East Bali Lempuyang Temple Tour: Gates of Heaven & Local Villages

Summary

Explore Bali’s Sacred Temples and Ancient Villages in Karangasem

If you want to see Bali beyond the usual beaches, this tour takes you right into its heart—temples above the clouds, royal water gardens, and ancient village life. You’ll get real stories from locals and plenty of photo ops along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cooler as we climbed up toward Lempuyang Temple—locals call it the “Gates of Heaven” for good reason. The view from up there is something else; you can see Mount Agung peeking through the clouds if you’re lucky. Our guide, Pak Wayan, showed us the best spot for photos (yes, that famous split gate). There was a bit of a wait for pictures, but honestly, just watching the mist roll in over the hills made it worth it. I could hear roosters crowing somewhere below and caught the faint smell of incense drifting from a nearby shrine.

Next stop: Tirta Gangga Water Palace. It’s not far—maybe 20 minutes by car—and when we arrived, the morning light was bouncing off all those ponds and fountains. We tried walking across the stepping stones (a little wobbly at first), feeding some fish as we went. Our guide shared stories about how this used to be a royal retreat. There’s a small warung near the entrance selling sweet iced tea and fried bananas—perfect after wandering around in the sun.

We finished up in Tenganan Village, one of Bali’s oldest communities. The pace here is slow; chickens wander between traditional houses, and you’ll spot women weaving ikat cloth right on their porches. Pak Wayan introduced us to a local elder who explained how their customs have barely changed in centuries. It felt like stepping back in time—no loud scooters or crowds, just quiet lanes and friendly faces.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — East Bali Highlights

• Photo at Lempuyang Temple
• Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Explore Tenganan Traditional Village

Top questions

How long does this East Bali tour take?

The full tour usually takes about 8–10 hours including travel time between sites.

Is there a dress code for Lempuyang Temple?

Yes, you’ll need to wear a sarong and cover your shoulders—your guide can help with this.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

This tour involves some stairs and uneven paths; it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Are meals included?

No meals are included, but there are local cafés and vendors at each stop where you can buy snacks or lunch.

What’s included

You’ll get private transport with an English-speaking guide/driver, all entrance fees covered, hotel pickup and drop-off, plus bottled water to keep you refreshed throughout the day.