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Asia » Bali » Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul

September 2008

Outside Ubud, near the ancient memorials of Gunung Kawi, is another special site: the holy springs of Tirta Empul. By these waters that bubble up in a pool, one of Bali’s most important temples was built in AD 962. Balinese people come to the springs for purification at important times in their lives.

At the entrance to Tirta Empul is an enormous fig tree covered in ferns

At the entrance to Tirta Empul is an enormous fig tree covered in ferns

The tree, which is considered holy, has been enclosed by the walls of a shrine and wrapped in a sarong, like a ceremonial statue

The tree, which is considered holy, has been enclosed by the walls of a shrine and wrapped in a sarong, like a ceremonial statue

Women sell bananas outside the site

Women sell bananas outside the site

Rules for modest dress at this holy site. Anyone wearing shorts or skirts above the knee is supposed to rent a sarong before going in.

Rules for modest dress at this holy site. Anyone wearing shorts or skirts above the knee is supposed to rent a sarong before going in.

Sarongs are supposed to cover the lower half of the body, but some tourists don't quite get the idea.

Sarongs are supposed to cover the lower half of the body, but some tourists don't quite get the idea.

Using a sarong as head scarf isn't quite right either

Using a sarong as head scarf isn't quite right either

Dark patches show where the springs bubble up, roiling silt in the pool

Dark patches show where the springs bubble up, roiling silt in the pool

The water then flows into a series of pools, where it is enjoyed by people . . .

The water then flows into a series of pools, where it is enjoyed by people . . .

. . . and very large goldfish

. . . and very large goldfish

Tourists watching the bathers

Tourists watching the bathers

Scenes from the temple built at the springs

Scenes from the temple built at the springs

Chris under her sun umbrella

Chris under her sun umbrella

A jackfruit tree (we've eaten that fruit in cooked dishes)

A jackfruit tree (we've eaten that fruit in cooked dishes)

The route out of the holy site is, unfortunately, lined with cheap tourist shops

The route out of the holy site is, unfortunately, lined with cheap tourist shops

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