Lempuyang Temple: Bali’s Gates of Heaven | All You Need To Know

Lempuyang Temple stands out as a renowned destination in Bali, capturing the attention of many with its widespread popularity. If you’ve come across numerous online images of this site and are now eager to experience it first-hand, you’re not alone. The mesmerizing vistas of Mount Agung and the intricate design of the temple are the captivating features that attract visitors to Lempuyang Temple, often referred to as “The Gateway to Heaven”.

Join us as we embark on a virtual expedition to discover the secrets of this sacred sanctuary, perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. As we ascend the stone steps, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by the whispers of the dense jungle, we will unravel the mystical allure that has drawn pilgrims and travellers alike to this mystical temple for centuries.

What is Lempuyang Temple?

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Lempuyang Luhur), is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali, believed to have ancient origins, dating back to the 11th century. Dedicated to the god of prosperity, Hyang Gni Jaya, Lempuyang Temple is considered one of the six holiest temples in Bali and holds great spiritual significance for the Balinese people.

Perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, the temple complex comprises various smaller temples, with the primary sanctuary positioned at the peak. Lempuyang Temple holds significant importance as a pilgrimage destination for Balinese Hindus, who ascend the 1,700 steps to reach the central sanctuary atop the summit. Pilgrims hold the belief that the pilgrimage to the temple purifies the soul and attracts blessings.

One of the impressive features of Lempuyang Temple is its iconic split gate, known as the “Gates of Heaven” or “Candi Bentar,” which frames a stunning view of Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali as its backdrop.

Where is Lempuyang Temple?

Lempuyang Temple is situated in the Karangasem regency of Bali, Indonesia. It is positioned on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang and is approximately 80 km northeast of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali.

The driving time to Lempuyang Temple can vary depending on traffic conditions and your location. If you’re travelling from Ubud, you can expect the journey to take around 2 hours, or around 2:30 hours if you’re travelling from Kuta. Click here to get directions to Lempuyang Temple.

As this attraction is quite a distance away from most lodging options, we suggest enhancing your journey by pairing it with a visit to a nearby attraction like the Tirta Gangga, Ubud area, or the scenic Tegalalang rice fields to maximize your overall experience.

Considering extra time for your travel is crucial, particularly if you’re on the road during peak traffic hours or if you encounter road closures or alternate routes. Bali’s streets can become heavily congested, especially when tourist seasons are at their peak, so it’s wise to carefully schedule your journey.

How do I get to Lempuyang Temple?

There are plenty of ways to get to Lempuyang Temple in Bali, Indonesia. Depending on where you are commuting from, the distance and time may vary. Among the popular modes of transport are:-

1. Using a Ride-Sharing Service

• Make sure to download apps such as Grab and Gojek as these 2 are the most popular ride-sharing service in Bali, Indonesia.

2. By Private Transportation

• If you’re staying at a hotel or villa in Bali, you can arrange for private transportation through your accommodation. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can help you hire a private car and driver for the day.
• Generally, the duration of the car rental is for 10 – 11 hours, inclusive of petrol and an English speaking driver. By taking this option, you can customise your own itinerary without the hassle of driving to places. Prices for the private car rental starts from 650k Rupiah.

3. Joining a Tour

• Many tour operators in Bali offer day tours that include a visit to Lempuyang Temple as part of their itinerary. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and a guide arranged for you.
• During our trip to Bali, Indonesia, we joined a private tour which handled all our transportation needs. We’d highly recommend this option, especially if you are travelling in larger groups, so that you can relax and leave all the itinerary planning to the tour operator.

4. By Renting a Scooter or Car

• Another option is to rent a scooter or car, which is cheaper option and gives you more flexibility in your schedule. However, please note that Bali traffic can be chaotic, so driving may be challenging for some travellers.

5. By Public Bus or Shuttle

• While Bali does have public transportation options, it might not be the most convenient way to reach Lempuyang Temple, as public transport routes are limited, and schedules can be irregular. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

When is the best time to visit Lempuyang Temple?

You can visit Lempuyang Temple all year round, depending on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the experience you seek. Generally, the best season to visit Bali, Indonesia is during the dry season (April to October) where you can expect much more sunnier days and minimal rainfall.

What time is Lempuyang Temple open?

The Lempuyang Temple welcomes visitors daily from 6am – 7pm. Be advised though, that the wait times can reach a few hours if you arrive late. Since we stayed at Kuta area, we started our journey as early as 3am, arriving just before 5am to get our queue number 5 for picture taking. Those visitors arriving slightly later at 5:45am were number 50 in line and had an estimated waiting time of 1:30 hours.

Thus, to make the most of your visit and reduce any potential waiting, we advise arriving early, ideally before the majority of tour vans and buses begin to arrive.

How much is the entrance fees to visit Lempuyang Temple?

It is important to note that the entrance fees for Lempuyang Temple may change each year based on its popularity among tourists, with ticket prices often rising over time.

Currently, the admission fee is IDR 55,000 per person, and an extra IDR 45,000 is required for the shuttle bus ticket from the parking area to the temple. The journey from the parking area to the temple involves an uphill and winding road, taking approximately 10 minutes by bus.

What to expect at Lempuyang Temple?

Upon arriving at Lempuyang Temple, securing a queue number is a must for those eager to capture a photo at the iconic “Gates of Heaven.” The waiting time can vary significantly, potentially spanning hours depending on your assigned number.

Around 7 am, the temple comes alive with locals gracefully walking through the gate to reach the prayer area. While this picturesque scene momentarily interrupts photography, the cultural spectacle is truly beautiful to witness. Along the temple grounds, small cafes provide a delightful opportunity to pause, sip on coffee, and rejuvenate. If your visit is early in the morning, be prepared for a slight chill in the air, and consider bringing jackets for warmth.

After settling the entrance fee, you receive a complimentary sarong, allowing you to choose your preferred colour. Once adorned, you can enter the temple grounds, essentially transforming your visit into a personalized photoshoot. A dedicated photographer will use your phone to capture images, and it’s customary to offer a small tip in appreciation. These skilled photographers employ mirrors to craft the illusion of a reflective pond, a popular motif across social media. Additionally, a guide with a speakerphone directs participants, signalling pose changes and announcing the next set of numbers.

Each individual is allotted a brief one-minute photography session, resulting in approximately four solo photos and four group shots for couples or families. Given the limited time, it’s advisable to practice poses in advance, considering the watchful eyes of onlookers that can add an element of intimidation.

Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting yoga poses, kissing, or lifting if your feet extend above your waist. For those keen on capturing photos on the steps, be prepared for potential delays; we opted to abandon the queue after a half-hour wait and proceeded to explore the nearby attraction, Tirta Gangga. This decision allowed us to make the most of our time and discover additional wonders in the vicinity.

What Is The Dress Code For Lempuyang Temple?

To ensure a respectful visit to Balinese temples, visitors must adhere to specific guidelines:

• Avoid taking photos directly in front of worshippers.
• Respect small offerings (canang sari) by refraining from stepping over or treading on them.
• Wearing a sarong to cover knees and ankles is essential, and it’s crucial to have shoulders and midriffs covered.
• In case you do not have the suitable attire, don’t fret as you can rent or purchase a sarong at the temple premises for a small fee.

Useful tips

• Obviously don’t forget your camera!
• Bring cash as they don’t accept cards here.
• Make sure to adhere to the dress code at Lempuyang Temple, which entails wearing modest attire covering the shoulders and knees.
• Carry along a hat, shades and sunscreen as it can get pretty hot here.
• Refrain from entering any temple if menstruating, as it is considered impure. The same restriction applies to individuals with running sores or bleeding wounds.
• Don’t climb or sit on the temple walls, platforms or statues.
• We recommend starting your visit with Lempuyang Temple and then proceeding to the nearby Tirta Gangga attraction.

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