Lempuyang Temple
Iconic 'Gates of Heaven' temple with stunning Mount Agung views, but be prepared for long photo queues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & fog
Lempuyang Temple
Best Time
Beat the crowds & fog
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 'Gates of Heaven' temple with stunning Mount Agung views, but be prepared for long photo queues.
"The temple is undeniably beautiful—rich in history and culture, with sweeping views that make the journey worthwhile."
⏳ Brace for the Photo Queue
Expect 2-6 hour waits for the iconic photo. Arrive by 5 AM to minimize wait time. :camerawithflash:
🪞 The 'Reflection' Trick
The famous water reflection is created by a staff member holding a mirror under your camera. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gates of Heaven
Main photo spot
The iconic split gate with Mount Agung as a backdrop. The 'reflection' is often an illusion created with a mirror.
Mount Agung Views
From the temple complex
On clear days, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the active volcano, Mount Agung.
Temple Architecture & Culture
Throughout the complex
Explore the beautiful hillside temple complex, rich in Balinese Hindu culture and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Iconic Photo Wait
Dress Code & Temple Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Brace for the Photo Queue
Expect 2-6 hour waits for the iconic photo. Arrive by 5 AM to minimize wait time. :camerawithflash:
🪞 The 'Reflection' Trick
The famous water reflection is created by a staff member holding a mirror under your camera. 
👗 Modest Dress Required
Wear respectful clothing. Sarongs are available. Women on their period may not enter sacred areas. :womanintunic:
🚗 Consider a Driver
Scootering 2+ hours can be long. A private driver can make the journey more comfortable. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Brace for the Photo Queue
Expect 2-6 hour waits for the iconic photo. Arrive by 5 AM to minimize wait time. :camerawithflash:
🪞 The 'Reflection' Trick
The famous water reflection is created by a staff member holding a mirror under your camera.
👗 Modest Dress Required
Wear respectful clothing. Sarongs are available. Women on their period may not enter sacred areas. :womanintunic:
🚗 Consider a Driver
Scootering 2+ hours can be long. A private driver can make the journey more comfortable. :car:
💰 Negotiate for Attire
Traditional Balinese attire for photos can be expensive. Be prepared to negotiate prices. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lempuyang Temple is a visually stunning site with breathtaking views of Mount Agung, offering a glimpse into Balinese Hindu culture. However, the experience can feel like a 'tourist trap' due to the extremely long wait times (2-6 hours) for the iconic 'Gates of Heaven' photo, which is often staged with a mirror. While the temple itself is beautiful and the staff helpful, the wait significantly impacts the overall enjoyment for many visitors.
"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."
S L
"Its a beautiful temple, no doubt. But felt like a tourist trap.
If you want to snap your artificially mirrored picture of you at gates, its a long wait. I recommend going early. If you are lucky you can see the mountain behind the gates. It can get foggy and misty in the early hours.
However, the queue system is well organised and everyone can go home happy with their Instagramable picture at the gates."
Ananth Radhakrishnan
"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."
Sean D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey from Canggu or Seminyak to Lempuyang Temple is about a 2-hour drive. Many visitors opt for a private driver or scooter. While scootering offers scenic views, especially closer to the mountains, a driver can provide a more comfortable and less strenuous experience, particularly if you plan to visit other East Bali attractions like Tirta Gangga. :car:
Public transport options are very limited and not practical for reaching Lempuyang Temple efficiently. Hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour is the most recommended and convenient way to visit. :bus:
To catch the sunrise and potentially avoid the longest queues, you'll need to depart from your accommodation very early, often around 3-4 AM. This usually requires arranging a private driver for the entire day.
Yes, after paying the entrance fee at the bottom, you'll typically take a shuttle bus to reach the main temple complex and the famous 'Gates of Heaven' photo spot. :shuttle_bus:
The travel time from Ubud to Lempuyang Temple is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. :clock1:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Lempuyang Temple is typically a donation, with a suggested amount. However, there's a separate fee for the 'Gates of Heaven' photo, which often includes a sarong rental and the use of a photographer. :ticket:
Tickets or donations are usually paid upon arrival at the temple. Advance booking is generally not required for entry, but be prepared for queues for the iconic photo. :calendar:
Lempuyang Temple is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. However, the queue for the 'Gates of Heaven' photo can start very early, and it's best to arrive before 7 AM to minimize wait times.
Yes, as a sacred site, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Sarongs are often provided or can be rented at the entrance. :womanintunic:
Traditionally, women who are menstruating are not permitted to enter the sacred areas of Balinese temples. It's advisable to be aware of and respect local customs. :womanintunic:
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The wait for the iconic 'Gates of Heaven' photo can be substantial, ranging from 2 to 6 hours, especially if you don't arrive very early. Some visitors choose to skip the wait altogether. +1 :stopwatch:
No, the famous water reflection is an illusion created by a staff member holding a mirror beneath the camera to simulate a reflective surface.
Yes, the staff at the photo spot will use your phone to take the picture for you, often with the mirror trick. They are generally helpful. :iphone:
While the 'Gates of Heaven' is the main draw, the entire temple complex offers beautiful architecture and scenic views of Mount Agung, providing numerous other photo opportunities. :camera:
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to wait for the photo, bring snacks and a portable charger for your phone. :hiking_boot:
🎫 ⛰️ Views & Scenery
On clear days, Lempuyang Temple offers spectacular views of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred volcano. However, the view can be obscured by fog or clouds, especially in the early morning. :volcano:
The best time to see Mount Agung clearly is typically in the early morning, before the clouds roll in. However, this is also when the 'Gates of Heaven' photo queue is longest. :sunrise:
Even if it's foggy, the temple complex itself is still beautiful and culturally significant. However, the iconic view of Mount Agung behind the 'Gates of Heaven' will likely be obscured. :fog:
Lempuyang Temple is one of Bali's nine directional temples and is considered the highest Hindu temple on the island. It's dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and is a place of spiritual importance. :pray:
Yes, Lempuyang Temple is located in East Bali, which is home to other beautiful attractions such as Tirta Gangga water palace and Taman Ujung water palace, making it a great area for a day trip. :world_map:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are dressed respectfully and comfortably, with hats and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options within the temple complex might be limited. The shuttle bus ride can be an adventure in itself for kids. If the wait becomes too much, nearby attractions like Tirta Gangga offer a more relaxed experience for families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Arriving extremely early (before 7 AM) is crucial for better light and potentially shorter queues. Beyond the main attraction, explore the temple's architecture and the surrounding landscape for unique shots. On clear days, Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop. However, be aware that fog can frequently obscure the view, so having a flexible itinerary is advisable. Consider visiting other temples in East Bali for a more diverse photographic experience.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
While the 'Gates of Heaven' photo is a major draw, take time to explore the temple complex itself. The higher reaches of the temple offer a more tranquil atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Be mindful of the dress code and any local traditions observed by worshippers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Gates of Heaven' Photo: Reality vs. Expectation
+1To achieve that iconic shot, visitors often queue for 2 to 6 hours. The 'reflection' is not natural water but a clever trick performed by a staff member holding a mirror under the camera to create the illusion. While the staff are generally helpful and use your phone to capture the image, the extended waiting time can be a deterrent for those on a tight schedule.
Many visitors express that if the primary goal is this specific photo, it's crucial to manage expectations regarding the wait time and potential costs for traditional attire. Some reviewers suggest that even without the famous photo, the temple's natural beauty and cultural significance make it a worthwhile visit.
Navigating Lempuyang Temple's Sacred Grounds
Respect for the sacred nature of the site is paramount. Local customs dictate that women who are menstruating should not enter the inner sanctums of the temple. It's important to be mindful of these traditions and behave respectfully throughout your visit.
Beyond the famous gate, the temple complex itself is a place of spiritual significance and offers beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Exploring these areas allows for a deeper appreciation of the temple's cultural heritage, away from the crowds gathered for the iconic photo.
The Journey to East Bali's Majestic Temple
Many travelers opt for a private driver for this excursion. This not only makes the journey more comfortable, especially on Bali's sometimes challenging roads, but also allows for flexibility to visit other nearby attractions like Tirta Gangga or Taman Ujung water palaces.
Upon arrival at the base of the temple, visitors typically take a shuttle bus to ascend to the main temple area. This system helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures access to the higher parts of the complex.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit