.
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Entering the Water:The pools are cold but soothing. You begin at the first fountain on the left and move slowly from one to the next, bowing your head under each stream. As you do, you let go of worries, regrets, and any negative energy you’ve carried with you.
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Mindful Reflection:Locals often pray quietly with eyes closed, palms pressed together. It’s not about religion alone — it’s about reconnecting with yourself. Even non-Hindus are welcome to participate, as long as they do so respectfully.
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Finishing the Ritual:After visiting each fountain, you leave the pool, change into dry clothes, and end with a moment of silence in front of the main shrine. It’s amazing how refreshed you feel — not just physically, but emotionally.
The Energy of the Place
Unlike Tanah Lot’s dramatic coastal setting, Tirta Empul feels intimate and serene. The temple is surrounded by tropical jungle, and the constant sound of flowing water creates a calming rhythm.
There’s something humbling about being in a place where people come not to take pictures, but to let go. The water glistens under the sunlight, and the faces around you — locals and travelers alike — share a common expression: peace.
It’s easy to understand why this temple has been active for over a thousand years. Here, spirituality feels tangible.
Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul: Two Souls of Bali
Though both temples are sacred, they represent two very different energies. Tanah Lot faces the vast ocean — powerful, unpredictable, and endless. It symbolizes strength, protection, and connection with nature’s force.
Tirta Empul, on the other hand, is gentle and nurturing, centered around purification and inner healing. One is about protection from the outside world; the other is about cleansing from within.
Together, they mirror the balance that lies at the heart of Balinese philosophy — the harmony between Sekala (the seen world) and Niskala (the unseen world).
Cultural Etiquette: Visiting with Respect
When visiting any Balinese temple, it’s important to remember that these are not tourist attractions alone — they are living places of worship. Here are a few respectful practices to keep in mind:
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Dress modestly: Always wear a sarong and sash. These can be rented or borrowed at the entrance.
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Don’t enter inner shrines unless you are invited or accompanied by a local guide.
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Avoid climbing or posing on altars or shrines.
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Women during menstruation are traditionally not allowed to enter sacred areas.
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Offer with your heart. If you wish to make a small donation or offering, do so sincerely — it supports the temple and local community.
These small gestures show respect for a culture that welcomes visitors with open hearts.
Getting There: Practical Tips
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Tanah Lot: Located about 20 km from Canggu or 30 km from Kuta. The best time to visit is before sunset, around 5 PM. Try to arrive early to explore the area before the crowd gathers.
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Tirta Empul: Found near Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes from Ubud. Visit early in the morning for a quieter, more spiritual atmosphere.
If you’re planning to visit both on the same day, it’s best to start at Tirta Empul (morning ritual) and end your day at Tanah Lot for sunset — a perfect balance of water and fire, peace and power.
Moments Beyond the Lens
Yes, you’ll want to take photos. Everyone does. But sometimes, the most meaningful memories come when you put the camera down.
In those moments, Bali stops being a destination — it becomes a feeling.
Reflections on Faith and Travel
Traveling through Bali’s temples teaches you something deeper than history or architecture. It shows you how spirituality can coexist with daily life. Farmers still tend rice fields near ancient shrines. Young people still carry offerings every morning before heading to work.
For the Balinese, faith isn’t about isolation from the world — it’s about living in harmony with it. That’s why visiting places like Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul isn’t just sightseeing. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with something sacred within yourself.
The Eternal Spirit of Bali
As the sun sets on Tanah Lot and the waters flow endlessly at Tirta Empul, you begin to see Bali for what it truly is — not just an island of gods, but an island of balance.
Every offering, every prayer, every temple tells the same story: that life is a dance between the seen and unseen, between earth and spirit, between what we hold and what we let go.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s what draws travelers here — not just to witness beauty, but to remember what peace feels like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Bali, don’t just visit these temples — experience them. Walk barefoot on Tanah Lot’s rocky path, feel the spray of ocean mist on your face, then journey inward through the sacred waters of Tirta Empul.
By the time you leave, you’ll carry more than photographs. You’ll carry a piece of Bali’s soul.