The Forgotten Temples of East Bali - Secrets Beyond the Mountains
There’s something profoundly quiet about East Bali. The roads twist through emerald valleys and misty peaks, revealing landscapes untouched by time. It’s a region where tradition lingers like incense in the air — where the sound of chanting drifts across rice fields, and temple gates open to reveal centuries-old secrets.
While most travelers flock to the beaches of Seminyak or the temples of Ubud, the eastern part of the island keeps its mysteries guarded — temples carved into cliffs, shrines hidden behind waterfalls, and sanctuaries where even the locals whisper of unseen forces.
This is the forgotten side of Bali, where every stone tells a story, every offering carries a prayer, and every temple breathes with ancient energy. Traveling here with Bali Gate Tours isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a pilgrimage — a journey into the island’s spiritual heart, beyond the mountains, into the silence of sacred history.
The Spirit of the East: Where Mountains Meet the Divine
To understand the temples of East Bali, you must first understand its geography — because here, the land itself is sacred. The region is dominated by Mount Agung, the island’s tallest and holiest volcano, which the Balinese believe to be the cosmic center of the world.
The mountain is not merely a natural wonder; it’s the dwelling place of the gods. Every temple in East Bali, from Lempuyang to Besakih, aligns itself spiritually or physically toward Agung. Its shadow defines the rhythm of worship, and its slopes cradle some of the most revered sanctuaries on the island.
This sacred landscape has shaped the region’s culture for over a thousand years. Kings and priests once journeyed through these mountains seeking enlightenment, leaving behind a trail of hidden temples that still pulse with energy today. Many of these sites remain largely undiscovered by tourists — quiet, unguarded, and deeply alive.
Traveling through this area, you feel something shift. The air grows cooler, the forest thicker, and the hum of the world seems to fade. It’s as if the island is whispering its oldest stories, waiting for those willing to listen.
Lempuyang Temple: The Gateway to Heaven
No temple captures the essence of East Bali’s spirituality quite like Lempuyang Temple, known famously as Pura Lempuyang Luhur. Perched high in the mountains of Karangasem, it is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali — older even than Besakih itself.
Its iconic split gate, perfectly framing Mount Agung, has earned it the nickname “The Gateway to Heaven.” But beyond its Instagram fame lies a depth of meaning few understand.
The journey to Lempuyang is not meant to be easy. Reaching the main temple requires climbing over 1,700 steps — a pilgrimage symbolizing purification and humility. Along the way, you’ll pass through smaller shrines, each representing stages of spiritual ascent. The higher you climb, the quieter it gets.
At the summit, the view is breathtaking — the horizon stretches endlessly, the volcano stands in silent majesty, and the air feels charged with something otherworldly. It’s not just a photo opportunity; it’s an encounter with the sacred.
Locals believe that those who climb the mountain with a pure heart will find peace and clarity at the top. As one Balinese elder once said, “You don’t visit Lempuyang Temple to take a picture of heaven; you go to remember what heaven feels like inside you.”
Pura Pasar Agung: A Temple in the Clouds
Tucked high on the slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Pasar Agung is one of the few temples in Bali that feels truly celestial. Reaching it means driving through clouds — literally — as mist drifts across the road and birds circle through the thin air.
This temple is not grand in size, but immense in presence. It serves as a gateway for climbers ascending Agung’s sacred peak and as a place of offering for those who seek divine connection without climbing further.
The name “Pasar Agung” translates to “Great Market,” symbolizing the spiritual exchange between gods and humans — prayers offered upward, blessings returned downward. When you stand here, surrounded by fog and wind, it’s easy to believe that the mountain itself is alive, breathing softly beneath your feet.
Few tourists make it this far, which makes it all the more special. The sound of gamelan occasionally drifts from a village far below, mixing with the rustle of bamboo leaves and the distant roar of the sea. In moments like this, you understand why East Bali temples are not merely places of worship — they are thresholds between worlds.
Pura Gumang: The Forgotten Sanctuary of Karangasem
Hidden deep within the hills of Bugbug Village, Pura Gumang is one of the most mysterious temples in East Bali. Few visitors even know it exists. It’s accessible only by a winding dirt path and a long climb through dense forest — a journey that feels like traveling through time.
The temple sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the sea on one side and Mount Agung on the other. It’s said to be one of the island’s most powerful spiritual centers, used for ancient ceremonies long before the arrival of Hinduism in Bali.
Local villagers still make pilgrimages here during the full moon, carrying offerings of fruit, flowers, and water from nearby springs. The temple’s main shrine is simple — weathered stone covered in moss — but its energy is unmistakable. The air hums with quiet strength, as if the gods themselves are listening.
Standing here, surrounded by silence, you feel small yet deeply connected — not to a religion, but to something timeless and universal. It’s in these moments that you realize why so many Balinese temples are built far from the crowds: the journey itself is part of the worship.
Pura Silayukti: The Temple of the Wise
On the far eastern tip of Bali, near Padangbai, lies Pura Silayukti, a temple often overlooked by travelers rushing to catch boats to the Gilis. But those who take the time to visit discover one of the island’s oldest and most intellectually significant sanctuaries.
Pura Silayukti was once the home of Mpu Kuturan, a revered 11th-century sage who shaped much of Bali’s religious and social philosophy. He established the foundation of the island’s temple system, teaching harmony, cooperation, and balance — principles that still guide Balinese life today.
The temple sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea, where the horizon stretches endlessly. The waves crash below, and the air smells of salt and history. It’s a place of reflection — quiet, scholarly, almost meditative.
Visiting Silayukti Temple feels like stepping into the mind of Bali itself — a place where wisdom, tradition, and spirituality converge. The locals say that when the sea is calm, you can hear the whispers of Mpu Kuturan’s teachings carried by the wind.
Pura Goa Lawah: The Temple of Bats and Balance
On the western edge of East Bali, near Klungkung, lies Goa Lawah Temple, a site both eerie and fascinating. Known as the “Bat Cave Temple,” it’s one of the island’s six holiest sanctuaries — part of the Sad Kahyangan network that protects Bali from spiritual imbalance.
Built around a natural cave filled with thousands of bats, the temple’s energy is palpable. The creatures cling to the cave’s roof in endless numbers, their wings rustling softly in the dark. It’s said that the cave stretches deep into the heart of Mount Agung, connecting this temple spiritually with Besakih, the Mother Temple.
Despite its mysterious aura, Pura Goa Lawah is a place of harmony. The constant interplay of light and shadow, sound and silence, life and death — all mirror Bali’s philosophy of duality and balance.
Standing at the temple’s gate, you can smell incense mingling with the salty air from the nearby sea. Priests in white robes chant prayers while the bats stir overhead, creating a surreal harmony between the sacred and the natural.
Beyond the Temples: The Villages That Keep the Faith
The magic of East Bali doesn’t live in temples alone — it lives in the villages that guard them. Communities like Tenganan, Sidemen, and Seraya keep ancient rituals alive, blending spiritual practice with daily life in ways that feel timeless.
In Tenganan, one of Bali’s oldest villages, residents follow traditions that predate Hinduism itself. The people here are known for their geringsing textiles — sacred double-ikat fabrics believed to have protective powers. Every thread, every pattern, carries a prayer.
In Sidemen, the rice fields stretch endlessly, and the rhythm of life is marked by ceremonies and offerings. It’s not uncommon to see villagers walking to the fields at dawn, carrying baskets of flowers and incense to small shrines before beginning their day.
These communities remind us that Balinese spirituality isn’t confined to grand temples or festivals — it’s a way of being, an everyday dialogue between humans and the unseen world.
Journeying with Bali Gate Tours: Travel with Purpose
Exploring East Bali’s forgotten temples with Bali Gate Tours is unlike any ordinary sightseeing trip. It’s a journey crafted for those who seek depth — for travelers who want to connect with the island’s living soul, not just its postcard views.
Each itinerary is designed with respect and authenticity, guided by locals who understand the land’s stories and spiritual significance. You’ll travel through quiet mountain roads, visit families who serve as temple caretakers, and witness ceremonies that have remained unchanged for generations.
The experience is not about ticking destinations off a list — it’s about feeling the pulse of Bali beneath your feet, about understanding that every offering, every chant, every temple stone carries centuries of devotion.
The Silence Beyond the Mountains
When you finally leave East Bali, the memory that lingers isn’t just the sight of temples or the sweep of mountains — it’s the silence. A silence that hums with meaning, that feels less like emptiness and more like presence.
In that silence, you realize that Bali’s sacredness doesn’t live only in its famous temples; it lives in the forgotten corners, the humble shrines, the villagers who still whisper prayers to the wind.
The temples of East Bali remind us that spirituality isn’t loud. It’s not about grandeur or spectacle — it’s about stillness, respect, and connection.
So when you stand before the Gateway to Heaven, or walk alone through a moss-covered shrine deep in the forest, listen carefully. The gods are not distant here. They’re in the rustle of the leaves, the scent of the offerings, and the beating of your own heart.
Because sometimes, the greatest temples aren’t found on maps — they’re found in the quiet places where the soul finally learns to listen.
