LEMPUYANG TEMPLE - THE GATE OF HEAVEN

Lempuyang Temple is believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. Definitely a highlight on any travel itinerary for the fit and adventurous, the main temple lies at 1,175m above sea level, up on the peak of the namesake Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. The heights are reachable via a steep staircase of over 1,700 steps, with attractions along the way including several other temples and hordes of grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding cool mountain forests.

How to Get to Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang Temple located in east Bali within the highlands of Mount Lempuyang which is easily accessible from any areas of Bali. The distance around 89 kms from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport, or 2 hours 30 minutes by car and drive to the east via Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. If you stay in Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, and Seminyak area you will need 2 hours to get there, and it's depending of the traffic condition. Is there no public transportation to Pura Lempuyang Temple, so we recommend hiring a car with driver and taking a tour of Easthern Bali to discover some popular places, like Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung Water Palace, Candidasa and much more.

What to Expect at Lempuyang Temple

On the slopes of Mount Lempuyang sits Pura Lempuyang Luhur, otherwise known as Lempuyang Temple. This is one of the key nine directional temples on the island of Bali, where you can find the famous The Gate of Heaven and grants spectacular sunset views at dusk as it is situated high on the mountain slope. There are two sections to the temple, a lower level and an upper level. The latter is worth the climb up the seemingly infinite staircase – this is definitely a temple with a view. The view from the temple is very beautiful, as you will see an amazing panorama of Mount Agung.

The beautiful forest around the temple is known as the lungs of the island of Bali. To reach the temple Lempuyang, you pass the road with lots of turns and climbs. To reach the main temple, we have to climb more than 1,500 steps. The scenery along the way to the temple is very beautiful and tourists get to enjoy the refreshing cool air of the forest. A very unique fact is that one does not feel the clothes getting wet even when we pass through the clouds around us. Beside the famous Gateway to Heaven, Pura Luhur Lempuyang presents another unique mystery. A Pelinggih named Tirta Pingit (Secret) is located between the clumps of bamboo that grow on the top of Pura Luhur Lempuyang.

There are only 3 groves of bamboo that grow in that place. From the clump of bamboo, the Pemangku (Priest) of Pura Tirta Lempuyang Luhur gets Tirta (Holy Water). And then gives it to pemedek (people who perform the ceremony or prayer) as well as tourists who pray. To get the holy water or Tirta, the priest (Pemangku) will cut a piece of bamboo and from within the cut bamboo comes out the holy water for Tirta. And strangely, the bamboo has never stopped growing even though it is cut very often. You can drink the water in the bamboo reeds. It feels very fresh, but then you will only get a little bit when you pray.

Lempuyang Temple History

Lempuyang Temple also known as Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang is one of Sad Kahyangan Jagad or six main temples which are believed as the pillars of Bali. Other temples are Pura Besakih, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. The word Sad was derived from Sanskrit word means six and Kahyangan means place of Gods. Hence, Sad Kahyangan could be translated into six places of Gods.

The establishment of places of worship around Mount Lempuyang is believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island of Bali. The temples of Mount Lempuyang, represented by Pura Lempuyang Luhur, the highest temple in the area, is grouped one complex of temple which represents the Pura Sad Kahyangan Luhur Lempuyang. The temple groups are considered as part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the six sanctuaries of the world, the six holiest places of worship on Bali.

According to Balinese beliefs, they are the pivotal points of the island and are meant to provide spiritual balance to Bali. The temple groups of Mount Lempuyang is also one of the group of temples in Bali known as Pura Kahyangan Padma Bhuwana. Each of the temple in the Pura Kahyangan Padma Bhuwana marked each of the eight cardinal directions. Pura Lempuyang Luhur represents the direction of east (purwa) and the color white. This direction is associated with the domain of Balinese the god Iswara.

Lempuyang Temple Entrance Ticket

If previously visitors could explore the temple and give donations. Now for international visitors, the entrance fee is IDR 55.000. The admission ticket doesn’t include a sarong, prepare IDR 10.000 for the rent or bring one. Besides the entrance ticket, now to get to the temple visitors will have to park their private vehicles in the parking area. Then continue with the shuttle bus which cost another IDR 50.000 for a return trip.

Adult : IDR 55,000
Children : IDR 25,000
Sarong rent to cover knee and shoulder : IDR 10,000
Shuttle Bus : IDR 50,000
Opening Hours : 06.00 AM - 07.00 PM