Lempuyang Gates of Heaven: Photo, Prices, Queue Times and Tours
Pura Lempuyang Luhur, in eastern Bali, is famous for its split gate that frames Mount Agung: the "Gates of Heaven". It is the first of the temples on the mountain, not a stand-alone temple, and the photo that circulates everywhere is less magical than it looks. The "reflection in water" is an effect created by a local photographer holding a mirror or phone under the lens; there is no pool. The real subject of the visit is the wait: under an hour very early in the morning, several hours in the middle of the day.
Highlights
The split gate
The two carved pillars frame the cone of Mount Agung on a clear day. The photographers on site run the queue and take the shot; a small tip of 10,000 to 20,000 IDR is customary, and no official rate is posted.
The courtyard and pavilions
Around the gate, the paved courtyard and pavilions host worshippers in traditional dress; this is a working place of worship, which matters for dress and behaviour.
The climb to the upper temples
Beyond the gate, a staircase of about 1,700 steps leads to the top of the mountain (close to 1,175 m) and the higher temples; allow several hours there and back. Few visitors do it, and most go no further than the gate.
Practical info
Tips
- Prices noted in October 2026 from travel guides, with no official source and differences between sites: about 100,000 IDR entry per foreign adult, plus the compulsory shuttle from the car park (about 50,000 IDR return), so 150,000 to 200,000 IDR in all with parking, sarong and the photographer's tip. A sarong and sash are mandatory even over long trousers, with shoulders covered; a basic sarong is usually included with the ticket. Cash is essential, and the nearest reliable ATM is about 20 minutes away. To avoid the wait, come before sunrise; if the queue puts you off, the Lahangan Sweet viewpoint, about 4 km away, gives a similar frame with far fewer people. Combine with Tirta Gangga and Besakih, or compare with Amed.
How to get there
The temple is in the Karangasem district of eastern Bali. From Ubud allow about 65 to 70 km and 2.5 to 3 hours each way; from Amed it is about 15 km. The car park is at the main Lempuyang terminal, from where a shuttle goes up to the temple. Most visitors come with a private driver or a day tour that leaves Ubud around 3:00-4:00. To organise the day, see private driver in Bali.
Opening hours
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