A Private, Personalised and Peaceful Experience in Bali
Experience one of Bali’s most meaningful self care and healing experiences with a private guided Meditation and Water Purification at a 11th century temple in Ubud area.
This peaceful spiritual journey combines meditation practices passed through generations with traditional Balinese water purification at Gunung Kawi Temple
Designed for travelers seeking mindfulness, healing, self care and deeper connection to Balinese culture. Your Balinese local guide will assist with the complete process whilst also explaining the history of Guning Kawi Temple.
Located in the spiritual heart of Bali, the Ubud area is world famous for healing, wellness, yoga and meditation. The word Ubud comes from the Balinese word “Ubad,” meaning medicine or healing.
The Trilogy of Traditional Balinese Healing Experiences
This private experience combines three traditional Balinese healing practices at one of Bali’s most sacred locations in the Ubud area.
1. Traditional Balinese Blessing
Your journey begins with a blessing from your Balinese guide. This traditional blessing is intended to create a positive mindset and prepare guests for the spiritual experiences that follow.
2. Cave Meditation
Enter an ancient cave originally used by monks for meditation and spiritual reflection. Your guide will introduce three Balinese meditation techniques that have been passed down through generations before allowing time for your own personal meditation practice.
3. Water Purification (Melukat)
Complete your healing journey with a traditional Balinese Water Purification ritual using holy spring water at Gunung Kawi Temple. Your guide will explain the meaning behind each step while assisting you throughout the process.
This water purification experience does not require you to enter a pool. Instead, you stand in front of the holy spring fountains and choose how much water you wish to use during the ritual. Some guests simply cup their hands and gently splash the holy water over their head and face. Others choose to stand beneath the fountain and allow the water to flow over their entire body.
The level of participation is entirely your personal choice, allowing you to experience the ritual in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful.
Learn About Traditional Balinese Healing Practices
Beyond participating in the experiences themselves, guests gain a deeper understanding of traditional Balinese healing practices.
Throughout the morning, your guide explains the cultural significance of blessings, meditation and Melukat within Balinese Hindu traditions. You will learn how these practices have been used for generations to help health and healing.
Because this is a private experience, guests are encouraged to ask questions and gain insights into Balinese culture that are difficult to discover independently.
Your Morning of Traditional Balinese Healing Experiences
As this is a private experience, the schedule below is approximate. Guests are welcome to take their time and move through each experience at a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful.
- 7:30am Depart Ubud Hotel (6.30am from other locations)
- 8:00am Arrive Gunung Kawi Temple
- 8.30am Introduction and Blessing
- 9.00am Guided Cave Meditation.
- 9.30am Temple Tour
- 10.00am Traditional Water Purification (Melukat)
- 11:30am Depart Temple
- 12:00pm Return to Ubud Hotel
PRICE INCLUDING TRANSPORT FROM UBUD AREA.
Per Adult IDR 1,000,000
Per Booking Luxury Car with Sunroof Extra IDR 300,000
PRICE INCLUDING TRANSPORT FROM OTHER AREAS
One Adult IDR 1,300,000
Two Adults or more IDR 1,150,000
Per Booking Luxury Car with Sunroof Extra IDR 300,000
PRICE EXCLUDING TRANSPORT
Per Adult IDR 900,000
Not available for children under 12 years.
Includes: Private AC Transport, Balinese Guide for Meditation and Water Purification, Entrance Tickets, Sarongs, Offerings. Meditation Cushion, Special Gift, Bottle of Water, Cold Towel,
Wear: Sandals with good grip and easy to remove, top that covers shoulders, hair tied back.
Pack: Change of clothes, mosquito spray, cash money, phone,
Notes: Due to ceremonies the cave used for the cave meditation may be changed. There are another two special temples for meditation in Ubud area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cave Meditation
What do I need to wear for Cave Meditation?
As the guided meditation takes place within the temple grounds, guests must wear a sarong and sash, cover their shoulders and tie back long hair. Ubud Traveler provides a clean sarong and sash for all guests. Guests also enter the meditation cave barefoot.
Why is this meditation experience at Gunung Kawi Temple, Tampaksiring.
Gunung Kawi Temple was originally established as a place of meditation and spiritual reflection during the 11th century. The caves were used by monks seeking solitude and inner peace, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere and the energy of the Pakerisan River valley.
Today, Gunung Kawi remains one of Bali’s most beautiful and spiritually significant temples. The peaceful early-morning environment creates an ideal setting for meditation.
What level of meditation practice is required for Cave Meditation ?
No previous meditation experience is necessary. Before the session begins, your guide will discuss any meditation experience and adapt the experience accordingly. Balinese meditation techniques are gentle and simple making them ideal for beginners.
How long is the Balinese meditation?
The cave meditation lasts approximately 30 minutes. Because this is a private experience, the session can be shortened or extended depending on how you are feeling.
Can children join Cave Meditation?
Unless children already have an established meditation practice, we generally do not recommend this experience for young children. The meditation is designed as a quiet and reflective activity and is best suited to guests who are comfortable sitting peacefully for an extended period.
What makes meditating inside a cave unique?
Meditating inside the ancient caves of Gunung Kawi offers a rare opportunity to experience the same tranquil environment used by monks centuries ago. The beautiful natural surroundings, peaceful atmosphere and history of the site create a meditation experience unlike any other studio or wellness centre.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Purification (Melukat)
Why should I consider Water Purification (Melukat) when visiting Bali?
If you are interested in learning more about Bali, its culture and its people, Water Purification (Melukat) is one of the most meaningful experiences you can participate in.
Unlike simply listening to a guide explain Balinese traditions, Melukat allows you to actively take part in a centuries-old Balinese ritual. The experience becomes more memorable because you physically participate in the process while learning about Balinese beliefs and spirituality.
For Balinese Hindus, Water Purification is a traditional spiritual practice. Holy spring water is believed to cleanse negative energy, emotional stress and stagnant thoughts while refreshing the body, mind and soul.
What is so special about Balinese Water Purification?
Water plays an important role in Balinese Hindu beliefs. The Balinese recognise water as a source of life, renewal and purification.
The word Melukat comes from the Balinese word lukat, which means to cleanse or purify. During the ritual, participants move through a series of holy water fountains while focusing on letting go of negative thoughts, emotional burdens and unnecessary stress.
Many visitors describe the experience as calming, refreshing and emotionally uplifting. Whether you participate for spiritual, cultural or personal reasons, Melukat provides a unique opportunity for reflection and renewal.
Your guide will assist you throughout the process while also explaining the history and significance of Gunung Kawi Temple.
What should I wear for Water Purification?
The level of water immersion is entirely your choice. Some guests choose to fully immerse themselves, while others prefer to participate more gently.
We recommend wearing:
- Sarong and sash (provided by Ubud Traveler)
- Sandals that can be easily removed
- Lightweight shorts or a skirt
- Females: A T-shirt or top that covers the shoulders
- Males: It is acceptable for men to participate bare-chested during the purification ritual
- Pack change of clothes
I am not religious. Can I still participate in Water Purification?
Yes. Visitors of all nationalities, cultures and religions are welcome to participate respectfully in Balinese Water Purification and Meditation experiences.
While Melukat has its origins in Balinese Hindu traditions, many people choose to participate for cultural, spiritual or personal reasons. The experience is open to anyone wishing to learn more about Balinese culture and engage in a meaningful process of reflection and renewal.
Why book a Traditional Balinese Water Purification experience with Ubud Traveler?
Booking your Water Purification experience with Ubud Traveler ensures a genuine and respectful introduction to one of Bali’s most important spiritual traditions.
Our guides are from the local area and share personal insights into Balinese culture, customs and history. They also hold current Bali Government guide licences.
Because this is a private experience, guests have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the meaning behind the ritual and participate at their own pace. Rather than simply observing Balinese culture, you become part of the experience itself.
For a glimpse of the experience, visit our Instagram page to view photos and videos from previous guests.
How do I book this experience with Ubud Traveler?
Click this box ⬇️
Guest Experiences & Testimonials for Balinese Cave Meditation and Water Purification.
A friend recommended cave meditation with Ubud Traveler to me, saying it was a very private, personal and meaningful experience. I can confirm it was all of the above, and more!
Darma led the session and was a great guide: patient, knowledgeable, and he even set-up comfortable cushions for us in the cave so we could meditate in complete comfort. So considerate and really appreciated!
Alice * June 2026
Darma was an incredibly knowledgeable and kind guide. It was a privilege to spend half a day with him. He took me to a cave, taught me how to meditate, shared his life story and supported me to do the purification ritual. It was a wonderful experience, and it had so much more meaning than an organized tour.
Rachel * May 2026
Updated July 2026
