Getting here:
Located in Tampak Siring, somewhat in the middle between Ubud and Kintamani. Accessible by local private chartered van.
Description:
This temple is regarded as one of six most important temples in Bali, apart from the usual suspects like Pura Besakih and Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The name "Tirta Empul" signifies a crystal clear stream which is used as the holy water for various religious ceremony.
As usual, visitors are allowed only up to the main courtyard. From here, one could enjoy the exquisite twin shrines and split gate, common in most temples in Bali. Indeed, at the outside, I could see a clear stream flowing in the vicinity of the temple.
Inside the inner sanctum, there are a number of bathing pools for the Hindus. There is also a huge open-air complex in the courtyard where anyway could take a seat and do nothing.
Oddly, the way out is not the same as the way in. Supposedly the pura officials had diverted unsuspecting visitors to a few rows of wooden stalls selling cheap souvenirs. Only after 5 minutes of walk I found myself safe from the unfortunate taunting of cheap T-shirts and handicrafts.
My verdict:
Quite a well-landscaped temple. You might as well skip this and head straight to Kintamani. |
