The Gate Of The Heaven Bali with Top Places To Visit In The East of Bali

Planning a trip to Bali and looking for an immersive experience that combines spiritual sites, stunning scenery, and cultural highlights? This full-day tour in the east of Bali offers just that — starting with the iconic Lempuyang Temple, often dubbed the “Gate of Heaven,” and ending with visits to ancient villages and lush water gardens. With a focus on authentic sights, knowledgeable guides, and great value, this tour has earned a solid 4.5/5 rating from travelers.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances breathtaking views with cultural insights and scenic stops that aren’t usually crowded with travelers. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means you can enjoy a tailored experience. The only thing to keep in mind is the early start — a 3:30 am pickup — which might be a challenge for night owls or late risers. This tour is perfect for those eager to see Bali beyond its beaches, especially if you’re interested in spiritual sites, traditional villages, and picture-perfect landscapes.

Key Points

• Early Morning Start: Pickup at 3:30 am ensures you beat the crowds at Lempuyang but requires an early wake-up call.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes top highlights like Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, Ujung Water Palace, and Tenganan Village.
• Authentic Cultural Experiences: Visit a traditional Bali Aga village and temple sites with deep local significance.
• Excellent Value: At approximately $76 per person, with all entrance tickets included, the tour offers a lot for a full day of sightseeing.
• Professional Guides & Private Tour: You’ll have an English-speaking driver and a personalized experience.
• Potential Crowds & Waits: Lempuyang Temple can be very busy, especially for photos at the iconic gate.

Experience Breakdown: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Bali’s eastern gems, packed into roughly 11 to 12 hours. It’s a full-day adventure that starts in the pre-dawn hours, so you’ll want to get plenty of rest the night before. Here’s how each stop unfolds:

Lempuyang Temple — The “Gate of Heaven”

The tour kicks off super early with a pickup around 3:30 am from Seminyak, Kuta, or surrounding areas. The main highlight here is standing at the famous temple gate, with Mount Agung towering in the background. It’s one of Bali’s nine directional temples, revered for its spiritual importance and stunning silhouette at sunrise.

While the highlight is undoubtedly the photo opportunity at the gate, be prepared for crowds — some visitors mention long lines and waiting times. Many reviewers, like one who said, “the temple is very busy, so you might wait a while for photos,” note that patience is key. The early start helps, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the crowds.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace & Taman Ujung Water Garden

Next, you’ll visit the Tegalalang rice terraces, famous for their lush, terraced landscape that’s easier to enjoy without the midday rush. Expect to see vibrant green fields carved into the hillside, perfect for photos and appreciating Bali’s agricultural traditions.

Then, it’s off to the Taman Ujung Water Palace, a historic site with large pools, beautiful structures, and a scenic setting against Mount Agung. Despite weathering natural calamities like the 1963 eruption and 1979 earthquake, ongoing restorations have kept its splendor alive. Visitors find it a picturesque spot that’s often less crowded than other temples, offering tranquility and great photo ops.

Tirta Gangga Water Garden

A highlight for many is Tirta Gangga, built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem. Its architecture blends Balinese and Chinese influences across three expansive complexes. Visitors love feeding the colorful koi fishes in the ponds, with many mentioning they bought fish food to feed the fish and capture beautiful shots.

The water gardens are a fantastic place to relax, walk around, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “You can take pictures with many koi fishes, and it’s a good spot for a peaceful break.”

Tenganan Village — The Original Balinese

Next, a visit to the Tenganan Ancient Village gives a glimpse into Bali’s oldest community, inhabited by Bali Aga people. This village is known for its double ikat weaving and traditional lifestyle, offering a rare chance to see Bali’s original ways of life. Visitors have praised the opportunity to observe locals making textiles, and some have highlighted the pandan war festival in June.

The village’s hilltop location offers scenic views, and many appreciate the chance to experience Bali’s untouched cultural side. One reviewer calls it a “great insight into Bali’s indigenous traditions.”

Goa Lawah Temple — The Bat Cave Temple

Finally, the tour concludes at Goa Lawah, the “Bat Cave Temple.” Built in the 11th century, it’s both a spiritual site and a natural wonder, with a cave housing thousands of bats. It’s a significant ocean-side temple where locals perform the Nyegara Gunung ceremony, linking the sea and mountain deities.

Expect to see the cave filled with bats and hear the sounds of fluttering wings — a unique experience that combines natural wildlife with spiritual reverence. Visitors who mentioned “the cave is full of bats” note it’s best suited for those comfortable with wildlife encounters.

The Logistics and What It Means for You

This tour is priced at around $76.29 per person, which includes all entrance fees and a private driver. That’s quite reasonable considering the number of sites visited and the personalized attention. The private setup means you won’t be part of a large group, giving you flexibility to spend more time at each stop or skip a site if you prefer.

The early start is crucial. While it may be a bit grueling, it ensures you arrive at the Lempuyang Temple before the crowds swell, and it gives you a full day to explore Bali’s east. Expect a driver who speaks English well, often earning praise for their professionalism and care — some reviewers, like one who called their driver “Gede,” appreciated the attentive service.

Transportation & Timing

Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day. The itinerary is tightly packed, but the stops are well spaced out to allow for rest, photos, and brief explorations. A typical day begins at 3:30 am, with each site visited in sequence, culminating around 3-4 pm.

Crowds & Wait Times

While the early start minimizes crowds at most sites, Lempuyang Temple can still be busy, especially the photo spots at the gate. Expect some waiting time, and plan your patience accordingly. For some travelers, it’s worth it for that iconic shot, but others may prefer later visits if they want to avoid lines.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Based on actual reviews, guides like Ketut and Made Suta have been praised for their professionalism and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned, “Great job Ketut for an awesome Bali trip,” highlighting the importance of a good guide in making the experience memorable. Many travelers appreciated guides who shared cultural context and helped capture photos.

Another reviewer noted the stunning views and peaceful ambiance at Tirta Gangga and Ujung Water Palace, emphasizing how these sites offer a break from busy tourist spots. The feeding koi fishes was a standout activity, with visitors saying bringing fish food was a must for capturing lively, colorful photos.

Some comments pointed out the crowd factor at Lempuyang, but most agreed the early morning effort paid off. Reviewers also appreciated the good value for money, considering the multiple sites and the inclusion of tickets.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Dress modestly for temple visits — covered shoulders and knees are expected.
• Be prepared for long lines at the gate of Lempuyang; patience is key.
• Bring cash for fish food at Tirta Gangga and souvenirs.
• Wear comfortable shoes — some sites involve walking on uneven surfaces.
• Carry water and snacks — though stops include food options, some travelers prefer their own supplies.
• Be ready for an early wake-up — it’s worth it for the photos and fewer crowds.
• Consider adding a camera or smartphone tripod for steady shots, especially at the temple gates.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience suits travelers who:

• Have an interest in cultural and spiritual sites.
• Want to capture iconic Bali photos with Mount Agung as a backdrop.
• Prefer private, customizable tours over group excursions.
• Are comfortable with early mornings and potentially long waits at popular sites.
• Seek a day packed with scenic beauty, history, and local traditions.
• Appreciate good value, with nearly all expenses covered upfront.

It’s ideal for those looking to create a meaningful, picturesque day that goes beyond the typical Bali beach holiday, especially if you’re keen on understanding local culture and history.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is at 3:30 am, allowing you to beat crowds and catch the sunrise at Lempuyang Temple.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the early start and walking involved at some sites.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all entrance tickets are covered in the price.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for fish food and souvenirs, comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, ending around mid-afternoon.

Can I customize the stops?
This is a private tour, so you can discuss with your driver if you’d like to spend more or less time at certain sites.

Is it a group tour?
No, it’s a private experience, offering a more personalized journey.

What if I am late or want to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. If you’re late or cancel later, refunds won’t apply.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Most travelers find the allocated times sufficient, but popular spots like Lempuyang might require patience due to crowds.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at stops.

This Bali east tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most photogenic and culturally significant sites in a single day. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized, well-organized experience that hits all the highlights without rushing. The combination of stunning views, local culture, and friendly guides makes it a worthwhile addition to any Bali itinerary.

If you’re a traveler who values authentic experiences, beautiful scenery, and good value, this tour stands out as a top choice. Just be prepared for an early wake-up and some crowds — the reward is a day packed with unforgettable sights and stories that truly capture the essence of Bali’s east side.