Lempuyang Luhur Temple: Attractions, Route, & Ticket Prices

Pura Lempuyang, also known as Lempuyang Luhur Temple, is one of Bali’s well-known tourist spots. It is located in Karangasem Regency and is best known for its iconic gate with Mount Agung in the background, often called the “Gate of Heaven.”

It’s not just a great spot for photos. This temple in Bali also gives you a chance to experience Bali’s culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery around the temple.

Keep reading to learn more about Lempuyang Luhur Temple, including what makes it special, where it is, and a few things to keep in mind before visiting.

History of Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Lempuyang Luhur Temple has a long history that is closely tied to Balinese culture and Hinduism. Located on the top of Mount Lempuyang, the temple is believed to have existed since pre-Hindu times, making it one of the oldest sacred sites in Bali.

According to local stories and beliefs, Lempuyang Luhur Temple is linked to Rsi Markandeya, a Hindu priest who is also associated with the history of Besakih Temple.

Lempuyang Luhur Temple is also part of Bali’s Kahyangan Jagat temples and is one of the six main temples known as Sad Kahyangan. It is believed to play an important role in maintaining the spiritual balance of the island.

Along the way to the top of Mount Lempuyang, you’ll find several temples, with Lempuyang Luhur Temple being the main temple at the highest point.

The temple is also surrounded by various local stories and beliefs. One of them says that Dewa Hyang Iswara resides at Lempuyang Luhur Temple and watches over the area while giving protection and blessings.

For local Balinese people, the journey to the temple at the top of the mountain also has a spiritual meaning and can be part of a religious retreat or pilgrimage.

To this day, the local community continues to take care of Lempuyang Luhur Temple. Religious ceremonies are held regularly, while the temple itself is maintained together by the surrounding community.

This is one of the reasons Lempuyang Luhur Temple remains an important cultural heritage site and sacred place in Bali.

What Makes Lempuyang Temple So Popular?

Lempuyang Temple has several things that make it one of the places you should visit in Bali. From its famous gate with a view of Mount Agung to the temple complex’s rich history and spiritual significance, there’s plenty to see here.

1. Gates of Heaven Bali

At Lempuyang Temple, you can witness the Gates of Heaven Bali, which is one of the most popular tourist spots. This traditional Balinese gate offers a beautiful view of Mount Agung rising in the distance.

You can also have your photo taken by a local photographer at the gate. The combination of the traditional gate and the surrounding scenery makes for a great photo, which is why the spot has become known as the Gates of Heaven.

If you want to take a photo here, you’ll need to follow the queue number shown on your admission ticket. So, make sure you keep your ticket safe. While Lempuyang Temple is a place of worship for Hindus, visitors of other religions are welcome as long as they follow the temple’s rules.

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2. Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Lempuyang Luhur Temple sits at the top of Mount Lempuyang. To get there, you’ll need to walk along a trail surrounded by lush trees.

The air feels cool along the way, and the area is generally quiet and peaceful. Since you’ll be walking for quite a while, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip to make the trek easier.

3. Candi Gelung Jaba Tengah

Another thing you can see here is the grand temple architecture, complete with traditional Balinese ornaments. The main worship area is located at the highest part of the temple. To get there, you’ll need to climb three sets of stairs leading to three entrances.

At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll find statues of Naga Anantaboga and Basuki on the right and left sides. You can also see a row of Pandawa statues nearby. Interestingly, each level of the temple complex has its own meaning.

How to Get to Lempuyang Luhur Temple

If you’re coming from Denpasar, you can drive toward Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem Regency.

Another option is to go through Semarapura and continue toward Besakih. The drive from Denpasar usually takes around two hours.

Once you arrive at the Lempuyang Temple area, visitors arriving by car need to park in the designated parking area. From there, you’ll take a shuttle bus to the temple area.

If you’re riding a motorbike, you can continue further up to an area closer to the entrance ticket counter.

After getting off the shuttle bus, you’ll still need to walk for around 5–10 minutes. The road is fairly steep, so if you’d rather save your energy, you can also take a local motorbike taxi, or ojek, to get closer to the temple.

Read also: 10 Fun & Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas on What to Do in Bali

Entrance Fee & Opening Hours of Lempuyang Luhur Temple 

Lempuyang Luhur Temple is open every day, from Monday to Sunday. For a more comfortable visit, it’s best to come in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is clear. At these times, Mount Agung is usually easier to see and can make a great backdrop for photos.

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: IDR 30,000 per person, including a sarong to wear when entering the temple area.
• Shuttle bus: IDR 45,000 for a round trip.

Things to Know Before Visiting Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Lempuyang Luhur Temple is a place of worship for Hindus, so visitors are expected to behave respectfully and follow the rules while inside the temple grounds. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Wear modest, appropriate clothing and avoid revealing outfits.
• Wear the sarong provided with your entrance ticket when entering the temple area.
• Avoid kissing or doing anything considered inappropriate on the temple grounds.
• Drone photography is not allowed.
• Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple area.

You can find these rules posted in several areas around Lempuyang Temple. Make sure to follow them during your visit to respect the sacred nature of the temple and the people who come to worship.

After Visiting Lempuyang Luhur Temple, Why Not Try a New Adventure?

Exploring Lempuyang Luhur Temple is a great way to experience the quieter side of Bali while enjoying the mountain views and natural scenery.

If you’re still up for something more exciting, why not try ATV riding in Bali with Gosek Adventure?

With Gosek Adventure, you’ll explore Bali’s outdoors on an ATV Quad Bike. The trails take you through different types of terrain, from dense forests and calm rivers to muddy tracks that make the ride even more fun.

One of the things that makes ATV riding with Gosek Adventure stand out is the cave trail, which has a setting that feels a bit like Temple Run.

You’ll ride your ATV through a cave with a unique and slightly mysterious atmosphere. It’s a fun way to add a little more excitement to your ride and experience something different from the usual ATV trails.

Want to ride on your own? Go for the Single Ride package. If you’d rather share the experience with a friend, partner, or family member, the Tandem Ride package is a great option.

So, why not add an ATV adventure with Gosek Adventure to your Bali itinerary? Let's not wait any longer and book your ride now!

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