Ever since going to Bali and posting little bits about my trip, I keep getting asked for more things to do. I guess everyone wants to travel to Bali these days! Well it’s a good thing because Bali is BEAUTIFUL. I couldn’t ask for better scenery or architecture. Not only was it stunning to see every day, but it also made for great photos. One place in Bali that my friends & I travelled to that was absolutely beautiful was Lempuyang Temple. It was definitely worth the long, winding trip!
When we planned to go to Lempuyang Temple, I don’t think I realized how far away we were! We were staying in Ubud at the time, so it was roughly a 2 hour drive. We hired a driver for the day (which cost about $50-60 CDN) to take us 6 to Lempuyang Temple and then drive us around afterwards. Not only did the drive feel incredibly long, but the roads were SO bumpy and at such a high incline. I don’t know how these cars make it up some of the roads. The roads wind up the side of hills at such high inclines that I thought the car wouldn’t make it a couple times. Definitely some scary moments!
Anyways, after that 2 hour adventure within itself, we finally made it to Lempuyang Temple. We had to pay a small fee to enter the area, as well as to borrow a sarong to cover up (around $3 CDN). In order to enter a Hindu temple you must cover your shoulders and your legs. This wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t SO HOT the day we decided to go. On top of that, to get to the temple, you have to climb so many steps! We were all definitely sweating pretty hard after reaching the top!
Lempuyang Temple is also known as the Gateway to Heaven. It is honestly so beautiful. All the details on the sculptures are done so well. It’s hard to imagine a time when this was all new. It’s actually crazy to think that now it’s a tourist attraction after all these years. Once you get to this temple, there isn’t anything to really do other than take photos and take in the beautiful scenery. I mean, you could climb more stairs if you wanted to.. we definitely didn’t. Again, it was so hot that we didn’t stay more than 20 minutes. The sun was just beating down so hard (something I take for granted now since the weather in Toronto isn’t that great).
Right on the other side of the Gates to Heaven, are the Dragon Steps. You’re only allowed to walk up the stairs on the left or right, not the center due to religious beliefs. It’s absolutely gorgeous! If you’re also up for a real adventure, Lempuyang Temple is only one of six temples in the area. You could definitely spend an entire day hiking and seeing the other temples. I cannot say anything about these temples, since it was way to hot for us to explore.. but if they’re anything like the first temple, it’s worth it!
Is Lempuyang Temple on your itinerary?
