Melukat at Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh: Finding Clarity and Calm in Bali’s Sacred Waters

 

When I first moved to Ubud in early 2021, I didn’t know how much melukat would become part of my life. For those who might be new to the term, melukat is a Balinese purification ritual, a way of cleansing the body, mind, and spirit with holy water. Over time, it has grown to be more than just a ceremony for me. It has become a deeply personal practice, something I turn to whenever I need grounding, clarity, or simply to reconnect with myself and my ancestors.

Unlike the more commercialized melukat spots that cater heavily to tourism, my journey has always been guided in a more intimate way. My landlord, who has become like family, was the one who first introduced me to this ritual. Together, we seek out places that remain authentic,  spaces where melukat is still about devotion, reflection, and personal renewal. And lately, our favorite has been Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh.

A Sanctuary in Sangeh

Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh is located in Sangeh Village, Abiansemal District, Badung Regency, about a 25–30 minute drive north of Ubud. Tucked away before you reach the well-known Sangeh Monkey Forest, this site is more than just a temple. It feels like stepping into a living sanctuary, embraced by ancient trees and nourished by endless spring water.

At the heart of the site is Ulun Mumbul Temple, overlooking a wide pond where koi and small fish swim peacefully. The atmosphere is green and soothing, with the air cooler than the busy main roads outside. It’s the kind of place where even before you enter the water, you already feel a shift, lighter, calmer, more at ease.

Pancoran Solas: Eleven Spouts of Purification

One of the most special features here is Penglukatan Pancoran Solas, the eleven showers lined up, each pouring clear, sacred spring water. Solas means “eleven” in Balinese. Each spout is said to represent a different form of cleansing, washing away not just physical impurities, but also negative thoughts, emotional heaviness, and spiritual burdens.

The ritual is simple, but powerful. You begin by praying, offering a moment of gratitude, then stepping under each shower in sequence. By the time you finish all eleven, it feels as if layers of weight you didn’t even realize you were carrying have slipped off your body.

Every single time I do melukat here, I walk away feeling light, not just physically, but mentally. My thoughts become clearer, the chatter in my head softens, and I leave with a sense of calm that lingers for days.

Why Melukat Resonates with Me

As a Javanese living in Bali, melukat feels both familiar and new. It aligns with my own cultural roots, the idea that water holds power, that cleansing rituals connect us back to our ancestors, and that spiritual grounding is found in simple, humble practices.

In a world that often pushes us to look outward, for validation, for success, for answers, melukat reminds me to look inward. To sit with myself. To honor where I come from. And to release what no longer serves me.

For me, melukat isn’t about Instagram pictures or chasing trends. It’s about something deeply human: the need to pause, reset, and realign with what matters.

Quick Guide to Visiting Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh

• Location: Jalan Brahmana No. 38, Sangeh, Abiansemal, Badung, Bali. About 25–30 minutes from Ubud.

• What to Expect:
  • A sacred pond with clear spring water.
  • Eleven spouts (Pancoran Solas) for the melukat ritual.
  • Ulun Mumbul Temple and a tranquil garden setting.

• Atmosphere: Local and authentic. While visitors are welcome, it doesn’t feel overly touristy.

• What to Wear: A sarong and sash are required. You can usually borrow or rent them if needed.

• When to Visit: Mornings are best for a quiet experience.

Travel Notes

• Always approach with respect: this is a sacred place, not just a tourist spot.

• Prepare small offerings (canang) if you wish to fully participate in the ritual.

• Be mindful in the water. It’s not for swimming or playing, it’s a space for prayer and purification.

• Don’t rush. Take your time, move slowly, and allow the process to sink in.

Walking out of Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh after melukat, I always carry the same feeling: clarity, calm, and connection. It’s a reminder that in the simplest flow of water, there is wisdom. And in honoring these rituals, we find our way back to ourselves.

If you ever find yourself in Bali, looking not just for beauty but for meaning, I hope you’ll seek out melukat, and maybe, just maybe, find your own lightness in these sacred waters.

Walking out of Tirta Taman Mumbul Sangeh after melukat, I always carry the same feeling: clarity, calm, and connection. It’s a reminder that in the simplest flow of water, there is wisdom.  And in honoring these rituals, we find our way back to ourselves. 

If you ever find yourself in Bali, looking not just for beauty but for meaning, I hope you’ll seek out melukat, and maybe, just maybe, find your own lightness in these sacred waters.