Tucked away in the verdant heart of Sangeh, a village best known for its Monkey Forest, Tirta Taman Mumbul stands as a quiet refuge from the world beyond. A short drive from the famed forest, this secluded spring-fed sanctuary is where nature and spirituality converge. Crystal-clear waters, shaded by towering trees, invite visitors to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in a setting untouched by time.
Local legend speaks of a white boar, a mystical creature that once dug into the barren earth until water emerged, forming the spring that still flows today. Over generations, this sacred water has nourished the surrounding land and taken on a spiritual significance for the people of Sangeh. Today, it is not merely a source of irrigation but a place where rituals of purification are performed, drawing those who seek solace and renewal.
Since opening formally in December 2016, Tirta Taman Mumbul has been managed by the Sangeh Traditional Activities group, which oversees its preservation. Within its grounds lies Pura Taman Mumbul, a temple central to the Hindu Melasti purification ceremony. Here, the faithful gather to cleanse their spirits before religious celebrations. A large pond, alive with the movement of thousands of fish, adds to the tranquility, offering a serene counterpoint to the spiritual energy that fills the air.
It is not uncommon to see visitors partaking in melukat, the Hindu ritual of self-purification. They step into the cool water, seeking to cleanse themselves of the burdens they carry, believing that the sacred spring washes away both seen and unseen afflictions. The experience is deeply personal, yet shared among all who come with reverence.
Located in Banjar Brahmana, within the Abiansemal District of Badung Regency, Tirta Taman Mumbul is easily accessible. Those traveling from Denpasar can reach it in about an hour, passing through the leafy roads that lead to Monkey Forest Sangeh before taking a small turnoff towards the temple. Nearby, other natural wonders—Penglukatan Pancoran Solas, the agrotourism destination of Pelaga, and the Nungnung Waterfall—further enhance the region’s appeal.
To accommodate visitors, the site is well-equipped with amenities. A spacious parking area welcomes travelers, while small warungs offer traditional Balinese fare. Gazebos provide shaded spaces to rest, and public restrooms ensure convenience. For those participating in melukat, traditional Balinese attire can be rented, ensuring proper observance of the sacred ritual. Secure lockers allow guests to store personal belongings, letting them move freely and without worry.
Nature remains the defining presence here. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh foliage, the gentle rustle of leaves mingling with the occasional splash of fish breaking the water’s surface. Visitors often find themselves lingering longer than expected, feeding the fish or simply absorbing the stillness that is so rare in the modern world.
Tirta Taman Mumbul is a place where time slows, where the pull of daily obligations fades into the background. Whether one seeks spiritual renewal, a retreat into nature, or a moment of quiet contemplation, this hidden sanctuary offers all that and more—a reminder that in Bali, the most profound beauty often lies just off the beaten path. (BT)
