General Information
It’s a very scenic and very holy place to visit. Located in East Bali within the highlands of Mount Lempuyang this temple is not only one of the most difficult to get to, but also one of the most sacred on Bali. 1,700 steps cut into the mountain are between your parking lot and the shrines. This means a 1 1/2 to 2 hours of physical challenge leading you uphill through the jungle.
Pura Luhur Lempuyang is like several other temples in this list one of Bali’s most important religious places. Like Besakih, Tanah Lot etc it’s also one of the island’s nine directional temples with the function to protect Bali and the Balinese from evil spirits. It is also one of the six temples that are dedicated to the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The six are the temples of the world, also called sad kahyangan.
The temple is never really crowded. So if you are fit and ready for a challenge that gives you a very special reward in return, this temple should be high up on your list of things to do on Bali.
Good to know
Pura Penataran Agung
If you are not willing to take the hike up to Lempuyang temple there is another temple just at the foot of the mountain, the Pura Penataran Agung that is worth a visit.
There are very scenic views of Mount Agung waiting to be captured by photographers and don’t miss the impressive dragon stairs that lead to shrines.
It’s a hike
The temple’s unique location and spectacular views are definitely a highlight for the fit and willing. The steep and challenging climb with more than 1700 stairs will lead you to the temple almost 1.200m above sea level. The entire area around mount Lempuyang is actually one of the best to hike and enjoy a Bali, that has nothing to do with the south.
To many, who are into hiking and trekking this visit is a fantastic blend of an adventurous mountain trekking experience, incredible panoramic views, and the visit of an ancient religious site. You will walk through lush mountain forests, pass by several other smaller temples, and will surely meet a few of the grey long-tailed macaques.
Once you are there you might notice, that Pura Lempuyang is actually smaller than the Penataran Agung. But it feels different, more serene, more calm. It’s unique and one can slightly feel why Balinese were ready to put such unbelievable amount of effort into constructing this site with their bare hands.You can shorten the time it will take you to get up there after you got off by your car and hire one of the many many motorcycle taxis that are operated by local villagers. The price is reasonable, simply ask your driver to help you to negotiate a fair price. They will take you up the point where the paved road ends directly at the temple Penataran Agung, for a negotiable fee.
And it can be a fun ride too. Most people stop at the first temple and take a few pictures before they gather their strength and courage to face the 1.700 steps.
Do not complain
The locals take this walk up to the temple very seriously. With pride and dedication, they take step by step. For them, it’s a spiritual journey that one should not complain about. And they certainly do not appreciate hearing others complain. After all, nobody is forced to come up here.
