Unique Temple Tour of Tampaksiring: 4 Sacred Sites Including a Hidden Gem
Bali is home to over 4,500 temples, with ceremonies taking place almost every day of the year. On this private, guided tour, you’ll explore some of the island’s most important spiritual sites, along with a lesser-known Hindu Buddhist temple that offers interesting insight into Bali’s fascinating spiritual history and traditions
Your journey will take you to Tampaksiring, once a powerful Balinese kingdom and home to many priestly families. Today, it’s celebrated for its lush rice fields, the scenic Pakerisan River, skilled local artisans, and a collection of stunning temples now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover these 4 Balinese Temples during Temples of Tampaksiring Tour
1. Tirta Empul Temple
To avoid crowds the first of the Balinese Temples we will explore is Pura Tirta Empul, or Holy Spring Temple. In Balinese language Tirta is holy water and Empul is spring or fountain, Hindu people believe that a visit to this 11th century temple can clear chakras and bad energy via water blessing and purification. The clearing of the mind and soul helps follow the Hindu belief of creating good karma for a better life.
There are many areas to this sacred Balinese Temples: fish ponds, beautiful goddess statues, areas for prayer and reflection, pavilions for special ceremonies plus the ponds where you see the actual spring water coming from the ground. The holy springs fill a bathing area fo the water blessing ritual. There are 13 beautiful fountains in three separate pond each having a special purpose.
2. Pegulingan Temple
Although the majority of Balinese today practice Hinduism, Bali was once a significant centre where both Hinduism and Buddhism flourished. This shared history is evident in many temples across the island that exhibit Buddhist influences.
One such temple, located in Tampaksiring, represents a unique fusion of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, a convergence that dates back to Ancient Bali in the 8th century. The temple is called Pura Pegulingan, and it was unexpectedly rediscovered in 1982 during the construction of a Padmasana Agung (a grand shrine).
3. Mengening Temple
Next on our exploration of Balinese Temples is the lesser known Pura Megening. It seems this 11th century temple has been lost in time as moss and vines have engulfed this temple areas and the pure water baths and springs. A cool breeze and serenity will greet you as you go down the steps into the temple’s courtyard.
From the courtyard, you can gaze upon the greenery that surrounds the premises, taking in the natural beauty serenaded by the harmonious sounds of water running into different pools below. The site is not so large but still has many interesting sights and ruins to see.
Lunch Break
After finished at Megening there is time for lunch at a resto with rice field views that services delicious Indonesian plus some western food.
4. Gunung Kawi Temple
Lastly, we stop at the one of the most remarkable Balinese Temples, Pura Gunung Kawi. Walk to the temple site by following the scenic steps down to the river passing the surrounding rice terraces. Upon arrival, at the bottom of the lush green river valley you will be amazed at the ten brilliant ancient shrines that has been hand carved into the rock cliff face. The shrines dating back to the 11th century, have aged exceptionally well due to the sheltered location.
Up to 8 metres in height they were constructed by King Anak Wungsu in honor of his father and brother. Since no bodies were found in the graves they are more memorial stones that graves. Just a few meters away from the rock temples is an old monastery with narrow passageways and narrow stone chambers carved out of the rocks. The monk’s sanctuary dates from the 9th century and is considered a testimony to Balinese early history. Visitors are only allowed to enter here barefoot.
Optional Add On: Experience Balinese Water Purification at Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Temple) Learn more about water purification ritual and 10 Important Tips HERE
What our guests are saying about visiting Balinese Temples with Ubud Traveler….
So glad we went, the full moon made it even more special – it’s a must when in Bali – I will always tell people you have to go and experience it.
Balinese Temples of Tampaksiring Itinerary
- 8.30am Depart Ubud Hotel (7.30am from other locations)
- 9.00am Arrive Pura Tirta Empul
- 10.30am Arrive Pura Pegulingan
- 12.00pm Arrive Pura Mengeneng
- 1:15pm Lunch Break
- 2.45pm Arrive Pura Gunung Kawi
- 4.30pm Depart for Hotel.
PRICE INCLUDING TRANSPORT FROM UBUD AREA
One Person IDR 1,200,000
Two Person or more IDR 850,000
Per Child (3 – 12 years) IDR 400,000
Luxury Car with Sunroof IDR 300,000 per booking.
Add On Water Purification IDR 400,000 per person.
PRICE INCLUDING TRANSPORT FROM OTHER AREAS
One Person IDR 1,500,000
Two Person or more IDR 1,000,000
Per Child (3 – 12 years) 400,000
Luxury Car with Sunroof IDR 300,000 per booking.
Add On Water Purification IDR 400,000 per person.
Includes
Private Car & English Speaking Driver and Guide, Entrance Tickets, Bottle of Water & Cold Towel per person. Sarongs, Use of Umbrella, In Car Phone Cables for iPhone & Samsung
Excludes
Food and Drinks (unless specified above)
Pack
Hair tie, Top that covers shoulders, good walking shoes, mosquito spray, sunscreen, cash money, fully charged phone
