Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling

REVIEW · EAST BALI & LEMPUYANG TEMPLES

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling

5.0 · 38 reviews From $47 Operated by Smile Bali Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Two icons, one long day in Bali. This tour strings together the famous Lempuyang Temple Gate of Heaven viewpoint and an easy Blue Lagoon snorkel session with calm water and simple access. I like that you can time it for early light and shorter lines, which makes a big difference when you’re climbing up with a camera in hand.

What I really like is the chance to get Lempuyang done efficiently, plus the day still feels like a proper outing, not just a stamp-and-go. You also get guided snorkeling support, and that matters when you’re trying to enjoy the sea life without wasting time figuring out gear.

The one watch-out: it’s a 9–10 hour day. You’ll start early for the temple, and the drive to east Bali plus the snorkeling time adds up, so plan for a long sit on the road.

Key things that make this day work

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Key things that make this day work

  • Early Lempuyang timing helps you catch better light and avoid long waits
  • Gate of Heaven photo setup with clear structure and big mountain views
  • Boat-based Blue Lagoon snorkeling with an instructor and gear included
  • Two snorkeling spots so you get more time in the water than a single stop
  • Traditional jukung boat transfer adds local flavor without making it complicated
  • Pickup and drop in south Bali keeps the logistics simple for a full-day schedule

Lempuyang Temple: the Gate of Heaven, without the chaos

Lempuyang Temple is the kind of place you plan around, not just “fit in.” The famous Gate of Heaven scene sits on the slopes, so you’re dealing with steps, views, and crowds all at once. The smart move here is the option to leave early, which is exactly what helps with the light and the line.

The temple experience isn’t only about the gate. You’ll spend about two hours at Lempuyang, and that window is enough to slow down, notice the temple structures, and get photos without treating it like a race. The setting is also part of the payoff: you’re high enough to see the dramatic mountain surroundings while you wait for the gate view to line up.

If you care about photos, early timing is practical. Bright morning light makes the gate scene pop, and fewer people around means you can step back, adjust your framing, and not feel like you’re constantly moving other people out of your shot.

Blue Lagoon snorkeling from a boat: calm water, real sea life

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Blue Lagoon snorkeling from a boat: calm water, real sea life
Blue Lagoon is the snorkeling piece of this day, and it’s chosen for a reason: the water is often calm. When conditions are normal, it’s described as especially suitable for families and beginner snorkelers. That means you can focus on what you came for—fish, colorful patterns, and the feeling of being out on the water—without constant battling against waves.

You snorkel from a boat with an instructor. That setup takes the pressure off you. You’re not just handed a mask and told good luck; there’s someone there to guide you through using the gear and managing the water time. The tour also includes all snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to travel with it or track down a rental.

You’ll typically transfer by traditional jukung boat to snorkeling areas, and you’ll hit two separate spots. That’s one of the quiet value boosters in this itinerary: it gives you more chances to see fish and use your time well, rather than spending the best part of the trip at just one patch of water.

The instructor and driving matter more than you think

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - The instructor and driving matter more than you think
A lot of Bali tours are “same same” until the day starts rolling. What makes a difference is how the driver handles timing and how the snorkeling instructor keeps things comfortable in the water.

In the feedback I saw, driver/guide names like Dian and Ketut come up with the same theme: calm, patient handling, good safety, and looking after details like making sure you have water. One person even noted the driver let them rest during the long stretches, which is a real quality-of-life detail on a 9–10 hour itinerary.

For snorkeling, the instructor support is part of the reason this is an easy fit for many people. You get help right when you need it—gear use, water confidence, and keeping the group moving at a reasonable pace.

What the full day feels like (and what to expect at each stop)

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - What the full day feels like (and what to expect at each stop)
This is an all-day, pickup-included format. With a total duration of about 9–10 hours, you’re looking at a schedule built around travel time plus two main experiences.

Stop 1: Lempuyang Temple (about 2 hours)

You’ll head to Lempuyang first. Plan for a climb and some time in the heat, even if the morning starts cooler. The time block is designed so you can see the main gate viewpoint and spend time at the temple without it swallowing the whole day.

If you’re going for the classic gate shot, early timing helps you avoid the worst of the crowd friction. If you’re going for the spiritual and architectural feel, you’ll still get time to wander around and absorb the setting rather than just walking straight to one postcard angle.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon Beach (about 2 hours)

After the temple, you shift from mountain stone to sea time. Blue Lagoon is the accessible choice for south Bali bases because it’s relatively easy to reach and is known for calm water conditions.

You’ll snorkel for about two hours total, including the boat transfers and the guided sessions at two spots. Since the tour includes equipment and an instructor, you can spend less energy on setup and more time actually looking around.

One thing to know: you’re in a guided group rhythm. That’s good for beginners and for people who want the day to run smoothly. If you’re the type who likes to wander far from a plan, you’ll still enjoy it, but your freedom will be more structured than doing it on your own.

Lunch by the beach

Lunch is included as an Indonesian meal. This is one of those “small” inclusions that makes the day feel more complete. It also saves you from trying to find food on tight timing between mountain and coast.

Value check: what you pay for at $47.92

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Value check: what you pay for at $47.92
At $47.92 per person, you’re not paying for a fancy luxury setup. You are paying for the things that usually cost time and coordination in Bali: pickup, long-distance transport to east Bali, entrance-related costs depending on what you choose, snorkeling gear, an instructor, and lunch.

A key point is the options around costs. The tour description says you can upgrade to include entrance fees and snorkeling charges. Meanwhile, the included list also mentions all fees and taxes, so the price you see is likely tied to the package you select. Either way, the structure is built so you don’t have to scramble for tickets or rentals during the day.

In plain terms: if you want a smooth day with transport + guided snorkeling + lunch, this can be good value. If you already have your own snorkeling gear, plan to DIY the east Bali drive, and would rather not pay for an instructor, you might find cheaper options. But they usually cost you time and stress.

Logistics that keep you sane: pickup, transfers, and timing

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Logistics that keep you sane: pickup, transfers, and timing
This is built around pickup and drop-off. The pickup areas listed cover Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Legian, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Sanur, with accommodation drop at the end. In the tour overview, the experience also references two-way transfers from Ubud and much of south Bali, so depending on your exact departure setup, you may have coverage beyond the explicitly listed zones.

What you care about here is comfort and predictability. With a full-day schedule, not having to arrange your own driver for each segment makes the day feel manageable. It also means you can focus on the temple and the snorkel instead of re-planning transportation every few hours.

Also note: it’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning you should be in your own group for the day, rather than being mixed into a huge crowd. That can help a lot during temple navigation and snorkeling timing.

Clothing and prep: simple choices that pay off

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Clothing and prep: simple choices that pay off
You’ll be in two totally different environments—temple pathways and ocean water—so pack like it’s two trips, not one.

Bring what you’ll need for snorkeling, but remember the tour includes the equipment. Still, you’ll likely want to bring:

  • A change of clothes after the water stop
  • Sunscreen and a hat (morning temple starts add up)
  • Water-friendly footwear if you prefer it on the beach side
  • A small dry bag or waterproof pouch, if you have one

You should also have moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but the temple slope and steps mean you’re moving for real. If you’re expecting a fully flat, easy stroll, this won’t match that idea.

Who this tour is best for

Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling - Who this tour is best for
This combination works especially well if you want the classic photo moment at Lempuyang plus a guided snorkel that doesn’t require planning. It’s also a strong fit if you’re not trying to turn Bali into a “do everything” checklist but you do want two standout stops in one day.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

  • Want a temple experience with early timing
  • Prefer snorkeling with an instructor and included gear
  • Like the convenience of pickup/drop instead of DIY driving

Should you book it?

Yes—if you want an organized way to pair Lempuyang’s Gate of Heaven with Blue Lagoon snorkeling and you value the included basics: driver, equipment, instructor, and lunch. The “all-in” feel is where the value lands.

I’d think twice if you hate long travel days or you’re very sensitive to early starts. This is a full day by design, and even the smoothest driver can’t change the fact that you’re going from west/south Bali toward the east.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Bali Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon snorkeling tour?

The tour runs about 9 to 10 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $47.92 per person.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop are offered from guest accommodations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Legian, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Sanur.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

The tour includes all snorkeling equipment, plus a professional snorkeling instructor.

How do you get to the snorkeling spots?

You’ll use traditional boat transfer (a jukung boat) to two separate snorkeling spots.

How long do you spend at Lempuyang Temple and Blue Lagoon?

You spend about 2 hours at Lempuyang Temple and about 2 hours at Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included (Indonesian lunch).

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me where you’re staying (exact area) and your snorkeling comfort level, I’ll help you judge whether the full-day pacing fits you.