Do’S And Don’t of Visiting Pura Lempuyang

The Gateway to Heaven–is a perfect description of Pura Lempuyang Temple in Bali. Being one of the most venerated, oldest and most sacred temples on the island, Pura Lempuyang is a great site to experience Balinese Hindu culture. Even though being extremely famous for its spot for “reflective” picture, it is also a highly regarded temple to obtain deep spiritual cultural experience. The temple itself sits atop Mount Lempuyang, 1.175 meters above sea level. Standing that high and witnessing the whole landscape from the temple gate, the surrealistic view will blow you away, that you literally feel like being on the entrance of heaven. Seeing this rare kind of beauty, we think everyone is eager to know about Pura Lempuyang more, right?

LAYOUT, LOCATION, AND HOW TO GET THERE Laid on the most eastern area of Bali, Pura Lempuyang Temple is around 2 hours from Ubud and 2½ hours from Canggu. Precisely, it takes place in Bisbis Hill, Abang District, Karangasem Regency.

The entirety of the temple consists of 7 different sanctuaries. It is also divided by lower part section and upper part section. Most popular Gateway to Heaven is the 1st temple or the main entrance that you can reach in 5-minute walk. The grandest and most profound temple stands tall at the top of the mountain’s peak. If you plan to hike all the way up to the highest crown jewel, expect having to climb more than 1700 stairs, which takes at least 3 hours including the return trip.

Whether you are on East, West or South part of Bali, there are accessible roads to Lempuyang temple. When you are feeling hassle-free, you can go there with a guide. A tour package can be a good option too. When in Ubud and around, check out The Udaya’s tour package and choose the one that will bring you to Pura Lempuyang Temple (totally hassle-free!). However, if you opt to go alone, renting is also a choice. Starts from scooters rent at around Rp. 50,000 per day, to driver rent at around Rp. 500,000 per day per 8 hours. WHAT TO EXPECT AT PURA LEMPUYANG TEMPLE BALI Pura Lempuyang Temple is an all-in-one spot for challenging mountain trekking, sacred and ancient site to pray, cultural education, gram-worthy pictures, or just to relish the phenomenal view among the clouds.

The physically adventurous part of the temple is the stairs hiking. The seemingly endless stairs is worth to climb for those who are curious of the upper part of the temple. The higher the point, the more sacred it gets. On the higher level which is closer to the sky, anyone can send a sincere prayer. One interesting information from the local, is that we should not complain during the way up climbing, because the journey might get harder. So, enjoy the height and the hike!

If you happened to have seen the dream-like “reflective” shot at Gateway to Heaven, you may wonder, is that photoshopped or after-rain effect? Nope. Neither one of them is true. The trick is: Mirror. Have someone or something stand in a precise position, hold the mirror under your camera, and be surprised with how genius that trick is.

Let’s say the queue is too long and you don’t go there for merely a picture, you have plenty other things to savour through your eyes. The entire scenery all the way up is a special reward from nature. Take time to also learn about the embedded culture within. If your camera cannot save the memory, let your senses and brain do the job.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE THE VISIT Take note that this religious place is highly sacred. As a visitor, be respectful. Here are some handy tips to bear in mind:

Cover your shoulder and knees – You won’t be given the permission to enter if your shoulders and knees are visible. Consider a t-shirt and bring a sarong for your outfit (there is sarong rental for Rp. 10,000/each if you forget to bring one).

No kissing – It is considered scandalous to kiss in the public especially in a solemnly religious place.

No drones – Even though there have been several drone photos of Pura Lempuyang, it’s actually prohibited.

No sitting on or climbing on the walls, raised platform, statues or temples – Be polite since it is believed as the site of Gods.

No visit from woman on a period or anyone with bleeding wound – They are considered impure to enter a holy temple.

OPENING HOURS & ENTRANCE FEE This temple opens everyday from 7AM to 5PM, but opens 24/7 for worship purposes. The entrance fee is donation-based, we recommend you to donate around Rp. 10,000 - Rp. 30,000 each person, but feel free to donate more.

The best time to visit? Depends on you! People recommend to come on sunrise or sunset (hopefully not cloudy). Given that you don’t bother to queue, sunrise is the best option with minimum to zero crowd. If you want more hours of sleep in the morning, sunset’s golden hour will awe you away.

The Pura Lempuyang definitely is a spot not to forfeit during a Bali trip. When there are seemingly many rules to abide, your mindset is the key. If you have in mind that the temple is a site for deep respect or reverence to Bali as a whole, also behave and treat it accordingly, you’ll receive vast happiness and enlightenment in return.