In Bali, water isn’t just a physical element—it's a spiritual force, a living entity that nurtures, heals, and cleanses. From the holy springs in the hills to the rivers that wind their way through valleys and jungles, Bali’s waterways have a profound spiritual significance deeply intertwined with the island’s culture, religion, and everyday life. For centuries, these sacred rivers and springs have been revered as sources of divine energy, purification, and prosperity.
Unlike most places, water in Bali isn’t something that is merely used or consumed. Instead, it’s part of a sacred relationship between humans, nature, and the gods. The Balinese have a deep belief that their rivers and springs are channeling divine forces—they are alive, active, and capable of granting spiritual protection or purification when approached with the proper reverence.
This article will take you on a journey through some of Bali’s most sacred waterways and explore the spiritual rituals that take place around them, shedding light on why these rivers and springs are not just natural landmarks but holy sites that play a central role in Bali’s religious life.
The Spiritual Role of Water in Bali’s Culture
Bali’s relationship with water is rooted in Balinese Hinduism, which sees the element of water as essential for both material and spiritual well-being. Bali’s belief system revolves around the idea of Tri Hita Karana—the three causes of happiness, which are harmony with God, harmony with human beings, and harmony with nature. Water represents all three: it is essential for life, for purification, and for spiritual connection with the divine.
Throughout Bali, rivers and springs are not just geographical features; they are seen as sacred entities that help maintain the balance of nature and spiritual life. For the Balinese, water has the power to purify the soul, cleanse negative energy, and even connect them to their ancestors. The island’s rivers and springs are often the site of important ceremonial rituals, and many of them are associated with gods and deities.
Tirta Empul – The Holy Spring of Purification
One of Bali’s most famous sacred water sites is Tirta Empul, a holy spring located in the village of Manukaya, near Ubud. The temple complex here is renowned for its purification rituals, where Balinese Hindus come to bathe in the sacred waters to cleanse their mind, body, and spirit.
The spring at Tirta Empul is believed to have been created by the Hindu god Indra, who, according to legend, struck the ground with his spear to create the spring and heal his army. The waters here are considered holy, and locals and visitors alike come to the temple for a spiritual cleansing. The ritual of melukat, a traditional Balinese water purification ceremony, involves bathing under the temple’s fountains, each of which represents different deities or elements of life.
For solo travelers or spiritual seekers, the experience of partaking in a melukat ceremony at Tirta Empul is not just about physical purification but also about deepening one’s connection to Bali’s spiritual heritage. It’s an immersive experience that reminds you that in Bali, every river, spring, and drop of water carries not only life but the essence of the divine.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu – The Temple of Sacred Springs
Another sacred water temple worth exploring is Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, located near Tirta Empul. This temple complex is known for its sacred springs, which are used for spiritual cleansing and rituals. The water here is believed to have healing powers, and it is said that the spring was created by Lord Vishnu to provide purity and strength to the people of Bali.
The temple is surrounded by lush jungle and is divided into several sections, with the main attraction being the holy springs that cascade down into a large pool. Visitors can take part in purification ceremonies here, where the water flows into a stone fountain. The ritual is both meditative and deeply spiritual, and for many, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their journey while cleansing their energy.
This sacred space is not as crowded as Tirta Empul, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience for those looking to connect with the spiritual side of Bali. The combination of nature, water, and sacred energy makes Gunung Kawi Sebatu a unique destination for any spiritual traveler.
The Ayung River – Bali’s Lifeblood
Flowing through the heart of Bali, the Ayung River is one of the island’s most important waterways. The river is not only a source of life for the communities that live along its banks, but it also holds great spiritual significance. The Ayung River is considered a holy river, and it is believed to be the dwelling place of powerful deities.
For centuries, the river has been used for irrigation, but it is also deeply embedded in the island’s rituals. It is common for locals to offer prayers and offerings to the river to ensure the health of their crops, and the river itself is often seen as a pathway for spirits and ancestors to travel between the earthly and spiritual realms. The Ayung River is a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of life, nature, and the divine.
While the river has been commercialized to some extent with activities like white-water rafting, many locals still see it as a sacred force. Visiting the Ayung River isn’t just about adventure—it’s also about respecting the spiritual significance it holds for the island’s people.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace Springs – Nature’s Healing Waters
The famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces are known for their breathtaking views and lush landscapes, but they are also home to a number of sacred springs and waterways that play an important role in Bali’s spiritual practices. The irrigation system here, known as subak, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.
The springs that feed into the rice terraces are revered by the locals, who believe that these waters carry the spirit of the gods and are essential for maintaining balance and harmony in the land. The local farmers perform small ceremonial offerings to the waters, asking for blessings and prosperity for their crops.
While Tegallalang is famous for its scenic beauty, it’s also a place where nature and spirituality intertwine, and the sacred waters of these springs are vital for the land’s fertility and the community’s well-being.
Bali’s Water Temples – A Sacred Connection Between Earth and Sky
Bali’s water temples, such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Pura Tanah Lot, are not just places of worship—they are spiritual connections between the earth, water, and the divine. These temples are strategically located near lakes, rivers, and seas, allowing the water to flow naturally through the temple grounds, symbolizing the balance between the natural and spiritual worlds.
In Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, located on the shores of Lake Bratan, the waters are considered the sacred domain of the goddess Danu, who oversees the waters of Bali. The temple itself is a beautiful example of Balinese temple architecture, and its location on the lake creates a sense of serenity and sacred energy that flows through every stone and every prayer offered there.
Similarly, Pura Tanah Lot, perched above the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to the god of the sea, Baruna. The temple is connected to the ocean by the tidal waters, which makes it a living temple, where the balance of water and land is constantly shifting.
These water temples reflect the deep spiritual relationship the Balinese have with their natural environment and serve as places where water’s power can be harnessed to bring blessings and harmony.
The Sacred Waters of Bali
The sacred rivers and springs of Bali are not just bodies of water—they are vessels of spiritual power, life, and connection. They carry within them the essence of Bali’s religious practices and provide a channel through which the island’s people connect with the divine.
As a solo traveler, a spiritual seeker, or a curious adventurer, exploring these sacred waterways will offer you a deeper understanding of Bali’s profound cultural and spiritual roots. Whether you are bathing in the holy waters of Tirta Empul, admiring the view from Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or meditating by the Ayung River, Bali’s rivers and springs will invite you to pause, reflect, and connect—not only with the island but with yourself.
Water is sacred in Bali—not just a natural resource, but a divine gift. And in Bali, every river and spring is a reminder that the sacred is everywhere—flowing through the island and through our lives.
