Lempuyang Temple, Bali: A No FOMO Indonesia Traveler’s Guide
Planning a trip to see the famous “Gates of Heaven” at Pura Lempuyang Temple, Bali?
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, Lempuyang Temple in east Bali is one of the island’s oldest and most revered temple complexes. Its claim to fame, the Bali Gates of Heaven, features one of the best views of Mount Agung volcano and beautiful temple architecture, rich with Balinese heritage.
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Lempuyang Temple. We’ll cover the best way to get there, entrance fees and the shuttle system, the best times to visit, things to do, and any final tips!
Don’t get FOMO! Lempuyang Temple is one of the most instragrammable Bali bucket list things to do! If you’re looking to capture breathtaking images all around the island of Bali, book your own private Bali Instagram Tour – with stops at all of the most photogenic places like Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and even more magnificent sites.
Overview of Lempuyang Temple Complex
Lempuyang Temple, also known as “Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang,” is part of a highly regarded group of Balinese Hindu temples. The temples on Mount Lempuyang, including the one at the top, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, are considered some of the most sacred places of worship on the island as part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”.
The famous landmark Gate of Heaven (a split gateway called a “Candi Bentar”) is a majestic stone gate that perfectly frames north towards beautiful Mount Agung Volcano. Unfortunately, with its newfound celebrity status have come hordes of visitors and long queues – sometimes up to two or three hours!
But actually, The Lempuyang Temple complex consists of seven different temples, each separated by many stairs. If you’re willing to hike, most tourists only ever walk the first due to its thigh-burner path of 4-hour staircases. Nevertheless, those willing to push themselves will be rewarded with fantastic views await, although none as iconic as the Gate of Heaven.
Where is the Gates of Heaven Located?
Heaven’s Gate is the first series of seven in the temple complex. It is only a 5 minute walk from the ticket booth.
Where is Lempuyang Temple?
Lempuyang Temple is located in the Karangasem Regency in eastern Bali, within the highlands of Mount Lempuyang, about 2 hours from Ubud, 2 and a half hours from Canggu, and just 30 minutes from Amed.
There are two routes to get there:
- If you’re coming from Amed: Take the main highway until you hit Amed – then veer off onto a winding road that hugs the coast. This inclining road will eventually take you past Lahangan Sweet straight to the entrance of Lempuyang.
- If you’re coming from Ubud or further south: Right after Tirtaganga Water Garden, turn up the mountain and follow signs for Lempuyang Temple.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get to Lempuyang Temple?
The best way to get to Lempuyang Temple is by car or scooter. You’ll have to climb a winding road leading up to the temple complex.
The cheapest way to get to Lempuyang Temple, Bali, is by renting and driving your own scooter (Click here to pre-reserve a scooter, and they will even deliver!).
Nevertheless, be mindful that the roads leading up can be quite steep. I’d only suggest riding a scooter if you feel secure and confident with them.
Depending on where you’re coming from in Bali, it can be a lengthy drive for a day trip. I recommend you make an overnight stop and begin your journey in Amed. Plus, it’s a great place to get some snorkeling in. There are plenty of rental services or accommodations throughout both Amed and Bali.
The second best way is to book an all-day private transport with a driver willing to wait for you as you explore Lempuyang. With this approach, you can create your own Bali itinerary with attractions like the Lahangan Sweet and Tirta Gangga Water Palace!
Don’t forget to get some travel insurance while scootering around in Asia.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry—rocking those knee and elbow bandages is a real look in Southeast Asia. I personally use Safety Wings for nomads, which only charges me $42 monthly until canceled and covers all my medical for most extreme activities.
Tours to Lempuyang Temple
Visiting Lempuyang Temple certainly does not require a guided tour, but since there’s no public transportation in Bali, you might almost be paying the same for private transport.
Considering booking this Bali Instagram Tour, which comes with a knowledgeable local guide who can show you all the best photo spots and answer any questions you may have about other included destinations like:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Tegalallang Rice Terraces
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace
- Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
- Tegenungan Waterfalls
- Ubud Arts Handicraft Villages
I recommend joining Bali Instagram Tours, particularly because it has stellar 5-star reviews from 100+ people. Check one of the reviews below:
“This excursion was so much more than I expected. I had a fabulous guide named Suparta (Wayan). He picked me up from my hotel right on time. And made the 2.5 trip to the Gates of Heaven trip go by so fast. I’m so curious about the Balinese culture and history, and he did a great job answering all of them. The sights and sounds along the journey were mesmerizing….Amazing day! Amazing guide!”
-tothemaxy (SEE MORE REVIEWS on Viator)
Pura Lempuyang Temple Information
How Much is the Entrance to Lempuyang Temple?
The Lempuyang Temple Complex Entrance Fee is 55,000 IDR, which includes a sarong and someone to take your photo at the Gate of Heaven. This is after you have paid the 50,000 IDR for the shuttle if you came from the south.
From the ticketing booth, awaiting motorbikes ask you if you want to bypass the hill (5 minute steep walk) for a small fee.
The Shuttle System
To address the issue of overcrowding, Lempuyang initiated a shuttle system in 2022 to help reduce traffic congestion and the lack of parking space.
Visitors are now required to use the shuttle bus for an additional 50,000 IDR on top of the entry ticket fee. The ride only lasts 5-10 minutes and leaves frequently.
Insider Tip! If you come from the direction of Tirta Gangga, you will have to pay the shuttle bus fee. However, if you’re in Amed, an alternate coastal road bypasses this extra cost as it will take you directly toward the admission gate.
Dress code for Lempuyang Temple
As usual when touring the majority of Hindu temples, be sure to cover both your shoulders and knees. It is customary for men and women alike to maintain a certain level of modesty when visiting a sacred Hindu temple, so keep a sarong or other appropriate clothing item at hand when exploring any of Bali’s majestic temples.
However, if you don’t have anything, the ticketing area can provide you with a sarong and a shawl free of charge.
Lempuyang Temple Opening Hours
Lempuyang temple is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day.
Best Time of Year to Visit
For the clearest views, plan to visit during the dry season, which runs from April through October – this is when you’ll have the highest chance of seeing Mount Agung.
During November through March, it can be a bit unpredictable due to being situated on top of a mountain – however, the greenery is definitely more vibrant this time of year.
Best Time of Day to Visit
The best time to visit is right when Lempuyang opens, at 6 am, just before or around sunrise. Since many people come via tours, you can beat the crowds and not have to queue for so long.
Even so, the weather on this very high mountain can change quickly, so you may or may not be in luck regarding the constantly changing cloud cover. Generally speaking, though, mornings are more likely to provide greater visibility.
For people who don’t really care about the picture and just want to visit this one of the holiest places of worship, late afternoons will see smaller crowds as most of the Instagrammers and tour busses have already left for the day.
What to Expect: How to Capture THE Gate of Heaven Photo
When you pay for your ticket, you will receive a number to queue for the iconic photo spot. I showed up at 7:15am with my favorite travel camera Sony A6400, and there was already an hour-long wait. Of course, you don’t have to wait around if you don’t mind skipping the photo shoot.
One by one, the numbers are called out. As you await your turn, it’s entertaining to see the horde of people strategizing their poses and impatiently waiting for their number to be called.
In the center of the square, two locals are ready to assist with queue numbers and taking photos. When your turn is up, simply provide them with your assigned number and phone before heading towards the gates. Tell them if you want it captured on video as you walk there!
The photographer will call “next position,” and you’ll have approximately about five poses until the next person’s turn.
Consider tipping if your guide helps you capture great photos!
The Mirror Water Illusion
You may have seen those Instagram photos of the Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple behind a body of seemingly still pool of water? In fact, it’s all an illusion!
To create this mesmerizing photo, all you need is a low-angled smooth black stone placed beneath your phone that acts as a small mirror. The reflective quality it produces looks impressive and genuine. Even fake, you can’t deny how beautiful the results are!
What to Expect: Other Tips
Most of these are common rules for all Buddhist or Hindu temples in Asia.
- Dress modestly! Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Drones are not allowed to be flown, and there are signs for this, even though there are obvious footage of people doing this. I use a DJI Air2, but the DJI Mini 3 is on my wishlist.
- No kissing at the temple.
- Don’t raise your feet above your head. Many people attempt to do crazy yoga poses, which is disrespectful to Balinese culture.
- Climb further than the typical tourist and explore all 7 unique temples.
Where to Stay Nearby
Nearby Amed has plenty of accommodations available for all types of travelers, from budget-savvy backpackers to luxury jet-setters.
Here is a place to stay for each budget:
LUXURIOUS BEACHSIDE INFINITY POOL – Shunyata Villas Bali
Book a stay at Shunyata Villas Bali for a secluded and luxurious getaway! Unwind in the privacy of your villa with stunning views of the ocean and an infinity pool.
Enjoy activities like Tai Chi and Yoga, diving, hiking, or snorkeling. Rejuvenate with wellness treatments like massage, yoga, and meditation. Dine at the on-site restaurant with healthy meals delivered straight to your villa.
Check Rates for Shunyata Villas Bali (Photo: Agoda) 
(Photo: Agoda)
AFFORDABLE BEACHVIEW PRIVATE ROOMS – Villa Sky Dancer
Stay at Villa Sky Dancer,Bali and experience affordable luxurious comfort and breathtaking views! Enjoy amenities such as an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and terrace with room service, and a tour desk.
Savour à la carte American or Asian breakfast options, plus other international cuisines. There is also a bar at the hotel where you can relax with stunning sunset views while enjoying amazing cocktails right from the pool!
Bucket List Worthy: Is Lempuyang Temple worth visiting?
If you don’t mind massive crowds and queues, Lempuyan Temple is worth visiting just for the photos! Lempuyang Temple is undeniably an excellent place for photography lovers and Instagrammers. However, if you are just looking for great views of Mount Agung, I recommend going to the coastal town of Jeremulak or Lahangan Sweet instead.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.