Sebatu village is a small but very famous spiritual destination in Bali, visited by many tourists all around the year. Traveling and accommodation facilities are well developed around the area, and there are even a few places like COMO Uma Ubud, Bali that offer services for wellness and spa treatments. Sebatu village is located at a 20km distance from Ubud District and can be reached by a half an hour drive. In Bali, there are many tourist attractions focusing on the spiritual side such as the Tampak Siring and the Pakiresan Valley, Gunung Kawi and Pura Taman Ayun, and the Batur Volcano and Lake. But the most famous of all is the Sebatu Temple and its Holy Water Spring. The journey to this sacred temple is known as the ‘purification journey’ or ‘spiritual journey’.
General public were allowed to visit the Sebatu Temple only very recently after the magical powers of the springs were discovered. People from various ethnicities and religions travel long distances to reach this place and perform purification rites. A blue water lily and a gardenia flower are associated with the ritual. The crystal clear water in the springs can change its color into a range of different shades when people are showering in it. It is believed that the spring water color is an indicator of the purity of the person showering in it. People in certain conditions are not allowed to get into the water. For example, women just after childbirth or a person who is aggrieved from the recent death of a close family member are considered to be temporarily impure and hence asked to refrain from entering into the water spring. Guided tours are available for tourists, who wish to participate in the purification ceremony including assistance in choosing proper attire and preparing offertories.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
