The Lempuyang Luhur Temple

It’s not for everybody but for those who are willing and able, once they arrive, they’ll soon realise that it was worth the effort. Passing through villages in the lush forest, the panorama to be found after two ceaseless hours and 1700 steps is postcard perfect - the imposing and colossal “Gates of Heaven”, the most-photographed two-sided entryway (Candi Bentar) in all of Bali, which frames a mystic scene on the Agung volcano, the island’s highest peak and the surrounding landscape. But trouble awaits whoever complains! The locals believe that anyone who laments will never reach the summit. Located on the side of the sacred mountain of the same name, the Hindu temple Lempuyang Luhur (meaning "noble") is a complex comprised of seven sanctuaries in the regency of Karangasem in the eastern part of Bali and the most ancient and venerated temple among the many that dot the island. For the piodalan (anniversary celebration) votive offerings and flags adorn this stunning location, divided into three areas - the external sanctuary, the central sanctuary, where altars dedicated to the founder Hyang Gnijaya and his children are and where religious ceremonies are celebrated, and the main internal sanctuary.