Pura Gunung Lebah, Ubud: The Ancient Temple Where Two Rivers Meet

Thousands of travellers cross the Campuhan bridge every day on their way to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, yet almost nobody looks down. Right in the valley beneath that bridge stands Pura Gunung Lebah, one of the oldest temples in Ubud — barely 3 minutes from the town centre, free to enter, and almost always quiet.

The Legacy of Rsi Markandeya in the Campuhan Valley

The temple is believed to date back to around the 8th century, founded by Rsi Markandeya, the priest who spread Hindu teachings across Bali and whose story is tied to the very origin of the name “Ubud”. Its position is no accident: the temple sits exactly at the campuhan, the confluence of two branches of the Tukad Wos. For Balinese Hindus, a meeting of two rivers is a place of purification and spiritual balance.

Access, Parking and the Walking Route

• Head down the stone-paved path from Jalan Raya Campuhan, near Warung Murni and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
• There is also a fairly steep stairway, roughly 300 steps, leading from the main road down to the temple courtyard.
• Motorbike or car parking nearby usually costs around Rp5,000–10,000; from central Ubud it is only about 1.5 km, an easy walk.
• The same spot is the starting gate of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, so you can combine both in a single morning.

Visiting Rules You Must Respect

• Wear a sarong and a sash; shoulders and knees must be covered. Sarongs can usually be borrowed or rented near the entrance.
• Women who are menstruating are traditionally not permitted to enter the temple grounds.
• The main gate is normally closed and opened only for ceremonies — enter through the side gate instead.
• The inner courtyard (jeroan) is reserved for worshippers; never climb onto a shrine for photos.
• There is no ticket booth. A voluntary donation in the box is always appreciated.

Come Early for the Best Atmosphere

The sweet spot is between 6.30am and 8am. Thin mist still hangs in the valley, the sound of the river is crisp, and usually only a few locals are there placing their canang offerings. Twenty to thirty minutes is enough. If your visit happens to coincide with the piodalan anniversary, which falls every 210 days, the temple fills with penjor poles, gamelan and worshippers in full traditional dress — a scene no tour package can sell you.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: View on Google Maps
• Hours & tickets: the temple area is effectively open all day; entry is free with a voluntary donation.
• Reservations: none needed — simply turn up. If you wish to join a prayer during a ceremony, ask permission from the pemangku (temple priest) on site first.
• Instagram: search on Instagram

Plan your stay near Ubud with an AccessiaPass hotel voucher so your morning starts with nothing more than a short walk to Campuhan.