Handara Gate - Image 1
1 / 3

Handara Gate

3.8
·5k reviews·, Indonesia

An iconic Balinese stone gate, famous for its dramatic architecture and sought-after photo opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (7-8 AM)

Fewer crowds, best light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Handara Gate - Image 1

Handara Gate

Best Time

Early morning (7-8 AM)

Fewer crowds, best light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic Balinese stone gate, famous for its dramatic architecture and sought-after photo opportunities.

3.8
(5k reviews)

"The gate is truly iconic and photogenic, delivering memorable images if you have the time and patience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the queues and get the best light for your photos by arriving between 7-8 AM.

💰 Photo Fee is Worth It

The small fee for a photographer is often considered worth it for their skills and efficiency.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Handara Gate

The Iconic Handara Gate

Entrance to Handara Golf Resort

A striking, moss-covered stone gate offering a dramatic and photogenic backdrop for your Bali memories.

Professional Photo Session

Professional Photo Session

At the gate

Skilled photographers use creative techniques like water reflections for unique shots, making the wait worthwhile for many.

Scenic Bedugul Surroundings

Scenic Bedugul Surroundings

North-central Bali

The gate is situated amidst the beautiful, cooler landscapes of Bedugul, offering a pleasant drive.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Perfect Shot

Handara Gate is a popular photo spot, so expect queues, especially for professional photos. Arrive early morning (7-8 AM) for the best light and shortest waits. Consider visiting during weekdays if possible.

Understand the Fees and What's Included

There's an entrance fee for the gate itself, and an additional fee for professional photos with a photographer. Beyond the gate is a private golf course, not accessible with the entry ticket.

Best Times

When
Early morning (7-8 AM)
Why
Fewer crowds, best light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the first three things you should do when landing in japan 🇯🇵 1) figure out which train line you’re taking into tokyo. from haneda airport you can take: - the keikyu line - the tokyo monorail 2) activate your suica card on your mobile wallet for easy access to the subway system 3) a lot of places in japan are still cash only so withdraw yen from an atm at 7-eleven. at a 4% exchange fee, these we...
@drewfromladue
68.7K likes • 890.2K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the queues and get the best light for your photos by arriving between 7-8 AM. InstagramReddit

💰 Photo Fee is Worth It

The small fee for a photographer is often considered worth it for their skills and efficiency. InstagramReddit

Replying to @𝕯𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖆 step by step guide to luggage forwarding / delivery in Japan! #luggagehack #luggagedelivery #japantravel #traveltok #japantraveltips #travelhacks #yamatotransport
@tinythena
55.8K likes • 852K views
Capturing the magic at Handara Gate in Bali wasn't as effortless as it seems. From finding the perfect angle to navigating the bustling crowd, each shot tells a story of perseverance and the art of capturing moments. 📸✨ . . . . #nature #travel #world #naturephotography #travelphotography #instagram #viral #trending #trendingreels #vacation #bali #vacations #vacationmode #travelgram #travelworldwi...
sperocasts
1.9K likes • 50.3K views

🚗 Easy Access by Road

Located right on the main road in Bedugul, making it easily accessible by car or motorbike. InstagramReddit

⏳ Be Patient for Your Turn

Wait times can be long, especially during peak hours. Plan for at least an hour for photos. InstagramReddit

The Handara Gate is one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Bali, located in the north-central part of the island, near Munduk. 😍🛕🍃 It’s right on the main road, Jl Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, in front of the Handara Golf Resort. While it’s about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Ubud, it’s only a 30 minute drive from Munduk center. 🚗✨ [sc:TT//windudronevideography] ••• ••• ❕follow #balifornia to simplif...
balifornia.idn
726 likes • 21K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the queues and get the best light for your photos by arriving between 7-8 AM. InstagramReddit

💰 Photo Fee is Worth It

The small fee for a photographer is often considered worth it for their skills and efficiency. InstagramReddit

🚗 Easy Access by Road

Located right on the main road in Bedugul, making it easily accessible by car or motorbike. InstagramReddit

⏳ Be Patient for Your Turn

Wait times can be long, especially during peak hours. Plan for at least an hour for photos. InstagramReddit

📸 Bring Your Phone

The photographer will use your phone to take pictures, so ensure it's charged and has space. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Handara Gate for its iconic, photogenic appeal and the creative photo assistance available. However, many note the significant wait times and the fact that it's primarily just a photo stop with limited other activities. The fees are generally considered reasonable for the experience, especially the photo package.

"I honestly don’t know what to say about this place haha. The gate and the backdrop are absolutely stunning – no doubt about that.

We visited after completing Ulun Danu Temple and bought our tickets here. That’s when we realized the real issue – the waiting time. If a big group arrives before you, you’re pretty much stuck. In our case, two bus groups were ahead of us, and it ended up taking over 3 hours for our turn. It completely messed up our itinerary, and we had to skip a few spots later in the day.

The whole process felt chaotic and not well-organized. There’s one designated person who clicks those “mirror photos” for everyone. It costs around 20k IDR per couple (includes 1 video + 4–5 photos each). The video actually turned out really nice, while the photos were just okay.

But honestly – is it worth waiting 3+ hours just for a few pictures? That’s debatable.

👉 Tips:

Arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues.

Or, buy your ticket and if you see a long line, go explore Ulun Danu Temple and come back later."

Arushi Chauhan

"This spot is like a proof that you’ve visited Bali! Such a beautiful spot to click pictures. The view is so beautiful. There is entry ticket and there is an another counter where you have to pay again to get your photos clicked. 1 video and 4 poses allowed for each person. You have to give your phone and they will click pictures for you. Everything about this place is beautiful. Instagram worthy spot. But the wait time is too much. You have to wait for hours. It’s better to get the token and go somewhere else and then come back to save time. Or you will have to be waiting for hours in the same place."

Deepa Lakshmi K

"Bali Handara Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island, and experiencing it firsthand was truly special. Located amidst the lush highlands of Bedugul, this traditional Balinese gate has become a symbol of serenity and beauty, framed perfectly by misty mountains in the background. When we visited, we had to wait nearly 30 minutes for our turn to take photos, but the experience was absolutely worth it. The moment you stand between the towering gates, the view feels almost surreal, as though you are stepping into another world.

The gate itself, with its classic Balinese design, exudes a sense of cultural charm and history. Combined with the natural setting, it offers a breathtaking sight that captures both tradition and nature in harmony. The backdrop of the mist-covered mountains added a mystical touch that made our photos unforgettable. Even during the wait, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, with cool mountain air and scenic surroundings keeping us refreshed.

What makes Bali Handara Gate special is not just its fame as a photo spot but also the feeling it gives you—a deep sense of connection with Bali’s culture and natural beauty. It’s a must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression."

Harikrishnan Premachandran

What People Like

Iconic and photogenic gate
Creative photo assistance
Scenic Bedugul location

What People Dislike

Long wait times
Primarily a photo spot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Handara Gate is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Ubud. Renting a scooter or hiring a private driver are common options. Instagram

Yes, it's located right on the main road (Jl Raya Singaraja-Denpasar) in Bedugul, making it very easy to find. InstagramReddit

Many visitors opt for a scooter for flexibility or hire a car with a driver for comfort, especially if visiting other nearby attractions. Reddit

Absolutely! It's often included in day trips that visit other Bedugul attractions like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Reddit

Yes, there is free car parking available right next to the gate. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically around 30,000 IDR per person. Be aware that there's an additional fee for professional photos. InstagramReddit

There's a separate fee, often around 10,000 IDR per person, for the professional photographer to take your pictures. InstagramReddit

Some reviews suggest international travelers might be charged more than locals. It's good to be aware of this possibility. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Early morning is recommended to avoid crowds. Instagram

No, the entrance fee is for the gate photo opportunity only. Access to the Handara Golf Resort itself requires separate arrangements. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

The main attraction is the iconic gate itself. Photographers often use a mirror to create a water reflection effect. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes, primarily for taking photos. The wait time for photos can extend this. Reddit

While you can take your own photos, the dedicated photo session with the attendant is a popular and often recommended experience. Reddit

Photographers often place a mirror on the ground in front of the gate to create a stunning reflection, mimicking water. Reddit

If your schedule is tight, it might be skippable as the primary activity is photo-taking. However, it delivers memorable images if you have patience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a small cafe located in the garden area near the gate, but it's not the main draw for visitors. Reddit

Dining options might be available at the Handara Golf Resort, but this is separate from the gate entrance fee. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

Handara Gate is a dream for photographers and Instagrammers seeking that iconic Bali shot. The dramatic stone architecture and the possibility of creative effects like water reflections make it a prime location. Arrive early (7-8 AM) to secure the best light and avoid crowds. The professional photo assistance is often worth the small fee for unique angles and efficient shooting. Be prepared for queues and have your phone ready to capture the magic. InstagramReddit+1

🚗 Day-Trippers & Sightseers

If you're on a tight schedule, Handara Gate can be a quick stop on a day trip through Bedugul. It's easily accessible from the main road and doesn't require a large time commitment if you're efficient with photos. Combine it with visits to nearby attractions like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. While the experience is focused on the gate, the scenic drive through the highlands is a bonus. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While there are fees, Handara Gate can still be budget-friendly. The entrance fee is modest, and the additional photo fee is often considered a good value for the quality of shots you receive. Pack snacks and water as options at the gate are limited. Consider renting a scooter for more economical transport to the location. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Handara Gate: More Than Just an Entrance

The Handara Gate is a visually striking, traditional Balinese-style stone gateway that has become a must-visit photo spot in Bali. Modeled on Balinese mythology, its dark, moss-covered stone and intricate carvings create a dramatic and atmospheric backdrop. While it serves as the entrance to the Handara Golf Resort, its fame now rests almost entirely on its photogenic qualities. Visitors flock here to capture that perfect Instagram-worthy shot, often utilizing creative photography techniques to enhance the experience. Instagram+1

Capturing the ideal photo at Handara Gate often involves a bit of strategy. The gate is situated directly on the main road, making it easily accessible but also meaning traffic can be a factor. To combat this, many recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, to avoid the peak crowds and enjoy softer, more flattering light. A dedicated attendant is usually present to assist with photos, often using a mirror placed on the ground to create a unique water reflection effect, adding an extra layer of visual interest to your shots. InstagramReddit

While the gate itself is the primary draw, the surrounding area in Bedugul offers a cooler climate and scenic beauty. However, it's important to manage expectations: beyond the photo opportunity, there isn't much else to do at the gate itself. The entrance fee covers the photo session, but access to the golf course beyond is separate. For those seeking a memorable photo and a glimpse of Bali's iconic landmarks, Handara Gate is a worthwhile stop, provided you're prepared for the potential wait and the focused nature of the attraction. Reddit

Navigating the Handara Gate Experience: Fees, Photos, and Tips

Visiting the Handara Gate involves understanding its fee structure and maximizing your photo opportunities. The primary entrance fee grants you access to take pictures at the gate. However, for those seeking professional-quality shots, there's an additional photography fee, which often includes the assistance of a skilled attendant. This attendant is adept at posing you and using creative techniques, like the popular water reflection effect, to capture stunning images with your own device. InstagramReddit

Wait times are a significant factor at Handara Gate, especially during peak hours. The popularity of the spot means queues can form, and patience is key. To mitigate this, arriving early in the morning, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, is highly recommended. This not only reduces wait times but also provides the best natural light for photography. Some visitors choose to stay in the Bedugul area the night before to ensure they can arrive at the gate at an optimal time. Reddit

Beyond the gate, the surrounding landscape of Bedugul offers a pleasant, cooler climate compared to the southern parts of Bali. While the gate is the main attraction, the drive itself through this region can be scenic. It's important to note that the gate is an entrance to a private golf course, and your ticket does not grant access to the course itself. For a quick, iconic photo opportunity, Handara Gate delivers, but it's best approached with an understanding of its focused purpose and potential queues. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2