In our series of places to see in Bali – Discover Bali we today feature Lempuyang Temple.
Quick Links
Location of Lempuyang Temple Complex
How to Get to Pura Lempuyang Temple
Overview
It is important to clarify that the temple that you see featured and with the well noted “Instagram” photos is Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang. This temple is one of several in the Lempuyang temple complex. We will go into this in more detail later.
Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple is in East Bali, Indonesia.
This beautiful structure is part of one of the oldest temple complexes in Bali and is commonly believed to predate most Hindu temples on the island.
Something special about this temple is what’s known as the Gate of Heaven. The aspect of this Gate gives a feeling of being welcomed to heaven and a very popular site for the Instagram lovers to take photos.
Looking towards Mount Agung framed in the gate with an early morning sunrise is a sight to behold.
What About The Temple
Aside from a beautiful place to draw in a breath of fresh mountain air and greet an impressive sunrise there are things you should understand.
In the case you just want to take a photo of one of the best views in Bali and possibly join the Instagram sect then this is your destination. There is so much more to know.
To truly appreciate the beauty of this destination then read on.
The Lempuyang temple complex is in East Bali on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. This revered temple is part of a complex or group of seven temples and is the first temple in the ascension of that group.
Why Seven Is Important
In Hinduism as in most religions and even in our daily lives seven is an influential number. There are seven wonders of the world. Being born as the seventh son of the seventh son is believed to be a magical healer in Irish legend. Our short-term memory has been found to have an ability to retain 7 data sets.
The Old Testament refers to a God that rested on the seventh day. The New Testament talks of unity of four corners of the earth with the holy trinity. Newborn Buddhas rise and takes seven steps.
In Hinduism there is a belief of seven higher worlds and seven underworlds.
This complex is made up of seven temples (Pura), listed below the first being lowermost temple.
- Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang
- Pura Telaga Mas
- Pura Telaga Sawangan
- Pura Lempuyang Puncak Bisbis
- Pura Pasar Agung
- Pura Lempuyang Luhur – the uppermost temple.
Important Sacred Site
Bali is known as the Island of Gods. There is no doubt that you would not need to be a God too see the true tropical paradise that it is.
Mount Lempuyang is believed to be the home of Gods, with 3 of the major Gods being represented. The base of the mountain is associated with Brahma, Vishnu in the center section Shiva at the peak.
Lempuyang is derived from two words “lempu” meaning light and “hyang” meaning God. Literally translating to God shining a bright light.
The Lempuyang temple complex is built on the slopes of this sacred mountain, with the most sacred, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, being at the peak. In Bali mythology it is also believed that the God Pashupati, residing in Mount Semeru sent three 3 children to stabilize Bali. Hyang Gni Jaya was sent to Lempuyang Luhur Temple, Hyang Purtra Jaya to Mt Agung and Dewi Danu to Mount Batur.
Further Significance
There is even more that makes this site so special to the Balinese people. The above factors alone make this temple complex very special. The following make it much more important
Six Sanctuaries of the World
This complex is part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad – loosely translated to the six sanctuaries of the world.
It is believed that these are six holiest places for worship, and they are pivotal points that give spiritual stability to the nation.
The six complexes are as follows
- Pura Besakih, Karangasem (considered as the holiest place and Mother Temple)
- Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Karangasem
- Pura Goa Lawah, Klungkung
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Badung
- Pura Luhur Batukaru, Tabanan
- Pura Pusering Jagat (Pura Puser Tasik), Gianyar
Eight Cardinal Points
The complex is also part of another sacred spiritual feature – the Pura Kahyangan Padma Bhuwana. Each of the temples in this group represent one of the eight cardinal points of Bali.
As you will recall the complex is in East Bali. This complex is representative of the East Cardinal point. The God symbolized by the East point is Iswara and the color white. As you explore the complex you will be sure to see several areas that are painted white.
Gate of Heaven – Places to See In Bali
The split gates in Bali “candi-bentar” feature as the Gate of Heaven (at this temple), in the famous Instagram images.
While you are taking a pose for your photo consider the history of temple but also understand that these gates you are standing between have also the color white and think about the significance of that color.
The purpose of the split gates in Bali seems to be mostly symbolic – showing that you are about to enter the temple grounds.
There are other theories that they represent a balance between light and dark, a harmony of sorts. In addition, some believe that they are designed to keep out evil spirits, in that the spirit can be crushed in between the flat surfaces as they attempt to enter.
The actual documented purpose seems to be lost to history, and if anyone does have more information we would be delighted to know.
You will notice that most of the images of the Gate of Heaven depict water-like reflection. This is created by holding a mirror under the camera lens. It is part of the sad reality of tourism. In a country that needs tourism to prosper it’s hard to find a criticism. Don’t expect to see anything but a well tread foyer.
Temple Layout
There is a lot of information surrounding the layout of temples in Bali and this is subject of another post which you can find here.
The architecture of this temple is influenced by the Majapahit Empire. It is said that the temple was built using stones that were brought from heaven. Whether these stones came from heaven or not we do know that some of the stones and rock from Nusa Penida were transported to the site and carried on the heads of the villagers.
The outer sanctum of the temple is accessed via the white painted candi bentar (split gate).
You will notice several pavilions (bale). Each has a different function for the temple.
After entering the outer sanctum there will be another entrance gate to the middle sanctum and then finally to the inner sanctum. The inner sanctum is the holiest part of the temple.
Above we talked about the number seven being an important number.
The number three is also very critically important in Hinduism. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Three compounds in the temple follows this principle.
Location of Lempuyang Temple Complex
The Pura Lempuyang Temple is in Banjar Purwa Ayu, Tribuana Village, Abang Subdistrict Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia.
This temple is found on top of Bisbis Hill in Mount Lempuyang, 1,175 meters above sea level.
How to Get to Pura Lempuyang Temple
The best method of getting to temple is to hire a private car and driver. Compare this to the cost of your flights and its negligible. The time it takes to get to the temple is based on departure point, the traffic, and the time of day.
The road system in Bali has developed as part of an evolution of a track network and can at times become quite congested, so best to plan to go to any destination around the least busy time.
Here are a few departure points and estimated travel times
| Departure Point | Distance (km) | Estimated Time (min) | ||
| Denpasar | 89 | 145 | ||
| Amed | 13 | 30 | ||
| Amlapura | 22 | 30 | ||
| Nusa Dua | 100 | 150 | ||
| Kuta | 96 | 120 | ||
| Canggu | 98 | 150 | ||
| Seminyak | 95 | 120 | ||
| Sanur | 93 | 120 | ||
| Ubud | 76 | 120 | ||
| Singaraja | 88 | 120 |
Scooters
We would like to make a quick note about scooters in Bali. There are many travelers that post images or make YouTube videos of riding scooters in Bali. This is fine if you are already experienced in riding motorbikes or scooters. Don’t think you can come to Bali and just ride a scooter for the first time – it could be a somber end to an otherwise awesome holiday.
You may think you know better but look at the statistics of those killed and gravely injured on scooters in Bali and the percentage of those people who are foreign tourists.
At the very least wear your helmet. The helmet has evolved as a necessity in your home country for a reason. Cool or dead – up to you.
It is true though Scooters can be faster to get to some places and if you are experienced in riding even then you will need to slowly learn Bali traffic.
The Balinese are too polite to refer to some of the scooter idiots on the road for what they are.
Take a car. Watch some Netflix, look at the scenery, listen to some music, learn some facts from a guide. These are much better ways to enjoy your vacation than risking your life.
Take this link and you can read how vehicle fatalities in Bali was at same level as COVID fatalities.
Or read here of tragic case of beautiful young woman whose life was destroyed.
Need to Know – Lempuyang Temple
Opening hours are 7 am to 6 pm (always open for worshipers)
Tourists are no longer able to access all the temple complex. There is only access to the outer sanctum of the lowest temple. The location of the Gate of Heaven.
The wait time can be extraordinarily long if you are wanting to take your photo in between the gate. Talk to your private guide how to reduce this time.
Check the weather if you want to try and get a good view of Mt Agung in your background shot – again talk to your guide for help.
Take your zoom lenses and you can make Mt Agung appear closer in the background of your shot rather than in the distance.
Observe temple etiquette
- No kissing
- Cover your shoulder (T shirt or scarf)
- Wear a sarong, even if long pants on. Bring your own is a nice idea.
- Cannot enter the temple grounds if menstruating, bleeding wound or running sore
- Don’t step on or over offerings
Cost of entry is IDR 50,0000. You may need to take the shuttle from the carpark to the drop off area this is an additional IDR 45,000.
Bring some cash with you as there is no ATM.
Carry small notes always helpful in Indonesia for getting access to toilet facilities.
Consider a sunset visit – with all the talk of beating other tourist to the site for Sunrise it is getting a popular time of day. Some days will be easy to get in others you will still get long waiting times – even at sunrise. If you are staying at Amed which is only 20 minutes away it’s a little easier to be there for a sunset pic and understand what the weather is doing for the day.
There is no reflective pool, it’s a mirror held under the lens. There is a guide who will do this for you for a small tip.
Bring a big serving of patience.
Guide Summary
The Lempuyang Temple complex is one of the holiest places in Bali, remember this when you are visiting.
The Pura Lempuyang Pataran Agung is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali.
Many tourists can take a spectacular photograph standing between the Gate of Heaven framing Mount Agung in the background.
This complex not only personifies a deep part of the history of Bali but offers some spectacular panoramic views of the countryside.
While you wait for your time to take your special photograph mediate on the importance of the lifecycle of this place in Bali. Reflect on what it would have been like before this became one of the world’s most Instagram-able locations. Think of the villagers carrying the stones on their heads to construct the facility and imagine what it would have been like to come and worship here hundreds of years ago.
In researching the different locations that we love we start on a superficial level. Like any other tourist we are initially attracted to this light. Then we get caught in the vortex of what these places would have been like without the commercial nature they tend to evolve into.
Come discover Bali with us and check out our other destinations.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any follow-up questions or concerns. We hope to see you on our travels to discover Bali soon!
