Experiencing an Authentic Melukat in Bali: Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala

When a friend recommended I visit Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala for a Melukat ritual, I knew I had to go. Unlike the more crowded temples in Bali, this hidden gem offers a peaceful and authentic experience, tucked away about 20 km from Ubud’s city centre. It felt like a journey to a sacred sanctuary far from the usual tourist trails.

What is a Melukat Ritual

Melukat is a traditional Balinese water purification ritual meant to cleanse the body, mind, and soul. It’s deeply spiritual and symbolic, helping you release negativity and renew your energy. I had experienced this ritual before on my previous trip to Bali, where I visited Pura Tirta Empul Temple, which is very popular among tourists and can get very crowded.

The Experience

Upon arriving at the temple, I bought a small flower offering, or canang sari, at the entrance to use during the ritual. There’s no formal entry fee here, just a donation if you choose to take part in the ritual, which adds to the sacred and community-focused atmosphere.

Canang Sari

As usual in Bali, you need to wear a sarong—a traditional Balinese cloth tied around your waist, commonly worn in religious spaces to show respect. Lockers are available to safely store your clothes and belongings, leaving you free to immerse yourself fully in the ritual.

The experience began with a blessing from the Mangku, or priest, setting the atmosphere for the 1-hur ritual that was about to begin. A local guide was with us every step of the way, telling us what to do at each stage. We moved through several waterfalls, where the light danced beautifully among the rocks. At each stop, we took a flower from the canang sari, said a prayer, placed the flower in my hair, and let the holy water cleanse me.

Walking barefoot among the rocks can be a bit rough on your feet, but it adds to the raw, grounding connection to nature. There’s magic in it—in kissing the rocks, screaming at waterfalls, and surrendering to the flow of the water as it washes away both dirt and bad energies. It felt surreal, almost as though the waterfalls themselves were alive, offering healing and clarity.

Throughout the ritual, I reflected on things I am grateful for, embracing the tranquillity and introspection the space inspired. I place a lot of meaning in these activities, and I try to be present and grateful for having the opportunity to have these experiences.

The ritual concluded with another blessing from the Mangku, or priest, who placed rice on my forehead to bring good fortune and prosperity. He also gave us a Balinese Tridatu bracelet, a three-colour bracelet worn on the right hand. This red, white, and black thread bracelet represents the Balinese-Hindu philosophy of Trimurti, the three manifestations of God. The colours symbolize different aspects of life: white awakens goodness in spirit, red evokes creativity and bravery, and black offers protection from bad spirits. Together, they represent the divine roles of Brahma the Creator, Siwa the Destroyer, and Wisnu the Preserver, reminding us of the balance in life’s cycle—birth, life, and death.

Even now, five months later, the bracelet is still tied to my wrist. It always reminds me of Bali and how that beautiful island brings me calm and gratitude.

This Melukat ritual at Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala was a beautiful, transformative experience, and one of the highlights of my time in Bali. If you’re looking for an authentic and deeply spiritual moment in nature, I can’t recommend this enough!