A Complete Guide to Bali's Insta-famous 'Gate of Heaven' in Lempuyang Temple

I'm sure you've seen those breathtaking pics of the gate up in the clouds with that awesome water reflection, whether on Instagram from a travel influencer, featured in a blog post, or even made its way onto your TikTok FYP. This enchanting site, well-known as the 'Gate of Heaven,' has become a pilgrimage for those exploring Bali.

However, I'm here to peel back the curtain and reveal that the reality is a tad different, perhaps even a bit deceptive. In this comprehensive guide, I'll provide you with all the insights you need to decide whether it lives up to the hype.

Location

This Insta-famous spot is located in the eastern part of Bali island, precisely at the Hindu temple known as Lempuyang Temple in the Karangasem Regency. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from both the airport and the city center.

How to Get There?

Regrettably, there are no public transportation options available to reach this remote location. However, there are two alternatives you can consider:

1. Private Day Tour

For a seamless and picture-perfect experience, consider booking a private day tour. These tours, starting from just IDR 500, not only include Lempuyang Temple but also a curated itinerary that takes you to other remarkable destinations in Karangasem. Picture this: hassle-free pick-up and drop-off services from the airport or your hotel.

But here's the real kicker – most of Bali's guides are photography wizards! They go above and beyond to ensure you leave with Instagram-worthy photos that will leave your friends in awe.

Here are some day tour options you can consider.

2. Car or Motorbike Rent

For the thrill-seekers and adventurers, there's the option of renting a car, starting at IDR 250k per day, or a motorbike, kicking off at just IDR 70k per day. If you're not a seasoned road warrior, I'd recommend the motorbike, as the winding roads can be a bit challenging. The best part? You don't need an international license – just flash your passport, make a deposit, and you're off on your Bali road trip adventure!

But, please note the Google Maps direction is a bit confusing. My friend and I almost got lost because directions from Google Maps directed me to a shortcut surrounded by rice fields. We circled the same road several times until a local offered to take us to the temple and ended up paying IDR 40k

Here are some car and motorbike rental services you can try.

Best Time to Visit

Pura Lempuyang opens for tourist daily from 7 am to 5 pm. But here's an insider tip : arrive as early as the roosters crow, as the queues can be overwhelmingly long. I personally arrived at the 9.30 am and ended up waiting for a 4 solid hours to get that 1-minute photo session at the iconic gate of heaven, which everyone queues up for.

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee is 100k IDR for foreigners and 30k IDR for locals. But, because it's a bit of a trek from the parking lot to the temple, about a 5-minute drive up a winding road, they offer a shuttle bus service for an extra IDR 45k IDR per person. You can buy the ticket easily on the spot, so don't need to get the ticket in advance.

In addition to that, there's a parking fee of 10k IDR for cars and 5k IDR for motorbikes.

Dress Code & Etiquette

As this is a sacred place, modest attire is a must. The key rules are to ensure your shoulders and knees are respectfully covered. As you approach the entrance, the staff will provide you with a piece of fabric called sarong to cover your lower half. And, if your top exposes your shoulders, they'll also offer you a smaller piece of fabric to cover them up.

Please note that women during their period are not allowed to enter this sacred site. And for you the lovey-dovey couple, public displays of affections, such as kissing, are forbidden, even during the photo sessions.

What To Expect in Lempuyang Temple.

Lempuyang Temple is perched 1,175 meters above sea level, nestled within a lush forested area that offers a captivating view of Mount Agung, Bali's tallest volcano.

Upon passing through the entrance gate, you'll receive a ceremonial splash of holy water. The temple complex comprises two tiers with a total of seven temples. To reach the highest point, be prepared to ascend a staircase of 1,700 steps.

When you enter the gate, the staff will splash you with the holy water.

As soon as you arrive at the gate, you will see the temple with typical Bali's architecture. There are two layers of the temple area, and 7 temple in total. you'll need to conquer a 1,700-step staircase.

While the 'Gate of Heaven' steals the limelight, Lempuyang Temple offers more than meets the eye. While patiently awaiting your turn for that iconic photo at the 'Gate of Heaven,' you can also explore other captivating facets.

You may encounter locals offering photography services at other Instagram-worthy spots behind the temple, such as the treehouse, etc. The pictures they showed me looked pretty good actually, but I'm not sure about the price.

Is The Water Reflection Real?

I hate to burst the bubble, but it is not real. They've pulled off this cool water illusion using a tiny dark mirror positioned under the camera. I suppose it's all part of elevating the Instagram game. But, even without the reflection, those pictures are still bomb. Especially when the sky's clear, 'cause then you get that epic view of Mount Agung right smack in the middle of the gate.

Finally, Is The 'Gate of Heaven' Worth It?

If you're an Instagram influencer seeking those jaw-dropping photos for your Feed or someone genuinely interested in Bali's culture and cultural sites in general, then it's absolutely worth it. However, if you're not heavily into Instagram or Pinterest-worthy photos, it might feel like a bit too much effort.

I visited in June 2023 and captured stunning pictures, although I haven't posted them on any platform yet. Do I regret the visit? Not at all. For me, it was about satisfying my curiosity and checking it off my list. Would I visit again someday? Definitely not. This is the kind of tourist spot you only need to experience once.

So, with all these facts, would you want to visit the 'Gate of Heaven' in Lempuyang Temple, Bali?

Let me know in the comment.