GUNUNG LEBAH TEMPLE

Considered as one of the central landmarks of Ubud, the Gunung Lebah Temple is an 8th century temple that overlooks the eastern side of the Campuhan Valley. Dating back to the times of the Hindu priest Rsi Markandeya, the temple also features a traditional Balinese Padmanasa atop its tower-like structure, and is a serene place to visit in Ubud.

Built during the 8th century, in the times of the historical Hindu priest Rsi Markandeya, the Gunung Lebah Temple is one of the major landmarks of Ubud to include in your suitable Bali trip package. The name of this temple loosely translates to “mountain valley temple” in Old Balinese, which stands true, since the temple overlooks the eastern side of the beautiful Campuhan Valley. 

Dedicated to the Goddess of Batur, the Gunung Lebah Temple also boasts of a traditional Balinese Padmasana, which is an empty stone throne, located at the top of its intricate tower-like structure. The temple is situated at the confluence of the two tributaries of the Sungai Cerik, and is surrounded on all sides by verdant green forests. Furthermore, the temple is also the place where a traditional Balinese devotional ceremony is held every hundred years. 

It is believed that the temple came into existence because Rsi Markandeya felt that the Campuhan River Valley was a rather magical place. While the temple was initially used as a place for meditation, it soon became popular amongst locals who visited the temple to pray to the Goddess of Batur. Additionally, the temple also organises the natural devotional ceremony every 100 years, which is known as the piodalan ceremony, which includes the display of the Calonarang pura Gunung Lebah dance art.

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Highlights

• When in Ubud, pay a visit to the Gunung Lebah Temple, categorized as a Kahyangan Jagat Temple, and one of the major landmarks of the region
• Spend some time praying at the temple, and soaking in the verdant views of the surrounding fields and forests
• Marvel at the unique architecture of the Gunung Lebah Temple, known predominantly for its intricate stone carvings
• Enjoy taking in views of the beautiful Campuhan Valley from the temple
• Witness the confluence of the two tributaries of the Sungai Cerik and listen to the rushing waters of the river
• Learn about the different types of plants and herbs that you can find near the temple, which are often used to make traditional medicines

How To Reach

The best way to reach the Gunung Lebah Temple is by taking a flight to the Ngurah Rai International Airport, from where you can take a taxi or bus to Ubud, located around 40 kilometres away. Upon reaching the Ubud City Centre, you can take a short walk all the way to the temple, or continue your journey in the taxi till you reach Gunung Lebah Temple.

From the airport, it typically takes around 50 to 100 minutes to reach the Gunung Lebah Temple.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Gunung Lebah Temple is between 08:00 a.m. and 04:00 p.m. This is when there is a relatively lesser number of crowds at the temple, giving you the freedom to explore the temple at your own pace and comfort.

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Other Essential Information

Tips to keep in mind while visiting the Gunung Lebah Temple:

• The temple remains open 24 hours a day, however, it is best to visit it early in the morning, when you can enjoy some solitude
• While there is no entrance fees for the temple, visitors are asked to donate some amount to the temple, which topically ranges between IDR 10,000 to 20,000 (this is equal to INR 50 to 105 approximately)
• It is essential to dress accordingly while visiting the Gunung Lebah Temple, however, in case you don’t have a sarong, there are provisions to hire one at the entrance for around IDR 15,000, or INR 80
• It is important to note that photography inside the temple is prohibited without prior permission
• The charges for camera photography and videography inside the temple are separate

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