TIMES MALAYSIA, MALANG – Nestled in the tranquil village of Watugede in East Java, Indonesia, lies a hidden historical gem, Petirtaan Watugede. It is an ancient royal bathing pool that echoes the grandeur of the Singhasari Kingdom.

Believed to have been a sacred place for the royal family, this bathing site is deeply intertwined with the legendary Queen Ken Dedes. this queen beauty and destiny were said to shape the course of Javanese history.

A Discovery from the Colonial Era

The site came to light in 1925 when Dutch archaeologists unearthed the long-lost stone structure, partly hidden by time and nature. Since then, Petirtaan Watugede has been recognized not only as an archaeological treasure but also as a place of spiritual significance.

Unlike other royal relics that have been lost to decay, the petirtaan (sacred spring or bathing place) remains active, with clear water still flowing endlessly from ancient stone spouts, a testament to the enduring natural spring that feeds it.

Design and Spiritual Symbolism

The main pool, measuring approximately 7 meters in length and 3 meters in width, retains its original layout. One corner of the pool still features a partially preserved garuda statue, the mythical bird-like creature and the mount of Lord Vishnu symbolizing divine protection.

This statue stands humbly under the wide canopy of a sacred elo tree, a revered element in Javanese spiritual belief.

While many of the other statues and ornaments that once adorned the pool have disappeared over the centuries, their memory is preserved through oral traditions and historical records.

Some surviving statues were relocated in the 1970s to the Trowulan Museum in Mojokerto for conservation, reflecting efforts to preserve the legacy of Java’s Hindu-Buddhist past.

A Royal Ritual Site

In its prime, Petirtaan Watugede was more than a place for bathing; it was a center of ritual purification. Historical accounts suggest that members of the royal household would perform spiritual cleansing here.

It is before continuing their pilgrimage to nearby Candi Sumberawan, a Buddhist stupa nestled west of the site. This ritual underscored the Javanese synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism during the 13th century, a period when spirituality, politics, and cosmology were deeply intertwined.

Today’s Living Heritage

Unlike many ancient sites that have become mere tourist attractions, Petirtaan Watugede continues to serve as a serene retreat. The surrounding trees offer a cool, shaded environment, and the sound of flowing water invites peaceful contemplation.

Entry is free of charge.  Visitors are simply asked to sign a guestbook, humble gesture in exchange for experiencing a piece of Javanese royal heritage.

Despite the erosion of time, Petirtaan Watugede retains its sacred aura. Locals still believe the waters possess purifying qualities, and traditional ceremonies are occasionally held during auspicious Javanese calendar days.

Visiting Info

• Location: Desa Watugede, Singosari, Malang Regency, East Java
• Open: Daily, no entrance fee (guestbook registration required)
• Highlights: Ancient garuda statue, sacred spring, historical pilgrimage route

For those seeking not just historical insight but also a moment of quiet reflection, Petirtaan Watugede offers both. (*)