Private Lempuyang Temple, Goa Raja Waterfall & Tirta Gangga Tour Bali

Lempuyang Temple and the Gates of Heaven

Pura Lempuyang stands on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem, the far east of Bali, and is one of the island's holiest temples, believed to guard Bali from the east. Its lower courtyard, Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, is entered through a tall split gate of white stone, the candi bentar, which perfectly frames the cone of Mount Agung on clear days. This view has become known as the Gates of Heaven, and it is the reason most people book a Lempuyang Temple tour.

Inside, three staircases lined with carved dragon balustrades climb to the inner shrines. Local photographers take the famous reflection picture by holding a small mirror under your phone lens. Queues for the gate can exceed an hour at busy times; this tour includes a quick-access arrangement that usually shortens the wait, although some waiting can still occur. Allow up to three and a half hours here, including the shuttle from the car park.

Visiting Lempuyang: Timing, Dress and Mount Agung

Is Lempuyang Temple worth visiting? If you want the most famous temple view in Bali and you start early, yes. The best time to visit Lempuyang is the morning, when Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred volcano, is usually free of cloud; by midday mist often hides the summit. The dry months from April to October give the clearest skies, while the wet season brings greener landscapes and more cloud.

Lempuyang is an active place of worship, so shoulders and knees must be covered and a sarong is required; bring your own or rent one at the entrance. Following Balinese custom, women who are menstruating may not enter. The road up from the car park is very steep, so visitors ride a local shuttle to the temple gate. The higher temples of the mountain are reached by a long climb of several hours and are not part of this day.

Goa Raja Waterfall

With the early start, your first stop is Goa Raja Waterfall, a jungle waterfall in Karangasem where the stream drops over a rock wall into a natural pool surrounded by ferns and tall trees. In the morning light the spray often creates fine mist and small rainbows, and the setting is far quieter than the well-known waterfalls near Ubud.

A short path with steps leads down to the water, so wear shoes with grip or sandals you can get wet. If you would like a swim, bring swimwear and a towel; otherwise there is plenty of time for photos from the rocks and the pool edge. Plan about an hour here. Please note that the option with later start times leaves out this waterfall to fit the day, so choose the default early start if Goa Raja is on your list.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga, whose name means water from the Ganges, is a former royal water garden near Amlapura built in 1946 by the last king of Karangasem. Badly damaged by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, it was later restored, and today it is a peaceful park of spring-fed pools, tiered fountains, carved statues and lawns, with rice terraces and hills rising around it.

The highlight is crossing the ponds on octagonal stepping stones while large koi gather around your feet; there is also a spring-fed bathing pool and quiet gardens to explore. Tirta Gangga opening hours usually run from early morning until early evening every day, and the Tirta Gangga tickets are included in this option. About an hour is enough, and it makes a relaxing final stop before the drive back to your hotel.