Famous East Bali Temples; Mother Temple, Heavens Gate & The Royal Water Garden

Exploring the Best of East Bali: Temples, Water Gardens, and Culture

Our review of the Famous East Bali Temples tour offers a detailed look into a well-rounded day trip that promises a mix of spiritual sights, scenic beauty, and local flavor. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on the detailed itinerary, reviews, and experiences shared by others, it’s clear this adventure caters to those eager to see Bali’s most revered temples in a single day, with a comfortable, guided touch.

What we love about this experience are the stunning temple views, the culture at Tirta Gangga, and the inclusion of a coffee plantation tour—all bundled with hotel pick-up and lunch, making it both convenient and immersive. The downside? Some reviews suggest that photo opportunities at certain spots, like Heavens Gate, can be rushed, which might disappoint those hoping for longer, more relaxed moments at each site.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their Bali sightseeing in one day without the hassle of planning logistics. It suits those interested in cultural sites, breathtaking scenery, and a taste of local cuisine—all with the comfort of a private guide and included transport. If you’re short on time but want an authentic, educational experience, this tour will likely hit the mark.

Key Points

• Convenience & Comfort: Private chauffeur, all entry fees, and lunch included.
• Iconic Sights: Visit Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Besakih Temple—some of Bali’s most celebrated sites.
• Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Experience the spiritual ambiance, stunning water gardens, and a coffee plantation tour.
• Value for Money: At around $225 per person, the tour offers a full day of curated highlights.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers feel the photo opportunities can be rushed, but overall, guides are praised for showing guests around.
• Sustainable Impact: A small donation supports environmental initiatives, adding a thoughtful touch to your trip.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting with Lempuyang Temple: The Gates of Heaven

Your day kicks off early with hotel pickup, setting the tone for an adventure filled with spiritual wonder. The first stop is Lempuyang Temple, perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. This complex is renowned for its “Gates of Heaven”, which frame a breathtaking view of the volcano and lush landscape beyond.

Expect about an hour here, giving you time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and take photos at the iconic gates. Reviewers note that the temple itself is impressive, but the main challenge is the crowd and waiting for your turn at the photo spots. A comment from a visitor mentioned that the time spent waiting can be quite long, so patience is key if you want that perfect shot.

Tirta Gangga: The Royal Water Garden

Next, the tour takes you to Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace just five kilometers from Karangasem. Known for its beautiful pools, statues, and the sacred river Ganges, it’s a place that radiates tranquility and cultural significance.

Here, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the intricately landscaped gardens, bathing pools, and the Patirthan temple. Many guests appreciate this stop for its photogenic scenery and peaceful ambiance. One reviewer highlighted the cultural importance of Tirta Gangga, noting it as a highlight of the trip, especially with the chance to walk around and enjoy the calm surroundings.

Besakih Temple: Bali’s Largest and Holiest

The third stop is Besakih Temple, Bali’s most prominent pura complex located on the slopes of Mount Agung. As the largest and most important Hindu temple on the island, it has a vast complex of shrines and terraces.

You’ll get about an hour here, allowing enough time to marvel at the architecture, take photos, and perhaps learn a bit about its religious significance. A reviewer remarked, “The temples themselves were obviously amazing,” emphasizing the scale and spiritual presence. Keep in mind that the temple is sprawling, so wear comfortable shoes if you want to explore more.

Luwak Coffee Bali Plantation: Tasting and Learning

A delightful addition is the stop at a coffee plantation, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the lush fields. You’ll sample a variety of coffees and teas, including the famous Luwak coffee, and have the chance to purchase your favorites.

This part of the tour is about an hour, blending relaxation with education. Many travelers enjoy this stop for its informative guide, the opportunity to try some of Bali’s best brews, and the chance to buy souvenirs. One reviewer shared that the tour of the plantation was “guided and educational,” which added value to the experience.

Additional Inclusions and Practicalities

• Lunch features traditional Balinese dishes, carefully included to give you a taste of local cuisine without extra hassle.
• Bottled water is provided throughout, keeping you refreshed.
• Pickup service, group discounts, and mobile tickets make booking and participation straightforward.

What the Reviews Tell Us

One review from Julie_W in January 2020 mentions that “the temples themselves were obviously amazing but lots of time spent travelling and waiting for a turn to get a photo at Heavens Gate.” This highlights a common challenge—balancing sightseeing with crowd management. She also noted that the driver “showed us around the Royal Water Garden and took some photos,” indicating that guides often do their best to assist with capturing moments despite crowds.

Another point worth noting is the quality of the guide. While not explicitly detailed here, some reviews imply that knowledgeable guides make a significant difference in appreciating the sites fully and navigating busy spots smoothly.

Analyzing the Cost: Is It Worth It?

At $225.02 per person, this tour combines transportation, entry fees, lunch, and a plantation experience. Given the full-day itinerary covering multiple major sites, the cost provides good value, especially considering the convenience of private transport and a dedicated guide.

However, some travelers might find the short time at each location a little rushed, especially at popular spots like Heavens Gate. If you love to linger and take endless photos, this might feel a bit hurried, but if you’re keen to see many highlights in one go, it’s efficient.

The inclusion of lunch and coffee tasting adds a flavorful dimension, making the trip more than just sightseeing. Also, the fact that a small donation supports environmental causes adds a thoughtful element to your experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided day of sightseeing with minimal planning. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Balinese temples, scenic water gardens, and cultural authenticity but prefer to travel comfortably and efficiently.

Those who might feel disappointed are photography enthusiasts seeking long, unhurried photo sessions or travelers who prefer more personalized, flexible tours. If you’re okay with some crowds and quick stops, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth Your Time?

This tour offers a comprehensive look at East Bali’s key attractions, combining spirituality, natural beauty, and culture. The inclusion of well-known sites like Lempuyang and Besakih means you’ll witness some of Bali’s most iconic temples, while Tirta Gangga and the coffee plantation add variety and local flavor.

The value lies in the convenience—everything from transport to lunch is handled, freeing you to focus on enjoying the sights. The small group or private setting ensures a more intimate experience, with guides often providing helpful insights and photos, though some sites can get crowded.

If you’re after a full, well-organized day tour that balances sightseeing with culture, this experience tends to deliver, especially if you are mindful of the quick pace and the potential crowds. It’s great for those wanting a taste of Bali’s spiritual and scenic highlights without the hassle of planning each detail.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, making it easy to start your day without additional arrangements.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 10 hours, giving you ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Are all entry fees included?
Yes, all your entrance fees for the temples, Tirta Gangga, and the coffee plantation are included in the price.

Can I participate if I am not traveling with a group?
Absolutely—this is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a traditional Balinese lunch is included, along with bottled water.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

In essence, this East Bali temple tour offers a balanced mix of cultural sights, scenic beauty, and local experiences—perfect for travelers who value convenience and a rundown of Bali’s spiritual heartland.