Pura Mengening
A tranquil Balinese water temple offering serene melukat (purification) rituals amidst lush natural beauty. A peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and spiritual atmosphere
Pura Mengening
Best Time
Quiet and spiritual atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Balinese water temple offering serene melukat (purification) rituals amidst lush natural beauty. A peaceful escape.
"A quieter, more serene alternative to Tirta Empul for a deeply spiritual melukat experience."
Hire a Local Priest
Enhance your melukat experience with a priest for deeper spiritual insight. Donation-based.
Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene ambiance of Pura Mengening.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Melukat Purification Ritual
Holy Water Fountains
Experience a spiritual cleansing in the serene, clear spring waters. A truly rejuvenating Balinese tradition.
Tranquil Temple Grounds
Temple Complex
Discover a peaceful sanctuary with lush greenery and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Perfect for quiet contemplation.
Ancient Balinese Architecture
Temple Structures
Admire the historical stone carvings and traditional Balinese temple design, dating back to the 11th century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity: Melukat at Pura Mengening
Essential Preparations for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hire a Local Priest
Enhance your melukat experience with a priest for deeper spiritual insight. Donation-based.
Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene ambiance of Pura Mengening.
Respectful Attire
Sarongs are required for entry and melukat. Rent one if needed.
Budget for Extras
Factor in entrance, sarong rental, lockers, and optional offerings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Hire a Local Priest
Enhance your melukat experience with a priest for deeper spiritual insight. Donation-based.
Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene ambiance of Pura Mengening.
Respectful Attire
Sarongs are required for entry and melukat. Rent one if needed.
Budget for Extras
Factor in entrance, sarong rental, lockers, and optional offerings.
Quiet Contemplation
Embrace the peacefulness; it's a key part of the Pura Mengening experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pura Mengening for its serene and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Tirta Empul for the melukat purification ritual. Many appreciate the spiritual depth and the opportunity for quiet contemplation. However, some note that the experience can feel rushed if not guided properly, and aggressive sales tactics upon departure have been mentioned.
"We started our yoga retreat at this temple, doing a traditional ceremony. We were lucky to have a priest we hired to act as our guide, so we were given a thorough understanding of the what and why of the process, as well as blessed by his leading the ceremony for us from start to end. The understanding made the experience deeply spiritual for us and set the tone for the week ahead.
I understand this particular sight is not as crazy busy and we had the gift of not feeling rushed as we went through the cleansing.
Would recommend you get a priest to help you through to make it a true spiritual practice, if that is what you're looking for.
Our only negative was the rather aggressive sale people when we left."
Pam Ronstadt
"The temple itself is quite beautiful, calm and not crowded. We went for the purification ceremony, but the overall experience felt a bit lacking and rushed. The guide actually just surfaced the basics of the ceremony, telling us the steps and brief description of pools.
Entrance: 30k /person
Sarong: 10k /person
Locket: 10 /locket
Offerings: 20k
You should also account a donation for the guide.
This temple is for sure less crowded and less expensive than the more famous Tirta Empul."
Daniele Gargano
"Simple and modest temple. Buy ticket at the entrance.
i found it very relaxing and not that much turistic (good point for me).
Purification part was really interesting to watch. You can try with small fee"
nicola da dalto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ubud, you can hire a private driver or take a taxi to Pura Mengening in Tampaksiring, Gianyar. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Scooters are also a popular option for independent travelers.
Public transport options are limited. Hiring a private driver or using ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab is the most convenient way to reach Pura Mengening.
Many visitors opt for a private driver for flexibility and comfort, especially if combining with other nearby attractions. Renting a scooter offers more freedom for experienced riders.
Pura Mengening is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from Denpasar by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for cars and scooters at the temple entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 30,000 IDR per person. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival.
Yes, a sarong is required for entry and for participating in the melukat ceremony. Sarongs can be rented for a small fee, usually around 10,000 IDR.
Pura Mengening is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the melukat ritual.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is usually not necessary for Pura Mengening.
Besides the entrance fee and sarong rental, you might incur costs for lockers (around 15,000 IDR), offerings (around 20,000-30,000 IDR), and a donation for a guide if you choose to hire one.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Melukat is a Balinese spiritual purification ritual to cleanse the mind and soul. At Pura Mengening, it involves bathing in holy water fountains, often guided by a priest or temple attendant. 
Pura Mengening is generally much less crowded and more serene than the famous Tirta Empul, offering a more peaceful experience.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds, but it's important to be respectful, especially during ceremonies. Some areas might have restrictions.
Wear comfortable, modest clothing that can get wet. You'll need to wear a sarong provided or rented for the ceremony.
Yes, lockers are available for rent to store your belongings safely while you participate in the melukat ritual.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no restaurants or extensive food stalls directly within the Pura Mengening complex. You'll find dining options in the nearby Tampaksiring area.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to consume any food or drinks outside the main temple area to maintain the sanctity of the site.
In Tampaksiring, you can find local Balinese warungs (small restaurants) serving dishes like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and various satays.
📸 📸 Photography
The holy water fountains, the lush greenery surrounding the temple, and the intricate stone carvings offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally not permitted at religious sites in Bali without prior authorization to respect the sanctity and privacy of the location.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The serene atmosphere during these times also enhances the visual appeal.
Be mindful of sacred areas and avoid photographing people without their consent, especially during ceremonies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that while the temple is serene, supervision is key. Bring extra dry clothes for the kids after the purification. The entrance fee and sarong rental apply to all visitors, so factor that into your family budget. The peaceful environment might be more enjoyable for families with older children who can appreciate the quietude.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Yoga Retreats
Consider hiring a local priest to guide you through the melukat ceremony for a truly immersive and meaningful experience. This can deepen your understanding of the ritual and its significance, setting a positive tone for your spiritual practice or retreat. The lack of crowds allows for a more personal and undisturbed connection with the sacred energy of the place.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider traveling by scooter if you're comfortable, or group up with other travelers to share the cost of a private driver. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help reduce on-site expenses. The donation-based guide system means you can contribute what you feel is appropriate for the service.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Melukat
At Pura Mengening, the melukat ceremony takes place at its natural springs, where visitors can immerse themselves in the holy water. The process often involves prayers, offerings, and the guidance of a priest or temple attendant who explains the significance of each step. The clear, flowing water is seen as a conduit for spiritual healing and renewal. Many visitors report feeling a sense of peace and lightness after undergoing the ritual.
+1While Pura Tirta Empul is more famous for melukat, Pura Mengening offers a more intimate and tranquil setting for this sacred practice. The serene environment allows for a deeper connection with the spiritual aspect of the ritual, making it a powerful experience for those seeking inner peace and purification.
Pura Mengening vs. Pura Tirta Empul: A Comparative Look
Pura Mengening, on the other hand, is celebrated for its tranquility and serene atmosphere. It's often described as a quieter, more contemplative alternative to Tirta Empul. While Tirta Empul has multiple large, distinct bathing pools, Pura Mengening features a series of natural springs and fountains that contribute to its peaceful ambiance. This makes Pura Mengening ideal for those seeking a more personal and less rushed spiritual experience.
Both temples hold deep spiritual significance for Hindus in Bali. However, if your priority is a less commercialized and more peaceful melukat, Pura Mengening is often the preferred choice. The costs at Pura Mengening are also generally perceived as being lower than at Tirta Empul.
Historical Roots of Pura Mengening
The temple's name, 'Mengening,' is derived from the Balinese word for 'clear water,' a fitting description for the pristine springs that are central to its spiritual practices. The presence of these natural springs has made Pura Mengening a sacred site for purification rituals for centuries. The historical records suggest that the temple has been a place of worship and spiritual cleansing for a very long time, contributing to its revered status in Balinese culture.
+1While detailed historical accounts can be limited, the enduring presence and continued use of Pura Mengening for sacred ceremonies underscore its deep historical and cultural importance. It stands as a living link to Bali's past, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient traditions and beliefs.
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