Imagine a gateway to enchantment, where nature’s beauty and a touch of whimsy converge. That is precisely what Handara Gate was. Having gone from just a gate on the side of the road to a main attraction in Bali I was very excited to see it. Join me on a tiny adventure as we explore this attraction in Bali, showcasing its location, how to get there, the best time to visit, entrance fees and timings and much more. And figure out if it is worth visiting in 2023 or not.
Where is Handara Gate?
Nestled in the heart of Bali, Handara Gate stands as a beacon of beauty in the village of Pancasari, near Bedugul. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
When you access the link, you will be able to see the exact location of Handara Gate on the map. Since Handara Gate is also the main entrance for Handara Golf course, you can type that into Google Maps as well.
How to Get to Handara Gate
Getting to Handara Gate is a breeze, and you have a few options depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are three popular ways to get there:
Scooter
Renting a scooter in Bali is a convenient way to explore the island. It gives you the freedom to go anywhere as you please. Scooter rentals are available at various shops in Bali, and prices range from IDR 60,000 to IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). My guide to renting a scooter in Bali has all the details you need to safely rent a good scooter in Bali.
Local taxi
For those who prefer a hassle-free journey, local taxis like Gojek or Grab are readily available in Bali. These are Ubers for Bali. You can ask for a scooter or car depending on what you prefer. Hop into one of these comfortable rides and let the driver navigate the roads while you sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Private car charter
If you prefer a more luxurious and convenient option, renting a car with a private driver is a fantastic choice. This is a great choice for people who are traveling in bigger groups. Prices for a full day rental range from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85).
Directions to Handara Gate
I think I liked the drive the best out of this small adventure I went on. The rice fields start right outside Ubud so the journey is very nice and chill on the scooter.
From Ubud
- Start your journey by heading north on Jl. Raya Ubud, the main road that runs through the heart of Ubud.
- After passing the iconic Ubud Monkey Forest on your left, continue on Jl. Raya Ubud until you reach the junction with Jl. Tegallalang.
- Take a right turn onto Jl. Tegallalang and follow the road as it winds through the picturesque Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
- Stay on Jl. Tegallalang until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Tampaksiring. Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Tampaksiring.
- Keep following Jl. Raya Tampaksiring, enjoying the scenic drive through the villages of Tampaksiring and Kedisan. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Pancasari, where Handara Gate is located. Look for signs or ask locals for directions to Handara Gate and get ready to immerse yourself in its whimsical charm.
From Canggu
- Head north on Jl. Raya Kerobokan, following the road as it takes you through the vibrant town of Seminyak.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Kerobokan until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Semer.
- Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Semer and continue until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Batubulan.
- Turn right onto Jl. Raya Batubulan and follow the road as it leads you through the village of Batubulan.
- Keep following Jl. Raya Batubulan until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Singapadu. Take a right turn onto Jl. Raya Singapadu and continue until you reach Handara Gate in the village of Pancasari.
Best Time to Visit
Timing is everything to make the most of your Handara Gate experience. Bali’s tropical climate ensures that the weather is delightful year-round. But the best time to visit Handara Gate is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, you’ll have clear blue skies and lots of sunshine.
The best time to visit is early in the morning right after sunrise since the gate is very famous now. This way you can avoid some of the crowd at least. In late morning lots of tour vans filled with people start to arrive and they really ruin the vibe.
Entry Fee and Timings
Now, let’s talk logistics! To take a picture at the gate, an entrance fee of IDR 30,000 is required. You will have to pay this at the table the locals have set up near the start of the road that goes between the gate. Handara Gate has no timings because it’s just a gate at the side of the road so technically it’s open all the time.
Experience at Handara Gate
Arrival at the road entrance
The locals have set up a table at the start of the road that goes between the gate. Here you have to purchase a selfie ticket to be able to click pictures at the gate. Then you can go join the line near the gate. Each person gets around 5 minutes to click as many pictures as you want.
The gate
The gate itself, a towering structure adorned with traditional Balinese carvings. It has some trees around it that provide shade. The view behind the gate is that of the hills. You can see these on clear mornings where there is no mist.
Crowd at the gate
One thing to note is that there is a huge crowd here these days. The place is very famous due to Instagram and people start lining up at sunrise to get a picture clicked with the gate. There is also no water body near the gate. The effect of the water is given through holding a piece of glass against the camera. The gate is situated on a long concrete road and doesn’t have much else around it so I didn’t find it particularly interesting.
My thoughts
If there were beautiful rice terraces or wild jungle behind the gate even that would have been more magical. But the area around has been developed due to the golf course so I didn’t particularly like it. I definitely feel like you can skip this to go to other more interesting places that aren’t an overhyped gate to a golf resort.
Handara Gate Golf and Resort
Adjacent to the gate lies the Handara Gate Golf and Resort. I hated the fact they cut down the jungle to make an ugly golf resort but if this is your vibe you can also go here to play golf. The resort offers a range of amenities, including luxurious accommodations, spa services, and dining options.
Things to Carry
As you prepare for your adventure to Handara Gate, make sure to pack a few essential items. Firstly, don’t forget your camera or smartphone to click the photos at the gate. Since the weather in Bali can be unpredictable, bring a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be driving for a long time and there are other places you could add to your itinerary nearby. Additionally, bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and any unwelcome mosquito encounters.
- Camera
- Raincoat
- Snacks
- Water
- Hat/sunscreen
- Insect repellant
Is Handara Gate Worth Visiting in 2023?
Now, the burning question: Is Handara Gate still worth visiting in 2023? No it’s not! This charming gate has become a cesspool of people wanting to click photos. You get only 5 minutes at the gate to click a picture. You don’t even get time to admire the beauty or get up close to the gate because there are a hundred people behind you clamoring to get a shot. I absolutely hate places like this so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else either. I ended up leaving without getting a photo of myself because I didn’t see a point.
Other Gates Like Handara Gate in Bali
While Handara Gate is too busy, there are a few other gates in Bali that possess their own charm and allure. Tegalallang Rice Terrace Gate, located in Ubud, is a beautiful entrance to the famous rice terraces. The Heaven’s Gate at Lempuyang Temple has a majestic backdrop of Mount Agung. Finally, the iconic Pura Luhur Uluwatu Gate, perched atop a cliff, is a dramatic entrance to the ancient sea temple.
- Tegalallang Rice Terrace Gate
- Heaven’s Gate at Lempuyang Temple
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu Gate
Places to Stay in Munduk
If you’re going on an extended vacation amidst north Bali, consider staying in Munduk. This is the nearby village renowned for its natural beauty. Munduk has a range of accommodations, from cute guest houses nestled amidst rice terraces to eco-friendly resorts perched on the hillsides.
Luxury: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort and Spa
This luxurious resort has stunning views of the surrounding plantations and mountains. It has spacious villas with private pools, a spa, infinity pool, and an on-site restaurant.
- Price: From $200 USD.
- Booking.com link
Mid-level: Puri Lumbung Cottages
Puri Lumbung Cottages is a charming mid-level accommodation resort surrounded by pretty rice terraces. The cottages are designed in a traditional style and have comfortable amenities, including a restaurant and a spa.
- Price: From $70 USD.
- Booking.com link
Budget: Lesong Hotel and Restaurant
Lesong Hotel and Restaurant is a charming budget-friendly accommodation in Munduk. They have traditional Balinese architecture and cozy rooms. It is a serene retreat amidst nature.
- Price: From $25 USD.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Handara Gate
If you still find yourself with an appetite for exploration after visiting Handara Gate, fear not! There are several other delightful places to explore in the vicinity. Here are five recommendations to add to your itinerary:
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Located on the shores of Lake Bratan, this stunning temple offers a captivating blend of Balinese and Hindu architectural styles. You can enjoy the spiritual ambiance and admire how the temple reflects in the water.
Munduk Waterfall
If you go into the lush jungles of Munduk you will discover the beauty of its waterfalls. Cascading down moss-covered rocks, Munduk Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in Bali.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Prepare to be spellbound by the vast expanses of emerald-green rice terraces in Jatiluwih. You can take a hike through the rice terraces and appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bali Botanic Garden
Home to a wide array of tropical flora, this beautiful garden has quiet walking paths, blooming gardens, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Definitely worth a stop to rest and rejuvenate!
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
For those seeking a unique photo opportunity, Wanagiri Hidden Hills is a must-visit. This picturesque spot has panoramic views of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. It also has photogenic swings and bird’s nest-like structures for pictures.
Tour Options in Munduk
Lake Beratan, Handara Gate, Waterfall & Swing Tour
Visit the top places to see in northern Bali such as Lake Beratan, Handara Gate, Banyumala Waterfalls and Wanagiri Hidden Hills. The tour does a complete loop around the top attractions.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Small Group Tour
Included in the itinerary is the Royal Water temple of Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Ulun Danu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple and Jatiluwih rice fields.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces 2-Hour E-Bike Cycling Tour
Cycle through a beautiful Balinese bamboo forest, local villages and lush rice fields in this two hour tour that is sure to get your heart pumping.
Banyumala Waterfall, Bedugul and Lake Beratan Tour
Pura Ulun Danu Temple, the rice fields of Jatiluwih, Banyumala Waterfalls and the Handara Gate are included in this amazing tour to showcase the best of Bali.
Conclusion
I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment about Handara Gate. While the gate itself is very pretty, the overall experience fell short of my expectations. The crowds and commercialization have destroyed the beauty of the area. It definitely left me longing for a more authentic and less crowded encounter with Bali.
Checkout Other Bali posts
Tibumana Waterfall: One of the last hidden gems
Leke Leke Waterfall Bali: 2023 Guide
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: North Bali Waterfall Guide
