If you’ve ever seen a dramatic Balinese gate with misty mountains in the background on Instagram, chances are… that’s Handara Gate.
Located in the cool highlands of Bedugul, North Bali, this iconic split gate (called “candi bentar” in Balinese architecture) is actually the entrance to Handara Golf & Resort, but today it’s famous worldwide as one of Bali’s most photogenic spots.
Here, beautiful traditional design, fresh mountain air, and lush green scenery come together in one perfect frame.
What is Handara Gate?
Handara Gate is a tall stone gateway built in the traditional Balinese split-gate style. Locals call this style candi bentar – a gate that is “split” into two perfectly symmetrical sides, creating a passage in the middle.
In Balinese culture, a gate like this often symbolizes a transition from the outer world to a more peaceful or spiritual space. At Handara, it marks the entrance to the golf resort, but it also feels like a doorway into Bali’s calm mountain atmosphere.
What makes it special:
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Dark stone walls with moss and plants growing naturally
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Beautiful carvings and shapes inspired by Balinese Hindu mythology
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A backdrop of green hills, tall trees, and sometimes morning mist
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A wide road leading straight through the gate – perfect for a centered photo
A Short History & How It Became Famous
Handara Gate was originally built as the main entrance to Handara Golf & Resort, not as a temple gate.
For many years, it was just a nice entrance that only golfers and resort guests really noticed. But once travelers started sharing their photos on Instagram, TikTok, and travel blogs, the gate quickly became a star.
Today, it’s one of Bali’s most popular photo stops, especially for:
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Couples on honeymoon
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Friends on a North Bali road trip
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Influencers and content creators
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Pre-wedding photo shoots
Where is Handara Gate?
Handara Gate is located in Bedugul, a cool mountain area in North Bali.
Approximate travel times:
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From Ubud: about 2 hours by car
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From Canggu / Seminyak: around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic
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Very close to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (about 10 minutes away)
Because of the distance, most visitors combine Handara Gate with other Bedugul attractions on a full-day tour, for example:
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Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (the famous temple on the lake)
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Wanagiri Hidden Hills & Twin Lakes view point
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Munduk waterfalls and scenic viewpoints
If you are a private driver (like you), this is an easy highlight to include in a North Bali / Bedugul Day Tour.
Entrance Ticket & Opening Time
Handara Gate is on private property (the golf resort), so there is a photo ticket system.
Typical information (always check latest on arrival):
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Photo/selfie ticket: around IDR 30,000–50,000 per person just to take photos at the gate
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Pre-wedding / professional shoot: special higher fee
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Parking: available near the gate
There is no strict temple dress code because this is not inside a temple area, but it’s still good to dress neatly and respectfully.
Best Time to Visit Handara Gate
You can visit all day, but for the best experience, timing is important:
1. Early Morning (Recommended)
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Time: around 06:30 – 08:30 AM
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Softer light = better photos
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Fewer people, sometimes no queue yet
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Cool, fresh mountain air
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A chance to see fog/mist around the mountains – very magical
2. Late Morning / Midday
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Brighter and sometimes harsh sunlight
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Usually more crowded, longer photo queue
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You might have to wait in line and get only a short time to pose
3. Afternoon
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Still nice, but you might get more clouds or rain, especially in the wet season
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Temperatures are still comfortable because Bedugul is cooler than South Bali
What to Expect When You Arrive
Here’s how a typical visit goes:
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Arrive & park near the entrance.
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Go to the small ticket booth to pay the selfie/photo ticket.
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Staff may help organize the queue and sometimes even help you take photos.
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When it’s your turn, you walk to the middle of the gate and strike your best pose.
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You usually have a few minutes only, especially when it’s busy.
Some visitors feel it is a bit “commercial” because you pay mainly for a photo spot and queue, but many still say the view is worth it – especially if you love photography or social media.
Photo Tips at Handara Gate
To help your guests or readers get the best shot:
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Arrive early to avoid long lines and harsh light.
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Wear contrasting colors (white, red, yellow, or bright patterns) so you stand out against the dark stone and green background.
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Use the road lines to create perfect symmetry – stand right in the center.
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Ask your driver, friend, or the gate staff to take photos from a low angle to make the gate look even taller.
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If there are clouds or light fog – don’t worry, it actually gives a mystical feeling in the background.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Handara Gate
Handara Gate works best as part of a Bedugul or North Bali day trip. Here are some easy combinations:
1. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
A beautiful water temple sitting on a lake, just around the corner (about 10 minutes drive). It’s one of the most iconic postcard views of Bali.
2. Wanagiri Hidden Hills & Twin Lakes
Viewpoints with swings, bird nests, and viewing platforms overlooking Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan – perfect for more photos.
3. Munduk Waterfalls
If your guests like nature and light trekking, Munduk area offers several beautiful waterfalls in the forest.
Is Handara Gate Worth Visiting?
The honest answer: Yes – if you know what to expect.
Handara Gate is:
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Perfect for:
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Travelers who love photography and Instagram
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Couples and honeymooners
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Anyone doing a Bedugul / North Bali tour with time for multiple stops
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Maybe not ideal if:
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You don’t like queues or waiting
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You prefer less commercial, more quiet experiences
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You are very short on time in Bali and only want major temples or beaches
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If you visit with realistic expectations – a short stop, a paid photo ticket, and a bit of waiting – Handara Gate can be a beautiful and memorable part of your North Bali journey.
Final Thoughts
Handara Gate is more than just another trending Instagram spot. It’s a stunning example of Balinese candi bentar architecture, set in a peaceful mountain landscape.
Whether you come for a perfect picture, a cool break from the south’s heat, or simply to enjoy the scenery on your Bedugul tour, this iconic gate offers a little taste of Bali’s harmony between culture and nature.
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