Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple

Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple – A Mixed Experience We scootered 2 hours from Canggu as first time Bali visitors to visit the famous Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. The ride itself was scenic and enjoyable, especially as we got closer to the mountains. The temple is undeniably beautiful—rich in history and culture, with sweeping views that make the journey worthwhile on their own. What most people don’t tell you, though, is the reality of the photo situation. After paying for entry at the bottom, you’re assigned a number for the iconic “floating reflection” photo. What followed was a surprising 1–2 hour wait just to have your number called. Many visitors spend this time either relaxing or exploring the surroundings, but it’s definitely something to plan for if you're on a schedule. Once you're near the top, you'll likely be offered the chance to dress in traditional Balinese attire for an additional fee. The original price quoted to us was 750,000 IDR, but we negotiated it down to 500,000 IDR—though pricing may vary depending on your negotiating skills or timing. In the end, we decided not to wait for our photo turn and instead took in the atmosphere, architecture, and stunning views. Even without the Instagram-famous shot, it was still a memorable experience. If you're going primarily for the photo, just be prepared for the wait and some extra costs.

Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali's oldest and most revered temples, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of stunning natural beauty and profound spiritual significance. Located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali, it's famous for its iconic "Gates of Heaven," which perfectly frame the majestic Mount Agung volcano in the distance. The journey to Lempuyang is an experience in itself, taking you through the island's lush, green landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll find a temple complex that is more than just a single photo-op. It's a series of seven temples spread across the mountainside, offering a spiritual ascent for those who choose to make the challenging climb. The most popular spot, and the reason many people visit, is the main temple with its famous split gate. The breathtaking view and the "water reflection" photo that has become so popular on social media are the main draw. It's worth noting that the reflection is a clever trick created by a local photographer using a mirror under the camera lens—but don't let that deter you! The result is truly magical and the view of Mount Agung is spectacular on a clear day. Tips for Your Visit: Go Early! To avoid the crowds and the infamous long queues for the photo opportunity, I highly recommend arriving as early as possible. Aim for 5-6 AM to catch the sunrise and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before the buses of tourists arrive. The early morning light also creates the most beautiful and atmospheric pictures. Token System for Photos: Be aware that there is a token system in place for taking pictures at the famous gate. You will receive a token with your entrance ticket, and you'll wait for your number to be called for your photo session. This system helps manage the crowds and ensures everyone gets a turn. Dress Appropriately: As a sacred site, you are required to dress modestly. Sarongs are provided or available for rent at the entrance. While the "Gates of Heaven" photo is a fantastic souvenir, the real magic of Lempuyang Temple lies in its serene beauty and spiritual ambiance. Take the time to appreciate the intricate Balinese architecture, the stunning views, and the sacred energy of this incredible place. It's an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a single photograph.

Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple is a stunning and culturally rich site, and it truly breaks my heart to give only 3 stars. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and the grounds offer countless photo opportunities, including the world‑famous “Heaven’s Gate” view with the mountains perfectly framed behind you. The experience is very well organized with a fair system for guests, calling numbers for photo turns and providing a photographer who uses your phone and a mirror to create that iconic reflection effect. The reason for the lower rating is the wait. Unless you arrive by around 5 a.m., you can expect to wait anywhere from 2 to 6 hours for your turn at the main photo spot. For many visitors this makes the visit exhausting and limits the time you have to enjoy the temple itself. It is still worth seeing for the beauty and cultural experience, but the long wait keeps it from being the magical stop it could be.

Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple is an absolute must-visit in Bali 🌄⛩. The famous “Gates of Heaven” photos are taken right there – and yes, they’re completely free 📸✨. You just need to grab a number and wait your turn. If you don’t want to spend two hours in line, get there early in the morning 🌅. Pro tip: never take photo ticket number 1… locals say it brings bad luck 😉🍀. Stunning views, beautiful atmosphere, and a memorable experience! 🙌🌺

Lempuyang Temple is famous for its "Gates of Heaven," a split gateway (candi bentar) that offers a stunning view of Mount Agung, symbolizing the connection between the natural and spiritual worlds. Wait is too much 3 to 4 hr You get little time 2 min to get your pictures clicked Can utilise the time exploring the main temple & getting other pictures of swing nearby !!

The gate to heaven— Lempuyang temple is the highest Hindu temple in Bali, the dwelling place of the guardian of peace. Only worshippers are allowed to go to the top. Generally you don’t have to wait for entrance. But you’ll have to wait a long long time if you want to get a photo with the famous gate. For me it was 3 hours and I arrived at 7am. But for me it was well worth it because it was raining so hard at first but the sky cleared up when it was my turn. Be sure to have a relaxed itinerary if you are aiming for a photo with the gate. The staff at the site will help with the photo at no additional cost, only donations.

The temple is beautiful, but it's really just one photo spot. When we visited, it was very foggy, so we couldn’t see much. Even though we arrived early, the queue for the photo was over 1.5 hours. Worth it only if the weather is clear and you have plenty of time.

Lempuyang Temple is one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Bali and I am happy that I did it, this is one of the holiest temples in Bali. The entry ticket is 70k IDR and the bus to the temple is an additional 50k IDR. The iconic thing is to get clicked at the very famous gate of heaven, the process is very tiring as I had to wait for around three hours in a very long queue to get the perfect pictures, it was crazy but worth the wait. You get the four poses of your choice which are included in your entry ticket. Covering your shoulders and legs is mandatory inside the temple complex. If you are lucky and the weather is clear you will get to see the view of Mount Agung.