Pura Lempuyang Luhur

The Best Things to Do in Bali, the Island of the Gods | Condé Nast Traveler

"Located far from the tourist hubbub of Ubud, Lempuyang Temple is a sacred seven-temple complex in eastern Bali best known for the Gateway to Heaven that perfectly frames formidable Mount Agung, the island’s tallest peak. The entrance fee is around $7 and you'll need a sarong (also available on loan) and a $3.50 round-trip jeep shuttle up the steep mountainside—unless you’re brazen enough to walk. First, arrive before 9 a.m. or you'll have to contend with tourists waiting to snap pictures. Then, be ready to hand over your camera to a designated cameraperson and confirm your poses in advance—you’ll have just a few seconds for your shots. The other temples are also worth exploring, and you can easily spend two hours strolling the mountainous paths to see them all. This is one of the most majestic sights in Bali—come for sunrise to get the best, least crowded results—and it’s also a significant Hindu temple." - Julia Eskins

24 Best Things to Do in Bali

"A sacred hilltop temple complex famed for its soaring carved stone gate — nicknamed the 'Gate of Heaven' — where visitors climb multiple staircases up into the clouds and, weather permitting, can see a perfectly framed view of Mount Agung through the gate." - Lisa Ritchie Lisa Ritchie A dual American and British citizen, Lisa Ritchie is a writer and editor based in New York City. She has written for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, from websites and glossy magazines to national newspapers and travel guides. learn more

"Lempuyang Luhur Temple, the Temple of a Thousand Steps It's quite a hike to Lempuyang temple, which sits at the summit of Mount Lempuyang, 1,058 feet above sea level, but it's worth every one of those thousand(ish) steps. Time your trip to arrive at sunrise, when the view of Mount Agung to the north is at its most stunning and the air is still cool. You might even find you're alone for most of the hike, a rare occurrence in busy Bali . Remember to be respectful and wear a sarong and sash even while climbing. (Women are askednot to visit this or any other Balinese temple while menstruating.) Lempuyang is about 2 1/2 hours from Ubud by car, but close to Amed, a sleepy coastal town with plenty of places to eat and stay."