The ancient well in Julah Village, Tejakula District, Buleleng Regency, is a historical relic imbued with spiritual meaning and serves as a symbol of the enduring connection between the community and their ancestors. Believed to date back to the Bali Kuno era, this well was once the main source of life for the villagers before modern irrigation systems were established. Physically, the well is constructed from neatly arranged limestone blocks without the use of cement, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of ancient times. The water from this well remains crystal clear and never dries up, even during long dry seasons, leading the villagers to believe that it possesses magical and sacred powers protected by divine forces.
In daily life, the ancient well serves not only as a source of water but also holds ritual significance. Before major village ceremonies such as piodalan (temple anniversaries) or ngusaba festivals, villagers perform the mendak toya tirta ritual, where holy water is drawn from the well. This process must be carried out with respect and accompanied by prayers and offerings (canang sari) to honor the spiritual guardians of the well. This practice reflects the belief that water symbolizes life and purity, inseparable from spiritual values.
Historically, the existence of this ancient well also provides evidence of Julah’s early civilization as one of the oldest settlements in North Bali. It is believed that the village ancestors built it to meet the community’s clean water needs long before the subak irrigation system was developed. Its strategic location near the main residential area indicates that the well once functioned as a social hub, a place where people gathered, exchanged stories, and strengthened communal bonds. Thus, the ancient well served not only utilitarian purposes but also acted as a medium for social unity and community cohesion.
Today, the ancient well remains carefully preserved by the people of Julah. The village government, along with local youth groups (sekaa teruna) and community security units (pecalang), regularly organize community clean-ups to maintain the well’s cleanliness and water quality. Moreover, the well has been introduced as part of Julah’s eco-cultural tourism attractions, emphasizing the values of tradition, spirituality, and environmental conservation.
Therefore, the ancient well of Julah Village is not merely a physical relic of the past but a cultural heritage imbued with deep philosophical meaning. It reflects how the people of Julah sustain harmony between physical and spiritual needs, between humans and nature, and between the present and their ancestral past. Through its preservation, the Julah community continues to uphold their identity as a society that honors history, spirituality, and the balance of life.