Pura Lempuyang Luhur is the name of the famous temple complex towards the Eastern tip of Bali. There are seven temples sprinkled over the mountainside, with a whopping 1,700 stairs to reach the summit temple at 1,175m above sea level. This is considered one of the holiest places in Bali, being part of the six sat kahyangan temples. Peace and quiet, as well as fantastic view of Mount Agung (on a good day) are the reward.

Mercifully, Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, the most photographed of the temple complex is also the easiest one to reach. Nicknamed “Heaven’s Gate”, hordes of camera-toting tourists arrive here to get the iconic shot standing between the candi bentar split gateway. When the weather is clear, this provides an incredible view of Mount Agung. Wander around to admire the several bale (pavilions), and the three sets of stairs leading up to the shrines and places of worship on the upper levels. These stairs have amazing naga-inspired balustrades, with the leftmost stairs used for entry, the rightmost stairs for exit, and the middle stairs purely for ceremonies.