Northeast of Ubud is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi is a unique collection of temples carved out of a 7 meter high cliff. These spectacular temples are located in a beautiful green valley, surrounded by palm trees and rice fields. Are you up for some culture and history in a beautiful green environment? Then visit the Gunung Kawi temple during your trip through Bali!
Gunung Kawi temple
The Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi temple complex in Tampaksiring is about a 30-minute drive from Ubud center. The complex consists of 10 temples carved out of a 7-meter high cliff. The temples are located in a beautiful green valley, also called the valley of the Balinese king. The Pakerisan River flows between the complex. The temples were built in the 11th century for King Anak Wungsu. On one side of the river are the temples for himself, his queen and his children. On the other side of the river are the temples for his other wives.
Visit to the temple
The entrance to the Gunung Kawi temple is at the top of the valley. Here you pay for a ticket and immediately receive a sarong, unless you have it with you. It is still a sacred place, where local people come to pray and worship. It is therefore important that you dress decently. At the top of the valley there is a typical Balinese swing. For 150.00 IDR you can swing here for about 10 to 15 minutes with a view of the valley. Above you will also find several photo spots.
PRICE: The entrance costs IDR 50,000 per person including a sarong.
Down into the valley
You walk down some long stairs into the valley. Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful view and the temples become increasingly visible. The temples are completely surrounded by palm trees and rice fields. Once down in the valley, you can immediately see on the left the carved temples of the king's 'concubines'. Then you walk across a bridge over the river to the other side. Here you will first encounter a 'normal' temple, as you are used to in Bali. This temple is still in full use, so be respectful of any local people who pray or make offerings here.
Behind this temple is a kind of cave complex. These caves were probably meditation caves for monks living in the area. If you want to enter these caves, you have to take off your shoes. To the left of the temple and the caves you will find the other carved temples, for the king, his queen and his children. A beautiful sight with the holy water flowing from the stone urns in front of the temples. It is certainly impressive!
On the far left side of the temple complex there are a number of small stalls where you can buy items for offerings. If you walk past here, you walk straight into the rice fields. You then walk along the river and then arrive at a small waterfall. Not a very impressive waterfall, but the surroundings still make it a nice walk.
Back up again
After this you have to go back up the same stairs. The staircase consists of just over 300 steps. There is no other way to go up. Along the stairs there are several small shops where you can buy a souvenir or a cold drink. There is also a small restaurant where you can eat some nasi or mie goreng. While walking, turn around every now and then to enjoy the view. Before you know it, you'll be back.
TIP: Take your time to visit this temple and go early in the morning. This way it is still quiet and you can really enjoy the surroundings and the impressive temple complex.
In the area around this temple complex, there are many more temples, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. So make it a fun day trip by combining a visit here with a few of the following nearby places:
- Pura Tirta Empul
- Goa Gajah
- KantoLampo Waterfall
- Tegalalang rice fields
- Ceking Rice Terrace
- You can find more fun places to visit around Ubud in our Google Maps map.
Stay in Ubud
Stay in Ubud for a few days to visit, among other things, this beautiful temple complex. There is plenty to do in the area, so you can certainly spend a few days there. Some nice hotels in Ubud:
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