VisitBali

Lempuyang Temple

The 'Gates of Heaven' — Bali's most photographed temple · East Bali, Karangasem

Pura Lempuyang is one of the six holiest temple complexes in Bali — perched on the slopes of sacred Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. Its lower split-gate (Candi Bentar) frames a near-perfect view of Mount Agung and has become Bali's single most photographed spot, known the world over as the 'Gates of Heaven.'

About Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang is part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad — the six 'great temples of the world' that anchor Bali's spiritual geography. Pilgrims come here to worship Iswara, the manifestation of the supreme God in his role as the source of light. The complex stretches up Mount Lempuyang's slopes through seven temples connected by 1,700 stone steps.

The famous 'Gates of Heaven' photo is taken at the lowest temple in the complex, Pura Penataran Agung. The split gate frames Mount Agung in the distance, and the iconic 'mirror lake' reflection is actually created by a temple staff member holding a small mirror under the camera lens — there is no actual water on the floor of the gate.

Despite the photo's social-media fame, Lempuyang remains an active, deeply sacred site. A respectful sarong is required, ceremonies happen regularly, and the higher temples — particularly Lempuyang Luhur at the summit — are quiet, atmospheric and rarely crowded.

Highlights

  • The 'Gates of Heaven' photo at Pura Penataran Agung. Bali's iconic shot — the split gate framing Mount Agung. Arrive at sunrise to beat the queue (which can exceed 2 hours by mid-morning) and catch the.
  • Pura Lempuyang Luhur summit temple. 1,700 stone steps and roughly 90 minutes of climbing brings you to the summit temple at 1,175 metres — quiet, atmospheric and visited by very few tourists.
  • Seven-temple pilgrimage route. The complex includes seven sub-temples up the mountain. Most visitors stop at the lower temple.
  • Mount Agung viewpoints. On clear mornings, the lower courtyard offers one of Bali's most dramatic Mount Agung panoramas, particularly between 6 and 9 AM.
  • Macaque encounters. The forest above the lower temple is home to Balinese long-tailed macaques — keep food, sunglasses and bottles secured.

Practical Information

  • Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily (queue for the gate photo can close earlier on busy days)
  • Entrance fee: Donation entry IDR 55,000 + sarong rental IDR 25,000. Photo queue is free but timed
  • Suggested duration: 1.5–2 hours for the lower temple and photo; 4–5 hours if you climb to the summit
  • Best time to visit: Arrive before 7 AM for clear Mount Agung views and a 15-minute photo wait — by 10 AM the queue can be over 2 hours
  • Shuttle from car park to lower temple is mandatory: ~IDR 45,000 return
  • Photo numbers issued at entry — keep your ticket safe
  • Mirror photo trick is done by temple staff — small tip appreciated (IDR 20–50,000)

Address: Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia — view on Google Maps

Visitor Tips

  • Go early — sunrise (5:30–6:30 AM) gives you a near-empty courtyard and the best chance of clear Mount Agung views.
  • Wear a sarong (rentable on site) — bare knees and shoulders are not permitted.
  • Women who are menstruating cannot enter the temple complex — this is a strict religious rule across Bali.
  • Combine with Tirta Gangga water palace (15 minutes away) for an easy half-day East Bali trip.
  • If queues are long, climb a few stairs above the lower temple — the views are equally stunning and there's no wait.
  • Bring water and snacks — facilities at the upper temples are limited.

Getting There

  • From Amed: 45 minutes by scooter or driver — the easiest base.
  • From Ubud: 2–2.5 hours by private driver, often combined with Tirta Gangga.
  • From Sanur or Seminyak: 2.5–3 hours by car — best done as a full-day East Bali tour.
  • From Lovina: 3 hours via the cross-island route.
  • Public transport is impractical — book a private driver or join a small-group sunrise tour.

Nearby Attractions

  • Tirta Gangga Water Palace (12 km • 25 min drive) — Royal water palace with stepping-stone koi ponds — the perfect Lempuyang combo.
  • Amed Beach (30 km • 50 min drive) — Bali's best beach-entry snorkelling and diving — the ideal East Bali base.
  • Sidemen Village (45 km • 90 min drive) — Bali's most beautiful unspoiled rice-terrace valley, beneath Mount Agung.

Plan Your Bali Trip