Umbul Temple, Hindu temple in Magelang, Indonesia

Umbul Temple is a Hindu site in Magelang, Indonesia, made up of two rectangular stone bathing pools linked by a water channel. The water flows naturally from the upper pool to the lower one, giving the site a clear spatial order.

The site was built in the 9th century as a bathing retreat for the King of Mataram. It fell out of use in the 11th century when royal support for the site came to an end.

The name Umbul comes from the Javanese word for water bubbling up from the pool floor. The warm, sulphur-laden water is said to cure skin diseases, and bathers still soak in it. Artefacts found at the site include two Ganesha statues, two Durga statues, one Agastya and a garuda with a human body, recorded by N.J. Krom in 1923.

The path to the site can be muddy and uneven after rain, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The grounds sit on a slope near the Elo River, so allow a little extra time to walk around comfortably.

The spring water that feeds the pools is believed by locals to help with skin conditions, and some visitors come specifically to bathe rather than to sightsee. This gives the site a living use that goes beyond simple tourism.