Water Temples Beyond Tirta Empul - Discovering Bali Lesser-Known Sacred Springs

When people think of Bali water temples, most minds jump to Tirta Empul. And for good reason—it’s a majestic site, steeped in ritual and flowing with sacred water. But if you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond the guidebooks and Instagram highlights, this article is for you.

Bali is a land shaped by water—not just physically, but spiritually. Springs bubble from the earth like veins of purity, feeding the rice fields, blessing the people, and nourishing the soul of the island. These springs become temples. And these temples become portals—to healing, to reverence, to something quietly divine.

I’ve wandered off the beaten path to find the temples less talked about yet just as profound. And what I found wasn’t just peace and beauty—it was intimacy. The kind that whispers rather than shouts. So let me take you there, one sacred spring at a time.

Tirta Sudamala – Purification in the Forest’s Embrace

Tucked into a lush valley near Bangli, Tirta Sudamala is a temple that breathes serenity. Far from the tour groups, here the river sings and banyan trees spread their arms wide. There’s something deeply grounding about this place—as if nature itself has woven the temple into her embrace.

This temple is known for its powerful sacred spring in Bali, which flows through a series of spouts where locals and pilgrims come to cleanse. The purification process is gentle but moving. You step beneath each stream, letting the cold mountain water run over your crown, your face, your chest. With each step, something heavy lifts.

Unlike its more famous sibling, Tirta Sudamala still feels like a secret. The priests smile quietly. The offerings are humble. And the jungle hums all around you.

If you’re searching for spiritual stillness without the spectacle, this is your place.

Tirta Empul Sebatu – A Temple Lost in the Hills

Not to be confused with the more crowded Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul Sebatu is a gem hidden deeper in the hills. The drive here winds past rice terraces and sleepy villages, until you suddenly arrive at a tranquil courtyard ringed by water.

This is not a temple that demands your awe. It invites it. The water pools reflect sky and stone, while koi fish circle slowly in lazy spirals. A natural spring feeds the pools, used for purification by those who know of its power.

This hidden temple in Bali has an unassuming grace. There are no lines of tourists here, only quiet devotion. I remember watching an elderly woman gently scoop water with a small cup and touch it to her forehead—over and over, with silent intent.

Sometimes the most profound experiences aren’t loud. They ripple slowly, like water.

Pura Beji – A Temple for the Farmers and the Fields

In the far north, in the little village of Sangsit, lies Pura Beji—a temple built for the subak, Bali’s intricate water irrigation system. This isn’t just a temple of worship. It’s a temple of gratitude, built to honor Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility.

The carvings here are ornate—Baroque, even. Intricate floral patterns swirl over every surface, as if mimicking the spirals of water itself. The temple sits close to a spring that feeds the surrounding rice paddies, linking holy water in Bali to the island’s food, life, and cycle of abundance.

There’s something wonderfully honest about Pura Beji. It’s not about grandeur—it’s about connection. To land, to livelihood, to daily life.

You won’t find many tourists here. But you will find quiet farmers stopping to make offerings before starting their day. And if you’re lucky, you’ll feel the reverence that exists when spirituality is woven into survival.

Pura Tirta Taman Mumbul – The Water Garden of Dreams

Located near Mengwi, Taman Mumbul feels like it came out of a storybook. Surrounded by a pond filled with lotus and fish, this water temple is often overlooked—but stepping into its garden-like grounds is like entering a dream.

The spring-fed pond is used for purification rituals in Bali, and the water is believed to bring calm and clarity. The temple structures themselves seem to float on the surface, moss-covered and elegant in their quietude.

Unlike the more rigid architecture of some temples, Taman Mumbul flows. Paths meander, bridges arch gracefully, and trees provide gentle cover from the sun. It’s the kind of place you linger in, not just visit.

Bring a flower offering, take a deep breath, and let the water reflect what you need to see.

Pura Pancoran Solas – The Twelve Holy Showers

Near the village of Yeh Sanih, in Bali’s north, lies a unique site: Pura Pancoran Solas, meaning the Twelve Showers. True to its name, twelve spring-fed fountains line a stone wall, each with its own flow, its own rhythm.

Locals believe each spout purifies a different aspect of the self—body, thoughts, spirit. It’s not a tourist tale, but a lived belief. People come early in the morning to bathe, pray, and begin their day with renewed energy.

What I loved about this place was its rhythm. The quiet hum of water, the soft sound of prayers, the rustle of trees—it creates a meditative music. This lesser-known temple in Bali reminds us that not all sacred places wear grand robes. Some come dressed in stillness.

Why Seek the Unknown?

You might wonder—why skip the famous temples? Why search for these out-of-the-way springs?

Because sometimes, magic isn’t found in the spotlight. It lives in the corners. In the pauses between heartbeats. In a temple where no one is posing for photos, only praying. In secret temples in Bali where the only audience is the trees.

These places allow for something the popular spots rarely do: presence. And presence, in all its quiet glory, is where transformation begins.

Tips for Visiting Sacred Springs in Bali

1. Go Early – These temples are still active places of worship. Arrive early to respect the rituals and experience the morning peace.

2. Dress Properly – Sarong and sash are a must. You can usually borrow or rent one at the temple gates.

3. Bring an Offering – A small canang sari goes a long way in honoring local customs.

4. Ask Permission – Especially at lesser-known sites. A simple smile and gesture can open doors.

5. Don’t Rush – These aren’t sights to “do.” They’re places to feel. Take your time.

Returning to the Source

In a land where water is sacred, and temples rise where springs emerge, it’s no surprise that Bali holds countless places of power. Bali’s lesser-known sacred springs offer more than spiritual rituals—they offer sanctuary.

So next time you find yourself on the island, step off the trail. Wander past Tirta Empul and listen for the whisper of water. You might find yourself kneeling at the edge of a spring, eyes closed, hands cupped, heart open.

And in that moment, in that silent offering, you’ll feel it—the quiet pulse of Bali. Always flowing. Always waiting to meet you.