MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN BALI: HEAVEN’S GATE
IS IT WORTH IT TO VISIT HEAVEN’S GATE?
You cannot go to Bali and not go to Heaven’s Gate. Gates are very common in Bali, you will find one at every corner, but this one is the most iconic of them. I’ve said it on several occasions, Bali is Instagramar’s Heaven. Everything is very thoroughly made to be worthy of your Instagram feed and to attract people thanks to all those dreamy and catchy spots.
Heaven’s Gate, which can be found in Lempuyang Temple, is no exception. You’ve all seen all those romantic pictures with couples staying between the gates, holding hands, looking at Mount Agung in the background, and having their reflection at the bottom of the photo. Seen like this, you have the impression of being at Heaven’s Gate, right?
If this illusion is what will bring you to Heave’s Gate, you will be one of many tourists, disappointed by reality. The gates are still beautiful, with the impressive Mount Agung in the background, and the clouds that make it all seem like you’re in Heaven. But the reflection is just an optical illusion created by the photographers that are there on the spot.
And you don’t have to be with your partner to get a dreamy picture here. If you are creative enough, you can get a similar picture to mine, reaching for Heaven’s open arms on your own.
If you come here to visit the entire temple’s premises, yes, go for it, but if you come only for this picture, you will be disappointed and you will just follow the mass on Social Media.
Check out below, both versions, Instagram vs reality, and let’s face it, if you see the second picture on Instagram, you will not wake up at 4 am to get there and wait in line between one hour and four hours, right? Both pictures were taken on the same instant, with two different cameras and effects.
HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN’S GATE
Lempuyang Temple is located on Bali’s east side, a long drive from popular locations like Ubud or Seminyak. But you still have some options to get there. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation, but you can still have a few options:
- You can book a personal driver for the day, that will walk you everywhere you need. I paid 400K IDR (27€ or 26 USD) and my driver was at all times with me, showing me around, entering with me everywhere I went, and, taking very nice pictures for me. They go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and deliver a bespoke service.
- Take a taxi scooter. For instance, if you need to go for a relatively short distance and spend the day there, just look for locals that propose to drive you with their scooter. I usually paid between 50K and 80K IDR (3-6 €/USD), depending on the distance. They provide you with a helmet, as it is forbidden in Bali to ride without a helmet.
- Use the Go-Jek or Grab app to book a taxi. There is a standard base fare for Bali taxis of around 0.44 €/USD (7K IDR), and an additional charge per km of around 0.47 €/USD (7.5K IDR).
- Book a daily activity with GetYourGuide that includes several points of interest. You get free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, so, this is the best option if you don’t have a plan for what to do in Bali.
How Much Is The Entrance To The Gates Of Heaven In Bali?
Before there was no entrance fee, only a donation was required. Since it became so popular, things have changed and now you need to pay an entrance fee.
The entrance fee is 100 000 IDR (6.1€ / 6.4$).
If you drove here, there is an additional fee for parking your scooter or car, 5 000 IDR (0.3€/$).
Please note that this is a sacred place, so you should definitely wear a sarong and your shoulders must be covered.
If you don’t have a sarong, you can rent one for 10 000 IDR (1€/$) at the ticket office.
WHAT TO EXPECT when you go to heaven’s gate
Even though the temple is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, try to get there around 5:00 am. You will be the first in line for the pictures and you will have great light from the sunrise and a breathtaking view in the background.
Due to the hype on Instagram, many tourists will arrive by busses very early at Heaven’s Gates in Bali, so the waiting line could be up to 3 hours.
CHECK OUT THE BEST ACTIVITY TOURS IN BALI
DID YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE USEFUL?
Tell me in the comments section if you’ve been to Bali and what was your experience. If you are planning to go on solo travel to Bali ask me for some useful tips that are not in this article.
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