East Bali: Gate of Heaven, Tirta Gangga & Sidemen Valley Tour

Summary

East Bali’s temple gates, koi ponds and quiet valley lunches

You’ll start your East Bali day trip with sunrise views at Gate of Heaven before wandering Tirta Gangga’s koi-filled pools and Balinese statues. Enjoy a riverside lunch in Sidemen Valley surrounded by volcanic rocks and peaceful scenery—plus hotel pickup and a friendly local guide who shares stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought I’d seen enough temples in Bali, but the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang is something else. We left early from Ubud (I’m not a morning person), but the air was cool and our driver, Wayan, brought coffee for the drive. The road winds up through misty hills until suddenly you’re looking out at Mount Agung — it’s just there, huge and silent behind the temple gate. There were a few people ahead of us taking photos, but nobody seemed rushed. Wayan joked that if you say “Agung” three times fast you’ll get good weather — not sure if it worked but the clouds cleared for a minute and everyone cheered.

After that we drove to Tirta Gangga Water Palace. The gardens are full of these stone statues with fierce faces (Wayan said they keep away bad spirits), and kids running around feeding koi fish in the ponds. The water is so clear you can see flashes of orange everywhere. I tried walking across those stepping stones — nearly slipped once, caught myself, laughed with some local women who were doing it better than me in flip-flops. There’s this smell of wet grass and incense drifting from somewhere; it just feels peaceful.

Lunch was in Sidemen Valley at this place called Wapa di Ume — honestly, I didn’t want to leave. You sit by the river with these giant volcanic rocks all around, and there’s this soft hum from the water moving past. The food was simple but good (spicy chicken satay, lots of rice), and someone brought us fresh fruit after. It’s quiet except for birds and distant laughter from the kitchen. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

The whole day felt like seeing a slower side of Bali — not just snapping photos but actually having time to breathe between places. If you’re looking for a “day trip Machu Picchu Cusco” kind of rush, this isn’t that — it’s more about small moments: mountain air, koi fish nibbling your fingers, or just listening to your guide tell stories about growing up nearby. Anyway, I’d do it again just for that first glimpse of Agung through the gate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore East Bali highlights

• Travel by air-conditioned Toyota Innova
• Visit Gate of Heaven temple
• Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks with Mount Agung view
• Explore Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Feed Koi fish at the pond
• Visit scenic dam with waterfall panorama
• Lunch at Wapa Di Ume in Sidemen

Top questions

How long does the East Bali tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience starting in the morning and returning in the afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private hotel pickup is included with an air-conditioned Toyota Innova.

Can children join this East Bali tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers and infant seats are available.

Is lunch provided on the tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Wapa di Ume Sidemen by the river.

Are entry fees to Gate of Heaven & Tirta Gangga included?

All entrance fees are covered as part of your booking.

What should I bring for swimming?

Please bring swimwear if you want to use the river or infinity pool access during lunch stop.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Your driver also serves as an English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Can women enter Lempuyang Temple during menstruation?

No, entry to Lempuyang Temple is not allowed during menstruation due to local customs.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in a comfortable Toyota Innova with an English-speaking guide who doubles as photographer if needed; all entrance fees for Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga Water Palace; bottled water; riverside lunch at Wapa di Ume Sidemen with access to river or infinity pool—just remember your swimsuit—and return transfer at day’s end.