Lempuyang Temple & Tirta Gangga Tour: Bali Gate of Heaven

5.00

(13 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The day started early—Bali’s east gets warm fast, so we set out before sunrise. Our driver, Pak Made, picked us up right at the hotel lobby. The roads got quieter as we left Ubud behind, rice fields giving way to hills. First stop: Tirta Gangga Water Garden. I’d seen photos, but in person it’s different—the air is cooler here, and you can hear the water trickling from every corner. We wandered around the stepping stones, watching koi fish dart under our feet. There’s a little warung by the entrance selling sweet black coffee; I grabbed a cup and just sat for a bit, taking in the morning light bouncing off the ponds.

After Tirta Gangga, we drove further east toward Mount Lempuyang. The climb up to Lempuyang Temple isn’t short—there are seven temples in total along the hill, but most people (us included) head straight for the famous “Gate of Heaven.” Our guide handed us sarongs at the entrance (they’re required), and explained a bit about Balinese Hindu rituals as we walked. The view through the gate really does frame Mount Agung perfectly—if you’re lucky with weather, clouds drift around the peak like something out of a painting. There was a line for photos (it moves slowly), but honestly, standing there and just watching local families bring offerings felt more memorable than any picture.