melukat

Social Media vs. Reality: Melukat’s Quiet Ambience Overwhelmed by Tourist Crowds

Share:

For foreign tourists visiting Bali, there is one traditional Balinese activity you must try: Melukat.

As you know, Bali’s appeal is not only its tourist attractions but also its culture. One of the Balinese cultures that is now becoming a popular tourist attraction is the melukat ritual.

Although this is a Balinese religious activity, foreign tourists can follow it as long as they do it with respect for the culture.

A video uploaded by @herecomesthegram clearly shows that the melukat ritual is being crowded by tourists.

The ritual, which is traditionally a serene and peaceful experience, was unexpectedly transformed into a bustling scene, disrupting the solemnity that usually envelops the ritual.

What exactly is melukat?

Melukat comes from the Balinese word sulukat, where “su” means good and “lukat” means purification. The Melukat ceremony is one of the series in the Tirtayatra ritual of travelling to holy places.

In the Balinese Hindu tradition, water is revered as a sacred element, believed to possess the power to purify the soul and mind.

Melukat itself is a spiritual cleansing procession according to Hinduism, in which anyone can participate regardless of religion.

Usually, tourists do this to calm down and cleanse their souls from negativity. In addition to cleansing the soul from negativity, it can also be used to heal trauma.

5 Popular melukat places in Bali

Tirta Empul: Photo by Roméo A. on Unsplash

If you are visiting Bali, here are some popular melukat places in Bali.

1. Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul is one of the temples in Bali that tourists often visit. This temple is known as a melukat place for tourists and locals.

2. Pura Tamba Waras in Tabanan

Pura Tamba Waras is located in Sangketan Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency. Tamba means medicine, and Waras means healing.

Based on the meaning of its name, Tamba Waras is indeed visited by many to ask for healing, both medical and non-medical. Many believe that this temple is the centre of healing in Bali.

3. Pura Tirta Sudamala

Tirta Sudamala is located in Banjar Sedit, Bebalang Village, Bangli District, Bangli Regency. This temple offers natural scenery in the form of rice fields combined with temples and holy springs.

Pura Tirta Sudamala has nine showers that are believed to circumambulate the Nawa Sanga Gods.

4. Pura Campuhan Widhu Segara in Denpasar

The location of Campuhan Windu Segara is the meeting of Padang Galak beach with Ayung river. Like other places, melukat at Campuhan Windu Segara is believed to cleanse oneself spiritually, including asking for the gift of safety and healing.

People who do melukat here will cleanse themselves with campuhan water where river and sea water meet.

5. Pura Mengening in Gianyar

At Mengening Tampaksiring, there are 10 springs, each channelled into a shower in the bathing pool. The community and tourists will use these showers for melukat.

Like melukat in general, melukat at Mengening Temple also aims to cleanse itself using water media. However, some testimonies say that melukat at Pura Mengening can treat insomnia.

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more News recommendations in Indonesia:

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

Related News

Bali’s natural beauty is world-renowned, with its stunning landscapes that include mountains, beaches, and lush forests. While Canggu is often the go-to beach for many, there are lesser-known, hidden beaches that also offer breathtaking scenery. One such place is Tembeling Beach in Nusa Penida, a stunning destination that stands out for its unique features. Unlike […]

Exotic Sunset Viewing Spots in Seminyak, Bali Seminyak, a well-known area in Bali, is celebrated for its modern charm, exclusive beach clubs, and beautiful landscapes. As one of the island’s more upscale tourist destinations, Seminyak offers a distinct blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect spot for both luxury and leisure. The […]

The beauty of Jimbaran Beach in Badung Regency is certainly worth exploring. One of Bali’s prominent beaches, it offers a natural landscape that is truly enchanting. You could say that Jimbaran Beach is the iconic prima donna of Bali. Not only is it popular among local tourists, but it also attracts many foreign visitors who […]

Bali is globally renowned for its stunning coastlines, and Berawa Beach stands as one of the island’s charming yet relatively tranquil beach destinations. Located in Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Berawa Beach is particularly favoured by those seeking surf-friendly waves, golden sunsets, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of Bali’s more frequented beaches. […]

Expat Property

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Social Networking
150,000
Above Rooftop, Four Points by Sheraton Seminyak
Social Networking
150,000
PENN, Jakarta
Social Networking
150,000
Glitz Inclusive, Kuningan City Mall

Expat Property

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Social Networking
150,000
Above Rooftop, Four Points by Sheraton Seminyak
Social Networking
150,000
PENN, Jakarta
Social Networking
150,000
Glitz Inclusive, Kuningan City Mall