The Lempuyang temple is probably one of the most photographed temples in Bali, located on the slope of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem, east Bali. Locally known as Pura Luhur, Lempuyang is one of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded temples. It is also believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island!
The temple complex, consisting of 7 temples, is considered to be one of the six holiest worshipped places in Bali and definitely one to add to your list of Bali tours to take! Most people don’t visit all 7 temples, but if you are up for the challenge, it will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete the whole circuit, and we think it’s completely worth it.
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One temple in particular is very popular amongst tourists, well known as the ‘Gateway To Heaven’, as it became famous due to countless photos posted on social media.
Although most of the 7 temples are easily accessible, the Luhur Temple will kick your ass, as there are 1440 steps to conquer! It’s an intense workout and the steps are pretty steep.
Why you should go to Lempuyang Temple:
When visiting this attraction, you’ll get to see 7 temples, most of which are walking distance to each other! And if you go on a clear, sunny day, you’ll get a glimpse of Mount Agung in the backdrop!
How to get to Lempuyang Temple:
The temple complex is far from the touristy areas as it’s located in East Bali. From Ubud City Center, the temple is 73-76km one way and depending on traffic it will take over 2 hours to get there. It can be easily reached by car or even easier, book a tour with a guide/driver!
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Best time to visit Lempuyang Temple:
The temple is open for visitors daily from 7am – 5pm, although it is open 24 hours for worship purposes. How busy the place is will depend on the time of year you go – April – October are usually the busiest months.
However, if you get there by sunrise the temple will usually be pretty quiet any time of year, before the crowds start arriving late morning. If you’re not a morning person, the view is also breathtaking during the golden hour before the sun sets.
Entrance fees
The entrance fee for Lempuyang Temple has now been changed and is 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) per person. You also need to pay 50,000 IDR ($3.50) per person to take a shuttle that brings you to the top of mountain where you will find the Lempuyang Temple entrance.
Prior to 2022, the entrance fee to Lempuyang Temple was free and only required a small temple donation. On our private Bali Instagram tour, you won’t need to worry about paying the Lempuyang Temple entrance fee, as our private Bali tour is all-inclusive so we got you covered.
Best photo spot:
There are many photo opportunities but 1 spot in particular: ‘The Gateway To Heaven temple’: probably the most photographed attraction in Bali, with views on Mount Batur.
You’ve probably seen a lot of pictures all over the internet of this temple, and many people assume there is a lake in front of the gate, because of its reflection showing in many photos. Note sure what I mean?
A quick google search will help you understand! But like any magic trick, it is smoke and mirrors! Most of the local tour guides have a clever photography hack using a mirror under their cell phone camera. In real life, there isn’t a lake in front of the gate! So, although no photoshop or rain is needed, a tip for the mirror holder will be expected.
Tips:
- You must dress modestly! This means shoulders covered and long pants or skirt for the gals. You can rent sarongs at the temple for around 20,000 IDR.
- Respect the rules of the temples
- Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go. If it’s a cloudy day, you won’t be able to see Mount Agung.
- Although the whole loop of Pura Lempuyang Temple takes about 4 hours, the famous photo spot is located at the first temple – just a 5 minute walk!
- No drones are allowed at the temple
- No kissing or other public displays of affections – Pura Lempuyang Temple Bali is a very religious Hindu temple so any form of kissing in public is seen as scandalous.
