One of the most iconic and Instagrammed locations in Bali would undoubtedly be Lempuyang temple or Pura Lempuyang. Otherwise known as the Gates Of Heaven, Pura Lempuyang Temple offers visitors to this important Balinese temple more than just a photo opportunity for an Instagram feed. Located in the east of Bali, midway between Candidasa and Amed, and with spectacular views across to the majestic Gunung Agung volcano, Pura Lempuyang Temple is a must-visit destination for visitors to this corner of Bali, Indonesia.
The History Of Pura Lempuyang Temple
As we were exploring the grounds of Pura Lempuyang Temple, we were fortunate enough to meet and share some conversations with the temple priest, Manek. Manek shared the following history of Lempuyang and its significance to the Balinese people. Significant not just in the Karangasem Regency but to the Balinese Hindus throughout the entire Island of Bali.
Pura Lempuyang Temple is strategically situated on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang or Mount Lempuyang about 600 meters above sea level. One of Bali’s most important Hindu Temples, Pura Lempuyang Temple is a part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the six sanctuaries of the world and one of the six holiest places of worship on Bali.
Directional Temples
It is also the eastern temple in the island’s group of nine Directional Temples. These temples are strategically placed in all of the cardinal directions around the Island of Bali, as well as one placed centrally on the Island. And they are said to protect Bali from evil spirits that attempt to access Bali from all directions.
Pura Lempuyang Temple is closely associated with the Balinese God Iswara, who offers protection to the east of the Island. Pura Lempuyang, which translates to Pure Temple is also associated with its own distinct colour, white. Manek pointed out the distinct white colours in much of the stonework in the temple. He explained that the stones and rocks used to build the temple were brought over from nearby Nusa Penida, an island several miles off the coast of Bali.
The stones, shipped across the strait, were then carried on the heads of individuals, up the steep slopes of Mount Lempuyang to the current site of the temple. This would surely have been back-breaking work as well as an amazing achievement for all those involved all those centuries ago.
The Grounds of Pura Lempuyang Temple
Pura Lempuyang Temple comprises many temples that stretch high up the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. There is however only one temple that is open to the general public. To enter the temple visitors must first ensure they are wearing a sarong. These are supplied with your entry fee. However, our Bali travel tip is to purchase your own sarongs as you will likely use them many times during your travels around Bali.
Visitors will then be blessed with holy water before entering the temple grounds themselves. The holy water is sourced from the highest temple on Mount Lempuyang.
The Inner Sanctum
As you enter, to your right you will see three magnificent and ornate stone stairways leading to the inner sanctum. Each set of stairs, comprising in excess of sixty steps is guarded by a pair of dragons. Their bodies and tails extend beside the steps reaching the gates at the head of the stairs. Stone statues stand guard at various locations besides the dragons.
The sanctum courtyard is visible through the gates at the top of the stairs. The right gate is used for entry to the sanctum, whilst the left gate is used for exiting. The middle gate remains locked for all but occasional significant ceremonies. You may look inside the gates, however, visitors are strictly forbidden from entering.
Turning around at the top of the steps and you will be rewarded with magnificent views stretching across the temple courtyards, or outer sanctum, below and beyond to the Gunung Agung Volcano. Definitely stop here for a few minutes to take in the spectacular views. You really get to appreciate the massive dimensions of Gunung Agung Volcano from this vantage point.
The Gates Of Heaven
Returning to the temple courtyard, there are several bale used as meeting places before you come to the ‘Gates of Heaven’. Known as candi bentars, or split gates, these are traditional Balinese gateways commonly used as entry points to temples. Taken at the correct angles, fantastic photos of the gates with views through to Gunung Agung volcano will be your reward.
However, If you want your Instagram photo taken here, wait your turn! The queues can be big. Waiting an hour or so is not unheard of. The workers here know exactly how to take the best photos. So hand your phone or camera over to them and they will take the photos for you. This is included in your entry price to the Pura Lempuyang Temple, so no additional cost is required.
Walking through the gates and down another set of steps takes you to a lower temple courtyard. This is where I met the priest, Manek. It’s a peaceful, relaxing spot, and most definitely worth spending a few moments sitting in the shade of a tree reflecting on the temple you are visiting.
How To Get To Pura Lempuyang Temple
Pura Lempuyang Temple is in the eastern Bali regency of Karangasem. It’s located on Jalan Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, approximately 10 minutes off the main road between Candidasa and Amed. You are not able to drive up to the temple itself. Instead, you will be directed to a large car park. Here you can purchase tickets for the shuttle bus which takes you up the steep road to the temple complex.
Travelling from Candidasa, the closest major tourist area, will take about 45 minutes. And from Amed, you are looking at about a 25 minute travel time to get here. From the south of Bali, you would be looking at the best part of 2.15 – 2.30 hours to get here. Long travel times from the south make visiting the temple more suitable as a stop on an all-day tour of this region of Bali.
Entry Fees To Access Pura Lempuyang Temple
Once you arrive at the main car park, you will have to board a shuttle bus that takes you to the temple. The drive up the steep hill takes about 10 minutes or so and gets you within 500 metres of the temple. The cost for a return journey is 50k rupiah (approx $3.75 USD or $5 AUD). Entry tickets to the temple are purchased here and cost 100k rupiah (approx $7.50USD or $10 AUD).
From here it’s a 2-300-metre walk up a steep hill to the temple itself. It is steep, and some people may struggle with this last stretch. However, there are plenty of locals willing to drive you the remainder of the way on their scooter for an additional 10k each way! This place really is set up to get the maximum amount of money out of visitors.
Amenities And Facilities At Pura Lempuyang Temple
The main parking area at Pura Lempuyang Temple provides the usual array of warungs, souvenir shops and WC amenities. Charges apply to use these. At the terminus of the shuttle bus, there is the ticket booth, along with many more warungs and souvenir shops lining the road to the temple. Toilets are also available here. Once inside the temple complex, there are no toilets available so ensure you use the facilities prior to entering the temple if required.
Planning A Trip To Pura Lampuyang Temple
Given the relative isolation from the major tourist centres of the south, many visitors choose to incorporate a visit to Pura Lempuyang Temple with a tour of other attractions in the area. Other significant places of interest include Pura Besakih Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples in the whole of Bali. Virgin Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach, located just outside of Candidasa. And Taman Ujung Water Palace, with its magnificent gardens and spectacular views over the ocean. And another favourite spot, particularly famous with the Instagrammers, is Tirta Gangga, arguably the most famous of Bali’s water temples.
Final Thoughts
Remember that you are holidaying in the tropics and the weather is hot all year round. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring Pura Lempuyang Temple and it would be very easy to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and wear a hat. Use sunscreen liberally, even during overcast days. The last thing you want is to spend half of your hard-earned vacation sunburnt.
