Pura Lempuyang is one of Bali's oldest and most sacred temples, standing majestically on the eastern slopes of Mount Lempuyang. Known as "Bali's Sky Gate," it offers a stunning blend of spirituality, nature, and architecture.
The light mist, the scent of incense, and the silhouette of Mount Agung provide the perfect backdrop for an inner and visual experience. Here, you will not only enjoy the scenery but also feel a deep sense of tranquility.
Walking the Sacred Trail at Bali's Eastern Sky Gate
Pura Lempuyang, also known as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is one of Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the six main sacred temples in Bali that maintain the spiritual balance of the island.
Dating back to the 11th century, at the order of Mpu Kuturan or Jayasakti, the temple was built on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang as a manifestation of "divine light".
According to local legend, this place is the gateway to spiritual peace and enlightenment, bearing witness to thousands of years of Balinese Hindu culture.
When Fog, Mountain, and Temple Unite in Eternal Sacredness
The uniqueness of Pura Lempuyang is immediately apparent upon visiting the complex, which is divided into three sacred zones: Jaba Pisan (Jaba Pura), Jaba Tengah, and Jeroan (Utama Mandala), reflecting the tri-mandala of Balinese cosmology.
Along the way to Penataran Agung Temple, you'll pass more than 1,700 steps climbing the Bisbis hill, each step merging with the morning mist, the breeze, and the breath of prayer.
Penetrating the Stairs to Heaven: A Journey of Feeling and Body
The journey to the Sky Gate begins at the parking area located at the foot of the hill. From there, you can opt to take a shuttle for Rp50,000 per person from the parking lot to the main entrance gate.
The regular entrance ticket for tourists is IDR 50,000 (domestic) and IDR 100,000 (foreign), which includes a sarong and sling to cover your body. Visiting hours are 07:00 to 17:00 WITA, but Hindus can enter at any time.
It is highly recommended that you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long queues, especially to take the iconic photo at the split gate with Mount Agung in the background.
In terms of dress, you should pay attention to the following:
- Wear a sarong and sash (provided at the counter).
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Avoiding miniature clothing and showing respect.
And of course, women who are menstruating, pregnant, or in mourning are not allowed to perform rituals here.
5 Attractions of Pura Lempuyang
Pura Lempuyang has several attractions that distinguish it from other temples in Bali, some of which are:
1. Gates of Heaven
The iconic white gates at Penataran Agung Temple provide dramatic photo moments with Mount Agung in the background.
Although the queue is often long, you can get spectacular photos, sometimes aided by mirrors for a 'reflection' effect, especially in the morning or evening.
There is no charge to take photos here, but you are required to wear a sarong and sling (provided free of charge or rented for Rp 10,000 to Rp 20,000).
2. The Journey Up 1,700+ Stairs
The trek to the summit involves over 1,700 steps through seven small temples and a cool tropical forest, offering a challenging yet soothing spiritual and physical experience.
Exhaustion is relieved as fresh air and the sound of birdsong accompany your every step.
3. Complex of Seven Temples Along the Hiking Trail
Pura Lempuyang is actually not just one building, but a complex of seven temples scattered along the hiking trail on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. This makes your visit a layered spiritual experience.
The seven temples are:
- Pura Agung Lempuyang (Penataran Agung), where the Sky Gate is located.
- Pura Telaga Mas.
- Pura Telaga Sawangan.
- Pura Lempuyang Madya.
- Pura Puncak Bisbis.
- Pura Pasar Agung.
- Pura Lempuyang Luhur is situated at the summit, approximately 1,175 meters above sea level.
Each temple has its own meaning and challenges. The higher the location, the quieter the atmosphere, and the more spiritual it feels.
If you're interested in religious travel or meditation, exploring these seven temples can be a kind of "inner pilgrimage."
The journey from the first temple to the last can take 2 to 4 hours round-trip, depending on stamina and weather.
4. Natural Panorama and 360° Perspective
One of the most impressive aspects of Pura Lempuyang is its stunning natural panorama. Along the way, you will be treated to incredible mountain, valley, and tropical forest views.
But the most iconic of course is the view of the majestic Mount Agung, seen right in the center of the split gate, as if photographing a "window to the sky."
The morning is the best time to get this view, as the air is still clean and the sky is clear.
In the afternoon, the view also remains beautiful, but fog may start to descend. When the weather is clear, you can even see the sea in the distance from the top of the peak.
5. Sacred Aura and Deep Serenity
Pura Lempuyang is a highly sacred site to the Balinese Hindu community. The atmosphere is not only serene, but it really feels "contained."
The scent of incense, the distant sound of gamelan, and the breeze from the hill make this an excellent place for self-reflection or light meditation, even if you're not Hindu.
However, since this place is sacred, you also need to behave yourself, such as:
- Do not make loud noises or laugh excessively.
- Do not sit or stand at the altar or temple.
- Do not take photos during a ceremony unless authorized.
- Always respect the people who are praying.
Tips for Visiting Pura Lempuyang
Here are some tips that can help you when visiting the Pura Lempuyang area:
- Arrive before 07.00 WITA to avoid long queues, especially for photos at the gate.
- If you don't want to hike further, you can take the shuttle for Rp50,000. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the view while exercising, walking is also an option.
- Bring drinking water and light snacks, as the trek can take up to 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace.
- Wear a sarong and sash, no revealing clothing, and offer respect, especially when passing through Hindu areas of worship.
- Avoid visiting during major ceremonies as temples may be temporarily closed. Conversely, coming during the dry season (April to October) will provide the best views of the island.
Pura Lempuyang is suitable for different types of travel. For those of you who are solo traveling, the atmosphere is serene, meaningful, and ideal for self-reflection. For couples on their honeymoon, it offers a romantic setting and a spiritual experience distinct from the beach.
If you're coming with family, especially with children, make sure you are physically strong enough or consider taking the shuttle to reduce fatigue. Although the terrain is challenging, the cultural experience and scenery make the trip worthwhile.
Pura Lempuyang is not just a tourist destination, but a spiritual journey that touches the deepest part of you. Behind every step of the stairs and the enveloping fog, there is silence and beauty that is hard to forget.
Let's visit Pura Lempuyang and see firsthand its beauty that brings tranquility to the soul!
