Lempuyang Temple – The Gateway to Heaven

Visiting Bali wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit the magnificent temples scattered around the island. These grand temples are tied to the rich Hindu and Balinese culture that exists on the island. You may have heard about Uluwatu Temple or Tanah Lot. Both are located along the western coast of Bali, both of which are absolutely beautiful in their own right. However, there is also another temple located high above the mountains called Lempuyang Temple.

History

The temple is locally known as Pura Luhur Penataran Agung Lempuyang. It is one of the oldest and most sacred places of worship in Bali. In fact, this temple and its group of surrounding temples, has been designated as Sad  Kahyangan Jagad. This means “the six sanctuaries of the world”. The temple’s construction is believed to predate the majority of other Hindu temples in Bali.

Things to know when visiting

Geographically, the temple is located on the slope of Mount Lempuyang. The main temple is resting at 1,175 meters above sea level, up on the peak of the mountain. Visitors have to trek up 1,700 steps to reach the peak of the mountain.

For visitors who want to trek up the mountain, there are 7 temples to visit in total. However, the famous “Gates of Heaven” are actually located at the very first temple which is a short 10-minute hike from the base. The views from the first temple are truly breathtaking, especially if you happen to come during sunrise.

As we mentioned earlier, since the temple is highly regarded by the locals, there are several things to note before going up to the Lempuyang Temple. First and foremost, you have to dress accordingly and clothing must cover your shoulders. You also have to wear a sarong around your waist which can be rented before you enter, at the base of the temple. Women who are menstruating are forbidden to enter, and there is a strict rule against kissing or lifting your feet higher than your waist.

These rules are non-negotiable, as the temple is very sacred to the local Balinese, so you will have to conform.

The temple is located in the Karangasem regency, on the eastern region of Bali. You can easily drive there by taking the Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra road along the east coast of Bali until you reach the Karangasem region, where you will then ascend north up the slope of the mountain.

Looking to explore the Lempuyang Temple? When you stay at Mara River Safari Lodge, you can easily take the Bypass road, which takes you along the East coast to mount Lempuyang.