Lempuyang Temple Bali: 2025 Gates of Heaven & Swing Review

So, you are very likely dreaming of Bali, and you know, that one incredible picture probably keeps popping up. It’s almost always the ‘Gates of Heaven’ at Lempuyang Temple, looking absolutely serene with a picture-perfect reflection. At the end of the day, it is one of Bali’s most iconic sights. I was exactly the same way, completely captivated by that image and honestly needing to see it for myself. Anyway, getting there and seeing it in person is a totally different story from what you see online, you know. To be honest, it’s part awe-inspiring spiritual site and part, well, highly organized photo-op with a really surprising trick up its sleeve that you definitely want to know about before you go.

What is the Real Deal with the “Gates of Heaven” Picture?

Okay, so first things first, we should really talk about that “reflection” you see in all the pictures. As a matter of fact, and this is kind of the biggest spoiler, there is no lake or pool of water in front of the gates, which is pretty shocking to most people. That stunning, watery reflection that is so famous is actually created by a local person who holds a small mirror just under your phone’s lens, like, right up against it. In fact, it’s a very clever bit of camera trickery, and frankly, these guys are masters at getting the shot just right. Now, some people feel a little bit let down by this, you know, because it’s not a natural view. On the other hand, you kind of have to admire the ingenuity, right? You are basically paying for a professionally staged photo.

Actually, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is far more than just this one photo spot. It’s seriously one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples, a little bit like a gateway to the heavens for the Balinese people. So, the temple you see in photos is just the very first one, Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, at the bottom of the mountain. Apparently, there are six other temples higher up, and reaching the top one is a pretty serious hike that takes several hours. Almost all tourists, honestly, just visit the first gate, take their picture with Mount Agung in the background if it is a clear day, and then they leave. Still, it’s a pretty special place with a very deep spiritual meaning, and you can really feel that history when you’re standing there, which is quite a feeling.

Frankly, knowing about the mirror trick beforehand really helps manage your expectations. I mean, you can then appreciate the moment for what it is—a fun photo and a visit to a seriously beautiful and culturally significant site.

Planning Your 2025 Trip to Pura Lempuyang

Getting There Is Quite a Drive

First of all, Lempuyang Temple is located in East Bali, which is actually a pretty long way from popular spots like Seminyak, Canggu, or even Ubud. We’re talking about a drive that could be two to three hours each way, sometimes more depending on traffic, you know. Your best bet, honestly, is to hire a private driver for the day. You can find them pretty much everywhere, and they usually charge a flat rate for a 10-hour day, so you can make a few other stops. As a matter of fact, this is more or less the most comfortable and stress-free option. Alternatively, if you’re a very experienced rider, you could rent a scooter, but just be aware that the roads are quite winding and can be a little challenging. A driver, frankly, is worth the money for the local knowledge alone. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([East Bali Private Driver]).

Best Time to Visit and Handling the Queue

Alright, this part is pretty important. At the end of the day, to get that amazing photo without a massive crowd in the background, you have to get there early. I mean, seriously early. You should probably aim to arrive right at sunrise, around 6 AM, or just a little bit before. Obviously, this means leaving your hotel at like 3 or 4 AM, which is a bit intense but definitely worth it. When you arrive and pay your entrance fee, you’ll be given a number, like you’re at a bakery. You basically have to wait for your number to be called for your turn at the gates, so the earlier you get there, the lower your number will be. Even at sunrise, you could be waiting for an hour or, sometimes, even two or three hours. It’s a system that, in a way, manages the chaos pretty well. So just grab a coffee from a local warung and be patient.

What to Wear and Proper Temple Manners

Okay, so because this is a very active and sacred temple, you have to dress respectfully. So, this means both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. You’ll be required to wear a sarong, which you can rent for a small fee right at the entrance if you don’t have your own, you know. I mean, they are very used to tourists, so they make it easy for you. A few other things to be mindful of are that you should never point your feet at the altar, and public displays of affection are a bit of a no-go. Also, drones are completely forbidden here, so just leave them at the hotel. Basically, just remember you are a guest in a very sacred space, and acting with respect is sort of the most important thing.

Read our full review: [Lempuyang Temple Bali Full Review and Details]

So, Is the Lempuyang Photo Experience Still Worth Doing?

To be honest, the answer to this really depends on what kind of traveler you are. If your Bali trip is basically centered on getting that one iconic Instagram shot, then yes, it’s probably worth it for you. You just need to be prepared for the super early morning, the long drive, and the very long wait for what is, in reality, about 60 seconds of photo time. The local photographers, who are honestly like directors, will guide you through about five or six different poses, and then it is all over pretty quickly. You know, you are more or less a part of a well-oiled machine.

On the other hand, if you are someone who hates crowds and waiting in long lines, this experience might be extremely frustrating. Instead, you might just want to visit the temple a bit later in the day when the photo queue has died down. So, you can then just soak in the atmosphere of the place without the pressure of the photo line. The view of Mount Agung on a clear day is absolutely stunning, you know, even without a mirror reflection. In fact, you can actually take your own photos from the side, which are often just as beautiful and a little more authentic, in a way. So at the end of the day, the value is really in your perspective.

Jumping into the Fun: The Bali Jungle Swing Experience

Alright, so after your early morning at the temple, a popular next stop on many East Bali tours is a jungle swing. I mean, these have become almost as famous as the temples themselves. There are honestly tons of them, especially in the areas around Ubud and Tegallalang, but you can find them closer to Lempuyang too. Essentially, these are massive swings that send you soaring out over a valley, a jungle, or rice paddies, which is pretty exhilarating. It’s obviously a huge photo opportunity, and the places that operate them usually have all sorts of other picture props like giant nests and other things like that.

Now, the experiences can vary a lot, you know. Some are huge parks with multiple swings, zip lines, and lunch packages included. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Bali Jungle Swing Packages]). Others are much smaller, maybe just a single swing run by a local family, which can be a little more charming. To be honest, you should look for places that clearly display their safety standards, as you are being strapped in and swung quite high. Usually, the package price lets you go on the swing as many times as you want. Frankly, it’s a pure, simple thrill, and the views you get while flying through the air are actually pretty incredible. It’s a very different kind of Bali beauty compared to the quiet reverence of the temple.

A Simple Plan for Your East Bali Day Trip

So, putting this all together can feel a little overwhelming, but it’s actually quite straightforward with a private driver. Here is a simple plan that more or less works for most people.

• 4:00 AM: Honestly, get up and leave your hotel. Yes, it’s early, but you’ll thank yourself later, you know.
• 6:00 AM: Arrive at Pura Lempuyang. You will get your ticket number and wait for your turn for the famous gate photo.
• 9:00 AM: So, after Lempuyang, ask your driver to take you to the nearby Tirta Gangga water palace. It’s only about 30 minutes away and it is absolutely beautiful, with stepping stones and giant koi fish. It’s a completely different and really photogenic experience.
• 11:30 AM: Next, head to a jungle swing of your choice. This is where you can get your adrenaline fix and some more amazing photos, of course.
• 1:30 PM: By now, you’re probably starving. Ask your driver for a recommendation for a good local warung (a small, family-owned restaurant) with a nice view for lunch.
• 3:00 PM: Finally, begin the long and relaxing drive back to your hotel. You’ll probably be a little bit sleepy in the car.

Just a few final thoughts: you really should bring some water and snacks, as it can be a very long day. Actually, managing your own expectations is the key to enjoying Lempuyang. Just appreciate the place for its beauty and spirituality, and think of the photo as a kind of fun bonus rather than the whole point. As a matter of fact, there is so much beauty in East Bali, and the Gates of Heaven are, in a way, just the beginning of it.

Read our full review: [East Bali Day Trip Full Review and Details]