If you’re considering a day trip that combines iconic views, spiritual sites, and some of Bali’s lesser-known treasures, the Gates to Heaven – Lempuyang Tour offers a compelling option. While it’s not a perfect experience, it provides a good balance of culture and photo opportunities, especially for those eager to see Bali’s famous “Gates of Heaven” and its surrounding temples.
What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is the chance to visit Lempuyang Temple, perched 1,175 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Agung. Plus, the visit to Tirta Gangga, with its tiered fountains and lush gardens, adds a royal touch. The tour wraps up at Goa Lawah Temple, known for its cave inhabited by hundreds of bats, which is a fascinating glimpse into Bali’s spiritual landscape.
One notable consideration is the long queues at Lempuyang, a common issue for visitors. While the tour includes the temple, access is restricted and crowds can be heavy, especially for taking those iconic photos. This might be frustrating if you’re expecting a quiet, contemplative experience.
That said, the tour’s value depends on your expectations: if you’re after stunning views and cultural highlights rather than solitude, this trip can be quite rewarding.
This tour tends to suit travelers who want a well-organized day with knowledgeable guides, authentic sites, and the chance for memorable photos. It’s especially appealing for those visiting Bali for the first time, eager to tick off some top sites in a manageable way.
Key Points
- Authentic cultural sites and stunning vistas make this a memorable day trip.
- The quality of guides and their local insights seem to stand out positively.
- Queue times at Lempuyang Temple can be lengthy, and access is restricted.
- The tour offers value for money at $66, including all fees and taxes.
- Transportation is comfortable, with air-conditioning and bottled water provided.
- The trip is moderately paced but requires some physical fitness to navigate temple steps and terrain.
Lempuyang Temple: The Iconic Gates of Heaven
Our journey begins at Lempuyang Temple, perched high in East Bali within the mount Lempuyang complex. Known for the famous “Gates to Heaven”, this temple offers an extraordinary view of Mount Agung through its threshold, creating a perfect photo backdrop. The panoramic scenery is undeniably stunning, but be prepared for the crowds. Several reviews highlight this, with one noting that “the queue can be long for taking pictures,” which is a common experience for this popular site.
The tour includes a 2-hour visit with admission tickets covered, giving you enough time to absorb the views and snap photos. However, it’s important to understand that access to the actual temple is restricted—it’s primarily a photo stop rather than a place for quiet reflection. As one reviewer remarked, “This temple is famous for the photo only,” and the strict rules mean you won’t be able to explore freely inside.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Tirta Gangga: The Royal Water Palace
Next, we visit Tirta Gangga, located in Ababi village—a former royal water retreat. This site offers a stark contrast to the mountain temple with its tiered fountains, lush gardens, and mythical stone sculptures pouring water into pools. It’s a calming experience, and the tropical surroundings make it a perfect spot for leisurely wandering.
The visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the included admission ticket means you can freely explore the gardens, fish pools, and fountains. Many travelers find Tirta Gangga a peaceful break from the more crowded temple sites, and the photos of the intricate fountains and greenery are truly postcard-worthy.
Gates to Heaven – Lempuyang Tour
Goa Lawah Temple: The Bat Cave Temple
The trip concludes at Goa Lawah, known as the “Bat Cave Temple.” This spiritual site, built around a cave inhabited by hundreds of bats, has significant historical importance, dating back to the 11th century. It offers a fascinating look at Bali’s religious traditions and architecture.
Spending around 2 hours here, visitors can appreciate the ancient stone structures, observe the bats, and soak in the atmosphere of a working temple. Given its historical and cultural significance, Goa Lawah provides a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to the selfie-mania at Lempuyang.
This private tour, offered by Bali Wonder, is designed for groups seeking a curated Bali experience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during transfers, and bottled water and wet towels are included, which is particularly helpful on hot days.
The tour costs $66 per person, which includes all fees and taxes. While this is a fair price, some reviews reveal mixed opinions about value, especially considering the wait times and access restrictions. Still, the guide’s help and insights reportedly enhance the overall experience.
You should have a moderate physical fitness level because the sites involve walking and some climbing, especially at temples. The timing of 10 hours allows for a leisurely pace, but be prepared for early starts and some waiting, especially at Lempuyang.
One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guide, Wayan, saying he was “helpful and kind,” which highlights the importance of a good local guide. Another pointed out the long queues at Lempuyang, saying, “Looking at the photos of the gates of heaven online you would assume that there’s water—that’s an incorrect assumption.” This underscores the need for patience and realistic expectations regarding crowds and photo opportunities.
A third review called the temple “a tourist trap,” emphasizing that it’s primarily a photo stop and not a place for quiet reflection. They mentioned paying for the shuttle and the frustration of waiting hours—something to consider if you prefer more serene, less crowded sites.
This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Bali who want to cover the must-see spiritual sites in a single day with a knowledgeable guide. It offers a balanced mix of photography, culture, and scenic views, making it practical for travelers with limited time.
However, if you’re seeking solitude and silent reflection, or hope to explore the temples beyond the crowds, this tour might fall short. Be prepared for long lines and restricted access at Lempuyang, and don’t expect a completely peaceful experience. Still, for the price and convenience, it offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially if your primary goal is to see Bali’s iconic gates and its stunning temples.
To sum it up, this tour provides a solid introduction to Bali’s spiritual sites with a professional guide and comfortable transportation. It’s an excellent choice for those who value view-filled moments and cultural highlights more than quiet contemplation.
Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The temples involve walking and some climbing, so moderate fitness is recommended. Access restrictions at Lempuyang mean you might need to manage stairs or uneven surfaces.
What is included in the tour price?
All fees and taxes are covered, along with bottled water, wet towels, and transportation. Admission tickets for all three sites are included too.
Can I expect to get good photos at Lempuyang?
Yes, but be prepared for crowds. Queue times can be long, and access to the temple itself is restricted, so plan your photo timing accordingly.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 10 hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks, making it a full but manageable day.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so consider packing snacks or planning to buy something during the day.
What is the main highlight of this tour?
The Gates to Heaven at Lempuyang and the scenic views of Mount Agung are the standout features.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked about 51 days ahead, indicating popular demand.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for temple visits and walking; modest attire is appreciated at spiritual sites.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized experience.
Would I recommend this tour?
If your goal is to see Bali’s most famous temples and capture the iconic photos—a definite yes. If you want quiet, off-the-beaten-path experiences, you might want to explore less crowded options.
Overall, the Gates to Heaven – Lempuyang Tour is a well-paced, culturally rich day that offers the chance to see some of Bali’s most photogenic and significant sites. It balances scenic views, cultural insight, and convenience, making it an accessible choice for many travelers eager to tick off Bali’s iconic landmarks.
