Lempuyang Temple Gate of Heaven tour: Besakih and Tirta Gangga

Three temples and a royal palace in one morning through East Bali's rice terraces

A full-day guided tour of East Bali visiting Besakih Temple, Tirta Gangga water palace and Lempuyang Temple's Gateway to Heaven, with lunch and hotel pickup included. The route passes through rice paddies and winding mountain roads, stopping at each site long enough to photograph and hear the history from an English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Besakih Temple1h · entry included
2. Tirta Gangga Water Garden1h · entry included

Explore East Bali's Iconic Temples and Culture

• Visit Besakih Temple
• Explore Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Enjoy lunch overlooking rice paddies
• Visit Lempuyang Temple Gateway to Heaven

The experience

Besakih Temple opens the day: the largest and holiest Hindu temple in Bali, known as the mother temple. It survived the volcanic eruption of 1963 and stands as the most important in a series of Balinese temples. From there, the route heads to Tirta Gangga, the former royal water palace in eastern Bali, where tiered fountains, gardens and stone sculptures of mythical creatures line bathing pools. Lunch happens here, served with views across the lush rice paddies of northeastern Bali stretching out below the palace grounds.

The final stop is Lempuyang Temple, reached by traveling through long stretches of pristine rice paddies and winding roads with mountain views. This is the site known as the Gateway to Heaven: the reason it appears on postcards and fills Instagram feeds. Mount Agung rises behind the temple, framing the photographs. Your guide explains the temple's history and Balinese culture as you move through the site, handling logistics so you focus on the moment.

The tour runs nine hours total, with private transportation, fuel, all entrance fees, lunch and cold water included. Hotel pickup is part of the booking, and an English-speaking driver-guide handles both the route and the commentary. Insurance coverage is built in.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• all entrance fees to Besakih Temple, Tirta Gangga and Lempuyang Temple.
• lunch with views of the rice paddies.
• cold mineral water throughout the day.
• an English-speaking driver-guide who explains the history and culture at each stop.
• hotel pickup and return.
• and insurance coverage.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Star Bali Tour

Is this one for you?The nine-hour day starts early and involves moderate walking at three separate temple and palace sites, so it suits travelers who want to see East Bali's most famous landmarks in one outing without arranging their own transport or guide. The fixed itinerary keeps all three stops (Besakih, Tirta Gangga and Lempuyang) inside a single day.

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Top questions

What is Besakih Temple and why does it matter in Bali?

Besakih Temple is the largest and holiest Hindu temple in Bali, known as the mother temple of the island. It survived the catastrophic volcanic eruption of 1963 and stands as the most important in a series of Balinese temples, making it the natural starting point for understanding Balinese spiritual life.

What will I see at Tirta Gangga?

Tirta Gangga is the most beautiful former royal water palace in eastern Bali, featuring tiered fountains, ornamental gardens and stone sculptures of mythical creatures spouting water into bathing pools. The palace sits overlooking the lush rice paddies of northeastern Bali, and lunch is served there so you eat with that view.

Why is Lempuyang Temple called the Gateway to Heaven?

Lempuyang Temple earned the name Gateway to Heaven because of its dramatic setting and the views it commands. Mount Agung rises directly behind the temple, creating the iconic framing that makes it one of Bali's most photographed sites: the one you see on postcards and social media.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at each temple and palace site, with the route passing through rice paddies and along winding mountain roads between stops. Your guide handles the driving and commentary, so the day focuses on exploring each location at a comfortable pace rather than covering long distances on foot.