Finding Serenity in Bali's Hidden Temples

The morning sun casts long shadows across the moss-covered stone steps as I make my way up to Pura Lempuyang, one of Bali's oldest and most revered temples. Unlike the tourist-heavy Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, Lempuyang sits in relative obscurity, nestled high in the eastern mountains of the island.

The Journey Begins

The journey to Lempuyang is not for the faint of heart. A predawn start from Ubud, followed by a two-hour drive through winding mountain roads, and finally, a climb of 1,700 steps to reach the temple complex. But as any seasoned traveler knows, the most rewarding destinations often require the greatest effort.

As I begin my ascent, the humid jungle air clings to my skin. Monkeys watch curiously from the trees, their eyes following my slow progress up the ancient stairway. The steps themselves tell a story – worn smooth in the center from centuries of pilgrims making this same journey.

Sacred Encounters

Halfway up, I encounter an elderly Balinese man in traditional dress, sitting in meditation beside a small shrine. He opens his eyes as I approach and smiles, gesturing for me to sit beside him. Despite our language barrier, he offers me a sip of water from his bamboo container and points toward the summit with a knowing nod.

These unexpected human connections are often what transform a simple hike into a meaningful pilgrimage. His kindness reminds me that sacred spaces are not just about the buildings or the views, but about the shared human experience of seeking something greater than ourselves.

The Gateway to Heaven

After nearly two hours of climbing, I finally reach the famous "Gateway to Heaven" – two split stone gates that frame the perfect view of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred volcano. But unlike the Instagram photos that have made this spot famous, there is no line of tourists waiting for their perfect shot. In the early morning light, I have this heavenly view entirely to myself.

I sit in silence, watching as the rising sun illuminates the valley below and burns away the morning mist. In this moment of solitude, the true purpose of these ancient temples becomes clear – they are not merely attractions to be photographed, but spaces designed for contemplation, for connecting with something timeless and profound.

Beyond the Gateway

What many visitors don't realize is that Pura Lempuyang consists of seven temples in total, with the Gateway being merely the lowest. I continue my journey upward, each temple more secluded than the last. By the time I reach the highest sanctuary, I've left all traces of tourism behind.

Here, I witness a small group of local worshippers engaged in a ceremony, their melodic prayers carried away by the mountain breeze. They welcome me with smiles and allow me to sit quietly at the edge of their gathering. Though I don't understand the words of their chants, the devotion in their voices transcends language.

The Descent

As I begin my descent hours later, I feel a profound sense of peace that I haven't experienced in months of traveling. The temples of Lempuyang have offered me something that no bustling tourist attraction could – the space to breathe, to reflect, and to connect with both the natural world and my inner landscape.

This is the true gift of seeking out these hidden sacred spaces. In a world where travel is increasingly about checking items off a bucket list or capturing the perfect social media moment, these lesser-known temples remind us of travel's deeper purpose: to transform us through meaningful encounters with the unfamiliar.

As I reach the bottom of the steps, the elderly man is still there, now sharing his simple lunch with a stray dog. He catches my eye and nods, as if to say, "Now you understand." And I do.

Finding Your Own Temple

Bali has hundreds of temples, each with its own character and story. While Pura Lempuyang offered me the solitude I was seeking, your perfect temple might be different. Perhaps it's Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, reflected perfectly in the calm waters of Lake Bratan, or the forest-enshrouded Pura Taman Saraswati in the heart of Ubud.

The key is to venture beyond the most photographed sites and to visit during the quieter hours – early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden and the crowds have thinned.

Remember that these are active places of worship, not merely tourist attractions. Dress respectfully, wearing a sarong and sash (available for rent at most temple entrances), and approach these sacred spaces with reverence.

Most importantly, allow yourself the time to sit, to observe, and to absorb the centuries of devotion that have seeped into the very stones of these ancient structures. In our fast-paced world, this might be the most radical act of all – to simply be still and present in a place of beauty.

The temples of Bali have stood for centuries, and they will remain long after we have gone. In their permanence, they offer us a glimpse of eternity, a moment of connection with something far greater than our individual journeys. And in that connection, we might just find the serenity we've been seeking all along.