Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where the sky meets the earth, where the clouds part to reveal a majestic volcano, and where the sun rays create a magical illusion of a mirror? If yes, then you should definitely add Lempuyang Temple to your bucket list. Lempuyang Temple, also known as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali. It is located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, a holy mountain that is believed to be the abode of the gods. The temple is famous for its Gates of Heaven, a split gate that offers a stunning view of the sky and Mount Agung, the highest and most revered volcano in Bali. The temple is also a popular destination for Instagrammers, who flock here to capture the perfect shot of the gate and the volcano.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Lempuyang Temple, including what to expect, how to get there, when to visit, and what to wear. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, Lempuyang Temple will surely leave you in awe.
What to Expect at Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple is actually a complex of seven temples that are spread along the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. The temples are connected by a hiking trail that spans about 1.7 kilometers and consists of more than 1,700 steps. The hike can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on your fitness level and how many temples you want to visit. The temples are named after the colors of the rainbow, starting from the lowest to the highest: Pura Lempuyang Madya (Red Temple), Pura Telaga Mas (Yellow Temple), Pura Telaga Sawangan (Green Temple), Pura Baiduri (Blue Temple), Pura Karang Tegal (Indigo Temple), Pura Karang Tejawi (Violet Temple), and Pura Lempuyang Luhur (White Temple).
The main attraction of the temple complex is the Gates of Heaven, which is located at the first temple, Pura Lempuyang Madya. The gate is a traditional Balinese split gate that frames the sky and the volcano in the background. The gate symbolizes the transition from the worldly realm to the spiritual realm, and the view from the gate is truly breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see the majestic Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred volcano in Bali, looming over the horizon. On a cloudy day, you can see the clouds parting to reveal the peak of the volcano, creating a dramatic effect. The gate is also a popular spot for photography, as you can capture the perfect shot of the gate and the volcano with a mirror-like reflection. The reflection is actually created by a mirror that is placed under the camera lens by the local photographers, who charge a small fee for their service. The mirror trick is a clever way to create an illusion of a water surface, and the result is stunning.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can continue hiking up the mountain to visit the other temples in the complex. The higher you go, the more serene and peaceful the atmosphere becomes. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding forest, hills, and villages. The highest temple, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is the most sacred and important temple in the complex. It is dedicated to Sang Hyang Iswara, the supreme god of Hinduism. The temple is also the oldest and the most architecturally impressive temple in the complex, featuring a three-tiered meru (pagoda) and a dragon staircase. The temple is a place of pilgrimage and worship for the Balinese Hindus, who believe that praying here will bring them blessings and prosperity.
Another thing to expect at Lempuyang Temple is the presence of macaques, the grey long-tailed monkeys that inhabit the forest around the temple. The macaques are generally harmless and friendly, but they can be cheeky and curious. They may approach you and try to snatch your belongings, such as sunglasses, hats, or food. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your valuables close to you and avoid feeding or touching the monkeys.
How to Get to Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple is located in the eastern part of Bali, about 75 kilometers from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. The temple is situated on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, which is part of the Karangasem regency. The exact address and the coordinates of the temple are:
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
There are several transportation options to get to Lempuyang Temple, such as car, motorcycle, taxi, or tour. The travel time, distance, and cost of each option may vary depending on your starting point, traffic condition, and bargaining skill. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
- Car: Renting a car is a convenient and comfortable way to get to Lempuyang Temple, especially if you are traveling with a group or a family. You can rent a car from various providers in Bali, such as online platforms, hotels, or local agencies. The average cost of renting a car in Bali is around 500,000 IDR (35 USD) per day, excluding the driver, fuel, and parking fees. The advantages of renting a car are that you can have more flexibility, privacy, and comfort. You can also stop at other attractions along the way, such as Tirta Gangga Water Palace or Taman Ujung Water Palace. The disadvantages of renting a car are that you may need to hire a driver, which can add to the cost, and that you may encounter traffic jams or road closures, which can delay your trip.
- Motorcycle: Renting a motorcycle is a cheap and adventurous way to get to Lempuyang Temple, especially if you are traveling solo or as a couple. You can rent a motorcycle from various providers in Bali, such as online platforms, hotels, or local agencies. The average cost of renting a motorcycle in Bali is around 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per day, excluding the fuel and parking fees. The advantages of renting a motorcycle are that you can save money, avoid traffic jams, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. You can also explore the off-the-beaten-path areas and experience the local culture. The disadvantages of renting a motorcycle are that you need to have a valid international driving license, a helmet, and a good sense of direction. You also need to be careful of the road conditions, the weather, and the traffic rules.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is a fast and easy way to get to Lempuyang Temple, especially if you are looking for a hassle-free and direct trip. You can take a taxi from various places in Bali, such as the airport, the hotel, or the city center. The average cost of taking a taxi in Bali is around 600,000 IDR (42 USD) one way, depending on the meter or the negotiated price. The advantages of taking a taxi are that you can have a reliable and safe ride, and that you can save time and energy. You can also ask the driver to wait for you at the temple or to take you to other places after the visit. The disadvantages of taking a taxi are that you may need to bargain for the price, and that you may miss out on the other attractions along the way.
- Tour: Joining a tour is a popular and convenient way to get to Lempuyang Temple, especially if you are looking for a guided and comprehensive trip. You can join a tour from various providers in Bali, such as online platforms, hotels, or local agencies. The average cost of joining a tour in Bali is around 800,000 IDR (56 USD) per person, including the transportation, the entrance fee, the guide, and the lunch. The advantages of joining a tour are that you can have a hassle-free and enjoyable experience, and that you can learn more about the temple and the culture from the guide. You can also visit other attractions that are included in the tour package, such as Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, or Besakih Temple. The disadvantages of joining a tour are that you may have less flexibility, privacy, and personalization. You may also have to follow a fixed schedule and share the vehicle with other tourists.
The best option for you to get to Lempuyang Temple depends on your budget, preference, and convenience. If you want to have more flexibility, privacy, and comfort, you may opt for renting a car or a motorcycle. If you want to have a fast, easy, and direct trip, you may opt for taking a taxi. If you want to have a guided, comprehensive, and enjoyable trip, you may opt for joining a tour.
When to Visit Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is 20,000 IDR (1.4 USD) per person, and the donation is 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per person. You can visit the temple at any time of the year, but there are some factors that you may want to consider when planning your visit, such as the weather, the crowd, and the events.
- Weather: The weather in Bali is tropical and humid, with two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from April to September, and the wet season lasts from October to March. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Lempuyang Temple, as you can enjoy the clear sky, the sunny weather, and the cool breeze. The wet season is generally the worst time to visit Lempuyang Temple, as you may encounter the rain, the fog, and the humidity. The rain can make the hiking trail slippery and muddy, the fog can obscure the view of the volcano, and the humidity can make you sweat and uncomfortable. However, the wet season also has its advantages, such as the lush green scenery, the lower prices, and the fewer tourists.
- Crowd: The crowd at Lempuyang Temple can vary depending on the day, the time, and the season. The temple is usually crowded on weekends, holidays, and festivals, as many locals and tourists visit the temple for worship or sightseeing. The temple is also crowded during the peak season, which is from July to August and from December to January, as many tourists flock to Bali for vacation. The temple is usually less crowded on weekdays, early mornings, and late afternoons, as fewer people visit the temple at these times. The temple is also less crowded during the low season, which is from February to June and from September to November, as fewer tourists travel to Bali at these times.
- Events: The events at Lempuyang Temple can also affect your visit, as they can add to the cultural and spiritual experience of the temple. The temple hosts various events throughout the year, such as ceremonies, festivals, and rituals. The most important event at the temple is the Piodalan, which is the anniversary of the temple. The Piodalan is celebrated every 210 days, according to the Balinese calendar, and it usually falls on a full moon or a new moon. The Piodalan is a festive and colorful occasion, as thousands of devotees come to the temple to pray, offer, and celebrate. The temple is decorated with flowers, flags, and umbrellas, and the air is filled with the sounds of gamelan, chants, and bells. The Piodalan is a great opportunity to witness the Balinese culture and religion, but it is also a very busy and crowded time at the temple.
The best time to visit Lempuyang Temple depends on your preference and goal. If you want to have the best view of the volcano, you may want to visit during the dry season, on a clear day, and in the morning or afternoon. If you want to have the best photo of the gate, you may want to visit during the wet season, on a cloudy day, and in the early morning or late afternoon. If you want to have the best cultural and spiritual experience, you may want to visit during the Piodalan, on a full moon or a new moon, and in the midday or evening.
What to Wear at Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple is a sacred and respectful place, and you need to follow the dress code and the codes of conduct when visiting the temple. The dress code requires you to cover your shoulders and knees, and to wear a sarong and a scarf around your waist. The sarong is a long cloth that wraps around your lower body, and the scarf is a sash that ties around your waist. The sarong and the scarf are symbols of respect and modesty, and they are mandatory for both men and women. The dress code also prohibits you to wear any hats, sunglasses, or shoes inside the temple. You need to remove these items and leave them outside the temple or in your vehicle.
You can get the appropriate attire for visiting the temple in several ways, such as renting, buying, or bringing. You can rent a sarong and a scarf at the temple entrance, where there are stalls that provide them for a small fee or donation. The average cost of renting a sarong and a scarf is around 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per person. You can also buy a sarong and a scarf at the temple entrance, where there are stalls that sell them for a reasonable price. The average cost of buying a sarong and a scarf is around 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per person. You can also bring your own sarong and scarf, if you have them or if you prefer to use your own. You can also use any long cloth or scarf that you have, as long as they cover your shoulders and knees.
The best attire for you to wear at Lempuyang Temple depends on your style, comfort, and convenience. If you want to have more variety, quality, and souvenir, you may opt for buying a sarong and a scarf. If you want to have more convenience, simplicity, and saving, you may opt for renting a sarong and a scarf. If you want to have more personalization, hygiene, and preparation, you may opt for bringing your own sarong and scarf.
Conclusion
Lempuyang Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of Bali. The temple is famous for its Gates of Heaven, a split gate that offers a stunning view of the sky and Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred volcano in Bali. The temple is also a complex of seven temples that are spread along the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, a holy mountain that is believed to be the abode of the gods. The temple is a place of pilgrimage and worship for the Balinese Hindus, who believe that praying here will bring them blessings and prosperity.
