Tampaksiring is a village just 36 km from Denpasar and the Tirta Empul temple and fountain complex is one of many ancient and interesting sites that flourished during the reign of several of Bali’s king and still today it is an important temple to Hindu worshippers.

This area is so beautiful that Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, chose this particular site as his private and presidential retreat. President Palace located on the west side of Tirta Empul, which, with its high position, has a commanding view of the beauty and natural surroundings of this area. It is said that the temple here takes its name from the name of the natural water spring located inside the Tirta Empul temple and which shoots water out and eventually into Pakerisan River.

Tirta Empul temple complex was built around 960 AD during King Chandra Bhayasingha’s reign from the Warmadewa Dynasty (well known university in Denpasar, today, has honored the grandeur of the Warmadewa dynasty by adopting it namesake). Like most temple in Bali, Tirta Empul is divided into three important sections. The front section is named the Jaba Pura, the central the Jaba Tengah, and the inner most sacred section, the Jaba Jeroan.

In the middle or central part you will find two rectangular pools of water with 30 horizontal spouts or fountain gushing out water into the pools. According to the tradition and history or legend, each “pancuran” or water spout its own specific name and special meaning, function and story attached to each one. For instance, one is called the “Pancuran Cetik” or “poisoned waterspout”. This poisoned waterspout and the place Tirta Empul have a connection with mythology and the battle between King Mayadenawa and Bhatara Indra.

Should you intered to visit Tirta Empel Temple, you can book Bali Spiritual Tour or Bali rent car with driver, our tour driver will be happy to drive for you to this very charming temple and other tourist destination around such as Kintamani, Ubud or Tegalalang rice terace.