The famous Gates of Heaven have become one of Bali’s biggest photo spots, with people travelling across the island for the chance to stand between the towering split gates with Mount Agung rising in the background.
But while the views are impressive, the reality is that long queues and crowds can sometimes take away from the experience a little.
The good news is that Bali is full of other dramatic temple gates and scenic viewpoints offering a similar atmosphere without the same waiting times. From quiet hillside gates to hidden temples overlooking lakes, mountains, and jungle valleys, there are plenty of alternatives scattered around the island.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best alternatives for similar views, traditional split gates, and incredible scenery around Bali.
TL;DR: Summary Of Gates Of Heaven Alternatives
- While the Lempuyang gates remain the most iconic gate attraction, there are plenty of alternatives around the island offering similar views, traditional architecture, and far fewer crowds.
- Handara Gate and Lahangan Sweet are perhaps the closest alternatives, both offering dramatic split gates and incredible scenery with mountains as the backdrop.
- Sang Hyang Ambu Temple, Brahma Vihara Arama, and Pura Luhur Batukaru are quieter options where you can enjoy the views without sharing them with hundreds of other visitors.
- Amarta Restaurant is the wild card on this list, combining a replica gate, Mt. Agung views, great food, an infinity pool, and a clifftop setting on Nusa Penida.
8 Best Alternatives To Bali’s Gates Of Heaven
Handara Gate – Bedugul
Handara Gate is probably the most famous alternative to Bali’s Gates of Heaven, offering a very similar photo style without needing to travel all the way across the island to East Bali. Located in the cool mountain region of Bedugul, the towering split gate sits surrounded by misty hills, forest, and lush greenery.
Unlike Lempuyang, though, Handara Gate is not an ancient sacred temple entrance. It was originally built as part of the entrance to Handara Golf & Resort Bali, although the traditional candi bentar design still gives it a very classic Balinese look.
For a while, many people considered it one of Bali’s best hidden gems and a quieter alternative to the Gates of Heaven. These days, however, almost everybody seems to know about it, and queues for photos can still build up during busy periods.
Verdict: Can still get busy at times, but all in all it’s a great alternative, especially if you like golf!
Lahangan Sweet – East Bali
Lahangan Sweet has quickly become one of East Bali’s most famous viewpoints, known for its incredible views towards Mount Agung and the surrounding valleys below. Located high in the hills above Karangasem, the area has a much more rugged and adventurous feel compared to some of Bali’s more polished tourist attractions.
One reason Lahangan Sweet is often compared to Lempuyang is because of its dramatic white split gate overlooking the volcano in the distance. The whole setup is clearly designed with photography in mind, from the gate itself to the viewing platforms and mountain backdrops spread across the hillside.
Lahangan Sweet is more of a scenic viewpoint attraction than an ancient sacred temple complex; even so, the scenery here can be absolutely breathtaking on clear mornings, especially around sunrise when Mount Agung rises above the clouds in the distance.
The roads leading up can be rough and steep in places, but for many visitors, the views at the top are more than worth the journey.
Verdict: Think scenic over sacred. It’s more of a mountain viewpoint attraction than an ancient temple complex, but the views here are incredible.
Brahma Vihara Arama – Lovina
Often referred to as Bali’s Buddhist monastery, Brahma Vihara Arama offers something a little different from most of the island’s more famous temples.
Located in the hills above Lovina in North Bali, the complex combines traditional Balinese architecture with Buddhist influences, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busier tourist areas further south.
The grounds are spread across a hillside with gardens, statues, courtyards, and several impressive split gates overlooking the surrounding countryside. There is even a miniature replica of Borobudur, Indonesia’s most famous Buddhist monument.
While you won’t find the same volcano backdrop found in the east, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints looking out towards the hills and coastline below. The quieter setting is part of the appeal, with many visitors finding they can explore at their own pace without the crowds often found at some of Bali’s more famous attractions.
Verdict: Less about dramatic mountain scenery and more about peace, culture, and atmosphere, but a very worthwhile alternative, and a great spot to find some inner peace.
The Blooms Garden – Bedugul
The Blooms Garden is one of the more unusual alternatives on this list, combining colourful flower gardens, viewpoints, and traditional Balinese architecture in the cool highlands of Bedugul. Spread across a large hillside, the attraction features landscaped gardens, walking paths, statues, and several photogenic spots designed to make the most of the surrounding mountain scenery.
One of the highlights is the large split gate overlooking the valleys and hills beyond, creating a similar photo opportunity to some of Bali’s more well-known gate attractions. While it lacks the history and spiritual significance of a temple, it makes up for it with impressive views and plenty of space to explore.
The cooler climate is also a welcome break from the heat found in many parts of Bali, making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours wandering around.
Verdict: More of a scenic attraction than a sacred site, but the views, gardens, and impressive gate make it a worthwhile stop.
Sang Hyang Ambu Gates – East Bali
Sang Hyang Ambu Temple is one of the lesser-known spots on this list, which is part of its appeal. Located near Candidasa on Bali’s east coast, the temple offers a very different experience from some of the island’s more famous attractions.
There are two main gates here. One follows the traditional Balinese split-gate style, while the other has a more unusual design that helps set the temple apart from many other photo spots around Bali.
The temple itself is fairly simple, and you’ll need to tackle a fair few stairs to reach the upper areas. The reward, however, is a fantastic scenic view looking both inland and out across the sea. Better still, you won’t usually find many other tourists here, making it one of the quieter alternatives on this list.
Verdict: Not the most exciting temple in Bali, but the views, unique gates, and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth a visit.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – Bedugul
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most famous temples and a popular stop for visitors exploring the cool mountain region of Bedugul. Most people recognise it for the iconic multi-tiered pagoda that appears to float on the shores of Lake Bratan, one of the most photographed landmarks on the island.
The gates are often overlooked, but there are actually several spread throughout the complex. In total, there are four impressive split gates, each offering a slightly different backdrop of gardens, mountains, and lakeside scenery.
While they don’t have the same dramatic volcano framing as some of the island’s other famous photo spots, they are beautifully maintained and make great alternatives for anyone who appreciates traditional Balinese architecture.
The cooler temperatures and frequent mist can give the area a completely different feel from the beaches and coastal temples found elsewhere around Bali. As one of the island’s most important water temples, it can get busy, particularly during weekends and holiday periods. Even so, the lakeside setting and mountain scenery make it one of Bali’s most beautiful temple complexes.
Verdict: One of Bali’s most famous temples for a reason. Come for the pagoda, but don’t overlook the gates.
Amarta Restaurant – Nusa Penida
This one is a real wild card. Not a religious site in any way, shape or form, but in fact a clifftop restaurant on Nusa Penida, the small island off the southeast coast of Bali. Why list a restaurant? Well, because it features a replica of the famous Lepuyang gate looking out across the sea to the beautiful island.
What makes it particularly impressive is that the gate has been lined up with Mount Agung across the water, creating a surprisingly similar effect to the famous photo that made Bali’s most famous gates so well known. On a clear day, the volcano rises perfectly in the distance, making this one of the more unique photo spots on the island.
Unlike the other entries on this list, you can also grab a meal while you’re there. The restaurant is known for its great food; there’s an infinity pool overlooking the coastline, and the views are particularly impressive around sunset.
Verdict: Completely different from everything else on this list, but the volcano views and the clifftop setting make it a standout alternative…and they have an infinity pool.
Pura Luhur Batukaru – Tabanan
Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of Bali’s most important temples, yet it remains surprisingly overlooked compared to many of the island’s more famous attractions. Located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in Tabanan, the temple is surrounded by dense forest, cool mountain air, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from Bali’s busier tourist hotspots.
Unlike some of the more photography-focused locations on this list, Batukaru is first and foremost an active place of worship. Visitors will find traditional Balinese architecture throughout the complex, including several impressive gates, stone carvings, shrines, and moss-covered pathways that add to the temple’s ancient feel.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. The surrounding rainforest creates a calm and almost mystical atmosphere, particularly during the morning when mist often lingers amongst the trees. It may not offer dramatic volcano views or coastal scenery, but it provides a very different side of Bali that many visitors never see.
Verdict: A great place to experience a quieter and more spiritual side of Bali away from the crowds.
About Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple is one of the most famous and important temples in Bali, famous worldwide for its towering candi bentar split gates framing Mt. Agung in the distance. Part of a larger sacred temple complex, it remains an active place of worship within Balinese Hinduism today.
While many visitors now associate the site with social media photos and long queues, the wider temple complex has existed for centuries and is considered one of the island’s holiest locations. The dramatic mountain setting, cool air, and views across East Bali all add to the atmosphere that made the gates famous in the first place.
For many visitors, though, the queues at the main gates are now part of the reason for looking elsewhere. Fortunately, Bali has plenty of other scenic gates, temples, and viewpoints offering a similar feel across the island.
FAQs
Is It Worth Going To The Gates Of Heaven, Bali?
Yes, especially if it is your first time visiting Bali. The gates and mountain backdrop are genuinely impressive, particularly on clear mornings. Just be prepared for queues and crowds, especially during peak season.
How Old Is Pura Lempuyang?
Pura Lempuyang is believed to be one of the oldest and most important temples in Bali, with origins dating back well over 1,000 years according to local Balinese Hindu traditions.
Which Is Better, Handara Gate Or Gates Of Heaven?
It really depends on what sort of experience you are looking for. Handara is easier to access and usually quicker to visit, while the gates at Lempuyang are more famous for their dramatic backdrop and spiritual setting high in the mountains.
Is $1000 AUD Enough For A Week In Bali?
For many travellers, yes. Bali can still be relatively affordable compared to Australia, especially if you mix local food, guesthouses, and moderate spending. However, luxury villas, private drivers, tours, entrance fees to attractions, even day beds at the beach clubs, can quickly increase your budget.
Final Thoughts On Gates Of Heaven Bali Alternatives
While the Gates of Heaven remain one of Bali’s most iconic attractions, they are far from the only place on the island where you can find dramatic temple gates, mountain views, and unforgettable scenery.
From quiet hillsides to hidden temples and scenic viewpoints overlooking lakes, jungles, and volcanoes, many of these alternatives offer a similar atmosphere without the same crowds and waiting times.
Whether you still plan to visit Lempuyang Temple itself or simply want somewhere a little quieter and more relaxed, exploring beyond Bali’s most famous gates often ends up being part of the adventure.
