Bali Gate of Heaven, Waterfalls & Rice Terraces Private Day Trip

Summary

Lempuyang temple gate views, sacred waters, rice fields and forest monkeys in bali’s east

You’ll step through Bali’s Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple with Mount Agung rising behind you, wander emerald rice terraces in Karangasem, taste local snacks with your guide and feel cool mist on your skin at hidden waterfalls or sacred pools—plus hotel pickup makes it easy to just show up and let Bali surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder if those photos from the Bali Gate of Heaven are really as surreal as they look? I did. So when our driver, Pak Made, picked us up before sunrise (I was barely awake), I wasn’t sure what to expect. The drive out to Lempuyang Temple from Ubud felt endless but in a good way — mist curling over the rice paddies, roosters somewhere in the dark. Pak Made told us about his family’s offerings at the temple; I tried to pronounce “Lempuyang” right and he just grinned. When we finally climbed those last steps and saw Mount Agung framed by the split gate, it was quieter than I’d pictured. The air smelled faintly of incense and wet stone. There were a few other people waiting for their photo (yes, there’s a queue), but honestly, standing there in that morning light — it didn’t feel like a cliché at all.

After that, we wound down narrow roads past Karangasem’s rice terraces. You can see why people call them engineered landscapes; every layer is impossibly green and alive with water trickling between the rows. We stopped for a snack — sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf from a roadside stall — and Pak Made laughed when I tried to eat it with one hand while taking photos with the other (not recommended). At Tirta Gangga Water Palace, koi fish darted under stepping stones and little kids splashed their feet beside stone fountains. The sun came out just enough to make everything shimmer but not enough to roast us.

If you pick the East Bali package like we did, you’ll end up at Tukad Cepung Waterfall too. Getting there means ducking under vines and squeezing between rocks — it feels more like an adventure than a walk. The sound of water echoes off the canyon walls before you even see it. Honestly, I slipped once on a wet stone (don’t wear flip flops) but didn’t care because that first glimpse of sunlight cutting through the mist? It’s burned into my memory now.

I heard some people choose the Ubud route instead for monkeys and Tegenungan Waterfall — Pak Made said both are wild in their own way (“the monkeys steal sunglasses,” he warned). Either way, this private Bali Instagram tour is less about perfect photos than about all these small moments: incense smoke drifting up at Lempuyang Temple, laughter over sticky rice on a roadside bench, cold spray on your face deep inside a canyon. Not sure any filter can really capture that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Lempuyang and East Bali

• Visit Lempuyang Luhur Temple
• Explore Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• See Karangasem Rice Terrace

Top questions

How long does the private Bali Instagram tour take?

The day trip usually takes around 10-12 hours including travel time from your hotel in Ubud or South Bali.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included in all packages.

What are the main stops on the Gate of Heaven tour?

Main stops include Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven), Karangasem rice terraces, Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Tukad Cepung Waterfall or Ubud Monkey Forest & Tegenungan Waterfall depending on your chosen route.

Can I visit both waterfalls and Monkey Forest on one tour?

No—Tukad Cepung Waterfall is included in the East Bali package; Ubud Monkey Forest & Tegenungan Waterfall are part of the Ubud package option.

Are entry tickets included in the price?

Yes—entry fees for all places visited are included depending on your selected package.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Do I need to bring anything special for visiting Lempuyang Temple?

A sarong is required but often provided onsite; bring water and sun protection as well as comfortable shoes for walking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in South Bali or Ubud, entry tickets to all sites based on your chosen route (Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Karangasem rice terraces or Ubud Monkey Forest and Tegenungan Waterfall), plus an English-speaking driver who shares local stories along the way—so you can just relax into every moment without worrying about logistics.