General Information
Pura Luhur Lempuyang is a very scenic and sacred temple located in East Bali, nestled in the highlands of Mount Lempuyang. It is one of the most difficult temples to reach but also one of the holiest on the island. To reach the shrines, you must climb 1,700 steps cut into the mountain, which means a 1.5 to 2-hour uphill trek through the jungle.
Like Besakih and Tanah Lot, Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali’s most important religious sites. It is also one of the island’s nine directional temples, which serve to protect Bali and the Balinese from evil spirits. Additionally, it is one of the six temples dedicated to the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, known as sad kahyangan, or the “temples of the world.”
If you’re looking for a physically challenging yet spiritually rewarding experience, this temple should be high on your list of things to do in Bali. Despite its significance, the temple is rarely crowded, making it a peaceful place to visit.
Good to Know
Pura Penataran Agung
If you’re not keen on the full hike up to Lempuyang temple, you can visit the nearby Pura Penataran Agung at the foot of the mountain. This temple offers stunning views of Mount Agung and features impressive dragon stairs leading to its shrines, making it a photographer’s dream.
It’s a Hike
The temple’s location and breathtaking views make it a highlight for those who enjoy trekking. The challenging climb of more than 1,700 stairs will take you to the temple, which sits nearly 1,200 meters above sea level. The area around Mount Lempuyang is one of the best for hiking in Bali and offers a stark contrast to the busier southern regions of the island.
This experience is a blend of adventure, panoramic mountain views, and an exploration of an ancient religious site. The trek takes you through lush forests, past smaller temples, and you may even encounter grey long-tailed macaques along the way. Though Pura Lempuyang is smaller than Pura Penataran Agung, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, reflecting the immense effort put into its construction.
If you prefer, you can hire a local motorcycle taxi to shorten your journey. These taxis, operated by local villagers, will take you up to the point where the paved road ends near Pura Penataran Agung. The price is negotiable, so ask your driver to help you arrange a fair rate.
Do Not Complain
For the local people, the walk up to the temple is a deeply spiritual journey. They take it with pride and dedication, step by step. Complaining about the hike is not appreciated, as nobody is forced to undertake this journey. For the locals, this climb is a pilgrimage, and they expect visitors to respect their reverence for the experience.
