Enter Bali's Hidden Waterfall Cave For A One-Of-A-Kind Ancient Cleansing Ritual

For travelers, spiritual encounters come in all forms. You could walk around a mosque, admire its minaret, and listen to the "adhan," or call to prayer. You could enter a cathedral, browse its stained glass windows, and light a candle for loved ones. You could find a quiet place in the woods and meditate, communing with wilderness deities. Indeed, any of these practices are possible on the Indonesian island of Bali, where Muslims, Christians, and Animists peacefully coexist.

Or you could experience an immersive cleansing ritual in the spray of waterfalls, thanks to a sanctuary known as Taman Beji Griya. The site is about 45 minutes by car from the island's capital city of Denpasar, out in the tropical countryside. While the vast majority of Indonesians are practicing Muslims, Hinduism is the dominant religion in Bali, and this cleansing ritual, known locally as "melukat," unfolds in the Hindu tradition. You don't have to be a practicing Hindu to participate, as Taman Beji Griya is open to all respectful visitors. This is just one attraction that makes Bali a must-visit for your bucket list.

How did this shrine come to be? Owner and operator Ida Bagus Eka Giri Artha tells a story about one of his ancestors, who suffered from debilitating ailments and meditated here for months. The man heard a divine voice and saw healing waters appear, and his illness was miraculously cured. Ever since, believers have flocked to Taman Beji Griya to observe a purification ceremony also known as "penglukatan." The grounds are full of animal sculptures, and visitors follow a rustic path into a ravine, where the waterfalls feed a rocky creek. The narrowest passages aren't quite enclosed, but the walls are narrow and feel like a full-on cave. Participants must wear special garments, which are provided on-site, and you can pick from an elaborate menu of healing rites.

Of the many activities, walking into the waterfall is by far the simplest, and visitors are invited to scream out — cathartically — as the torrents of water crash over them. While the "cleansing" rituals are partly physical, which may come as a relief on a hot and humid island like Bali, many serious visitors seek a spiritual purification as well, perhaps after a period of conflict or grief. You may very well polish off your visit with a glass of jamu, a herbal tonic revered across Indonesia. Whether you buy into the religious context or not, Taman Beji Griya is designed to have a restorative effect. The peaceful setting, folkloric backstory, and organic consumables have been a salve for many visitors, fulfilling some of the 10 reasons why your next trip should be a wellness retreat.

Beautiful and welcoming to international travelers of all stripes, the volcanic island of Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, and Taman Beji Griya showcases its trendy mix of pilgrimage, wellness, and tourist-friendliness. Part of the province's appeal is its spiritual atmosphere: Bali is frequently described as the "Island of the Gods," and a wide range of clerics and worshippers express their faith here. The land is also blessed with rainforest, beaches, and waterfalls, and the more than 10,000-foot-tall Mount Agung is nicknamed "the navel of the world." The wildlife here is abundant, and more than one visitor has described this land as paradise.

Most travelers will fly into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, located just south of downtown Denpasar. You will likely begin your journey in this capital city of about one million people, where temples, museums, and animal sanctuaries await the curious traveler. Denpasar is also the natural springboard to all other parts of the island, and Taman Beji Griya is about 40 to 50 minutes by taxi or rental car from downtown, which should cost the equivalent of $7 (each way) in a standard cab. While you're scouring the region for peaceful escapes, consider a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, another sacred space that offers the absolute best sunset views in Bali.