Sahabat Piling Hot Spring, Penebel: 7 Things to Know First

Natural Hot Spring Sahabat in Banjar Piling Kawan, Mengesta village, Penebel, is a privately owned hot spring pool charging Rp15,000 for Indonesian visitors and Rp25,000 for foreigners (detikBali, 28 December 2025). The owner, I Wayan Mediastra, has run it on his own since 2017 on a 36-are plot surrounded by rice fields. Here are seven things people often miss.

1. You pay into a box, not at a counter

There is no permanent attendant. Money goes into a box at the entrance hut, where the owner's phone number is posted. If nobody is around, call first to ask permission to bathe. Bring small notes.

2. Prices online are inconsistent

A detikBali list from February 2023 gave Rp10,000 and hours of 06:00-22:00. The December 2025 article gives Rp15,000 and Rp25,000 with no official hours, and one visitor review mentions Rp25,000 per person. Budget Rp15,000-25,000 per person (roughly US$1-1.50).

3. The road is narrow, a scooter is safer

The owner himself recommends coming by motorbike. Cars can get in, but the road is narrow and access is described as quite extreme, so drivers need extra care, especially after rain or after dark.

4. It gets busy from late afternoon into the night

The pool is lit, so most guests arrive from late afternoon until night. If you want it to yourself, morning or midday makes more sense.

5. The pool is small and the water is cloudy

The main pool is about 13 metres around and is filled from a tank that collects the spring. The water is cloudy from sulphur, not dirt. One review says there are three pools but only one is usable, and several reviews complain about cleanliness and upkeep. Do not expect the facilities of a commercial bathing complex like Penatahan.

6. The site is considered sacred

Behave respectfully, do not litter, and women who are menstruating may not bathe. The claim that the water helps skin conditions comes from the owner, not from research.

7. Do not confuse it with Belulang hot spring

Mengesta has more than one hot spring. Belulang hot spring is also in Mengesta, while Sahabat is in Banjar Piling Kawan. Make sure the map pin you follow is the right one.

Location and contact

• Address: Banjar Piling Kawan, Mengesta village, Penebel, Tabanan. View on Google Maps
• Entry: Rp15,000 Indonesians, Rp25,000 foreigners (detikBali, December 2025).
• Booking: not needed. Call the number on the hut if the owner is not on site.
• Instagram: search on Instagram

Mengesta borders Jatiluwih, so an evening soak here works well after a walk through the Jatiluwih rice terraces. Bring a small torch if you plan to leave after dark.