Published on Jun, 2019
Our guide Yasmika was wonderful, such a gentle soul and very patient! Sent us a whatsapp message the day before to confirm pick up time. Gave us all the information that we could ask for on each location we are visiting as well as sites on the way. We were picked up from our hotel at 7, drive to Lempuyang temple took 2 1/2 hours. When we got there at 09:30, there was such a long queue already. We stood there for 3 hours to get a photo at the "Heaven Gates". I would recommend that you leave at least at 05:00am from your hotel so that you dont have to stand in a queue. We were told that the sky is also a lot clearer earlier in the morning where you can see one of the Volcano mountains, Mount Agung. It was a bit of a steep hill we had to drive up, where we parked and people on scooters took us up further to where you get your sarong. From there it is a short steep walk to the entrance of the temple. We were told a few years back there were no queues at all. You could merely walk in and take a photo immediately... sad that it got so bad that you now need to stand in a very long queue just to have "professional" photographers take a few photos of you (at a fee) which lasted a minute or 2. You can take photos of the gates, but if you want to stand inbetween/underneath them, you need to get in line. From there we went to Tirta Ganga which was amazing! Be sure to get some fish food outside the entrance - we paid IDR5000 for 3 small packets. If you want, you can take a boat ride around the small lake area at a fee. There is also a swimming pool inside, but not sure if tourists are allowed to swim. Outside is a restaurant which serves local dishes and some toasted sandwiches and desserts. We were supposed to go see the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, but was told that it is quite steep and far to go down to the fall - so we were given the option to go or not as we are not very fit (LOL). We decided against it as it was too late already in anyway - therefore no review on the waterfall. Would definitely recommend this tour and ask for Yasmika!
