A Journey That Begins Within
As 2026 unfolds, Bali continues to call not only to travelers seeking beauty, but to souls searching for balance, healing, and renewal. Among the island’s most profound spiritual practices is Melukat—a sacred water purification ritual deeply woven into Balinese Hindu philosophy.

Melukat is not a trend, nor a tourist performance. It is an ancient rite of passage, practiced for centuries to cleanse sekala and niskala—the seen and unseen aspects of life. Through holy water (a container of mysterious forces), prayers, and intention, one releases emotional burdens, stagnant energy, and spiritual impurities, allowing space for clarity, mental peace, and new beginnings. For those starting 2026 with intention, Melukat is a powerful first step.

The Sacred Language of Water in Balinese Belief
In Balinese cosmology, water (tirta) is a divine element—believed to carry life force, and healing energy. Some of springs, rivers, and waterfalls are not merely natural features but living temples, guarded by deities and ancestral spirits.

Each sacred site has its own character, energy, and purpose. Some are sought for emotional healing, others for protection, clarity, or spiritual awakening. Visiting these places is both a pilgrimage and a personal dialogue with the island itself.

Pilgrimage to Bali’s Most Revered Melukat Sites
In the past, spiritualists and seekers of divine energy—from India, Java, and other parts of the archipelago—journeyed to Bali in search of sacred power points scattered across the island. They traveled intuitively, sensing the land’s energy. When a place revealed itself, they would remain there to meditate, perform rituals, and eventually establish spiritual centers and communities. These sacred sites became living legacies, passed down and preserved by local people through generations.

Today, Bali continues to draw spiritual seekers from around the world—ranging from global celebrities to visitors from diverse cultures and faiths, including those who wear hijabs. Many come to experience Melukat, a sacred water-cleansing ritual believed to remove negative energy, release mental and emotional fatigue, and restore inner balance—allowing participants to feel renewed, grounded, and reborn.

In this guide, I share some of the best places to experience the Melukat ritual during your visit to Bali—sacred sites where ancient wisdom, natural beauty, and spiritual energy come together in harmony. Many of these locations are well organized and thoughtfully managed, making them accessible and comfortable for visitors while still respecting the sacred nature of the ritual.

The Melukat experience is often described today as part of a healing journey, offering spiritual cleansing and inner renewal. Please note that entrance fees may apply at certain sites. Visitors are required to wear a sarong and sash—usually available for rent or provided on-site—and to bring traditional Balinese offerings as part of the ritual. The presence of a local companion is highly recommended, as it helps ensure the ritual is performed with proper understanding and deeper meaning.

Pura Tirta Empul – Tampaksiring
Perhaps the most iconic Melukat temple in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul is famed for its ancient stone spouts and holy spring, believed to have been created by the god Indra. Each fountain carries a specific purpose—cleansing the body, clearing negative thoughts, and releasing misfortune. Despite its popularity, moments of deep stillness can still be found by those who enter with humility, patience, and sincere focus, allowing the sacred water to guide the inner journey.

As one of Bali’s most visited spiritual sites, Pura Tirta Empul welcomes both devotees and travelers from around the world. Visitors are required to wear a sarong and sash, which are provided at the entrance. A modest entrance donation is collected to support temple maintenance and preservation, while offerings for the ritual can be purchased nearby. To fully honor the experience, early morning visits are recommended, when crowds are lighter and the spiritual atmosphere remains more contemplative.

Griya Beji Park Waterfall Temple – A Sanctuary of Inner Renewal
Hidden within nature’s tranquil embrace, Griya Beji Park Waterfall Temple is a sacred sanctuary where water, earth, and spirit flow in gentle harmony. This is a place not merely visited, but deeply felt—where purification begins from within and unfolds softly through the senses. The holy water that cascades through the temple is believed to cleanse not only the physical body, but also the subtle emotional and mental layers, restoring balance, clarity, and inner calm. The intimate atmosphere, accompanied by the natural rhythm of the waterfall, invites visitors to slow down, release inner weight, and reconnect with their true essence.

Beyond water purification, Griya Beji offers guided spiritual experiences that deepen self-awareness and insight. Through Palm Reading, guests may explore personal patterns and life directions; Chakra Cleansing works to realign energetic centers and encourage inner harmony; while Past Life Sessions invite reflection on karmic imprints that may influence the present journey. Together, these experiences form a holistic pathway of reflection and renewal, making Griya Beji Park Waterfall Temple a meaningful beginning for those seeking healing, understanding, and spiritual realignment. Each activity is subject to an additional charge.

Pura Tirta Menghening – Tampaksiring
Just a short distance from Tirta Empul, Tirta Menghening Temple reveals itself shortly after turning off the main road of Tampaksiring. Often regarded as a quieter and more contemplative counterpart to its famous neighbor, the temple is embraced by lush greenery and a serene natural setting. The atmosphere here is noticeably calmer, making it ideal for those seeking inward reflection. The holy water flows gently yet continuously, symbolizing emotional balance, mental clarity, and a steady return to inner peace.

One of the temple’s most striking features is the presence of towering, moss-covered trees that seem to guard the sacred grounds. Their thick roots and ancient trunks create a natural canopy, softening the light and enhancing the sense of timelessness. Beneath these trees, the air feels cooler and heavier with stillness, inviting visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect more intimately with the quiet spiritual energy of the place.

Pancoran Solas – Sangeh
Known for its multiple water spouts, Pancoran Solas represents layered purification. Each spout symbolizes different aspects of life—physical health, emotional cleansing, spiritual protection. The experience is methodical, rhythmic, and deeply meditative. Usher Raymond IV visited this spot during his Bali vacation in 2024 with his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, to embrace this divine ritual passed down through generations.

Melukat Through the Guidance of Balinese Spiritualists
In many cases, Melukat is best experienced under the guidance of a pemangku (temple priest) or balian (traditional healer). These spiritualists do more than conduct rituals—they read energy, offer prayers tailored to the individual, and ensure the ceremony aligns with Balinese spiritual ethics.

The process often begins with quiet grounding—sitting, breathing, listening. Offerings are prepared, mantras are chanted, and holy water is blessed. The ritual becomes personal, intentional, and transformative. For many, this guidance provides not only spiritual cleansing but emotional release and renewed direction.

Respect, Intention, and Cultural Awareness
Melukat is open to all, but it requires respect. Wearing appropriate attire, following temple rules, and approaching the ritual with sincere intention are essential. This is not about spectacle or photography—it is about presence and humility. Women who are menstruating are traditionally advised not to participate in the ritual, as this period is considered a state of ritual or spiritual impurity in Balinese Hindu belief. When done correctly, Melukat leaves a subtle but lasting impression: a sense of calm, lightness, and reconnection—to self, nature, and something greater.

A Sacred Invitation for 2026
As you step into 2026, consider beginning the year not with resolutions, but with purification. Bali’s sacred waters do not promise instant answers—but they offer space to release what no longer serves you.

Whether guided by ancient temples, hidden springs, or the wisdom of a spiritualist, Melukat is an invitation to pause, cleanse, and begin again—aligned, grounded, and open to the path ahead.

Sometimes, the most meaningful journey is not about traveling far across the island, but about going inward—guided by water, prayer, and intention. Enjoy the unique spiritual charm of the Island of the Gods. Explore more, drop your message to WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6281262866677