Goa Gajah — Attraction in Pulau Bali

Goa Gajah Temple is a magnificent temple complex consisting of cave and bathing pool, designed as a place of worship as well as a place of spiritual learning, become a legacy of the classical era of the Shiva-Buddha kingdoms in Bali. In addition to the cave and bathing pool as its main uniqueness, this temple complex also has beautiful gardens and lake, surrounded by the lush old trees and the gurgling flow of waterfalls and rivers that flow around it, in altogether bring an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

This temple was founded during the reign of King Udayana Warmadewa in 989 - 1011 (King Udayana Warmadewa was a king from Bali who married princess Mahendradatta from Isana Dynasty of Mataram-Medang Kingdom who gave birth to Airlangga, the king of Kahuripan, the forerunner of all great kingdoms in East Java mainly Kadiri, Singhasari, Majapahit). When it was first founded, this temple was named Kunjara Kunja Pada, which "Kunjara" means elephant, "Kunja" means mountain in South India where Resi Agastya built an ashrama surrounded by many wild elephants, and "Pada" means same, referring to the similarity of this sacred place with that sacred place in India.

Along with the political dynamics of all great kingdoms in East Java, Bali was always under the rule of them. However, during the reign of King Bhatara Sri Astasura Ratna Bhumi Banten, Bali had refused to submit to the Majapahit Kingdom, at the time of the reign of Queen Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi. At that time, the center of Balinese power was then called Bedahulu/Bedulu, with the word "Beda" means different and "Hulu" means upstream, becoming a sign of the differences of opinion that occurred between Bali as part of the kingdom with Java as the center of the kingdom.

Bedahulu/Bedulu was then successfully conquered again by the force of Majapahit Kingdom's troops under the leadership of Mahapatih Gajah Mada. As a mark of this conquest, Kunjara Kunja Pada was then named as Lwah Gajah as it written in the Negarakertagama Book composed by Mpu Prapanca in 1365, with the word "Lwah" means water and "Gajah" means elephant, referring to the large bodies of water sourced from the river around the area of ​​this temple that analogous with an elephant.

This temple is located in Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency which can be accessed by motorized vehicles as far as +- 25km / 45 minutes drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. In the area of ​​this temple, there are many snacks & drinks, clothings, souvenirs merchants. Around the temple area, there are many places that provide amenities and accommodation such as restaurants/cafes/bars and souvenir shops, hotels/resorts/homestays and other types of lodgings. Thanks to this place closeness to Ubud as one of the most popular tourist...

If you’re exploring Ubud, Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave is a must-visit for its blend of ancient spirituality, archaeological intrigue, and atmospheric jungle vibes. Dating back to the 9th century, this sacred site was used as a place of meditation and worship by Hindu and Buddhist monks. It’s one of Bali’s most mystical cultural landmarks and stepping into its moss-covered grounds feels like entering a forgotten world.

The highlight is, of course, the stone-carved demon face that marks the cave entrance believed to ward off evil spirits. Inside the narrow, T-shaped cave, you’ll find small shrines, a meditation alcove, and the lingering scent of incense. The surrounding area is equally peaceful, with holy bathing pools, tranquil gardens, and jungle pathways leading to serene river spots.

Dress code: As with all sacred sites in Bali, a sarong is required to enter. If you don’t have one, no worries — sarongs are provided free with your ticket.

Entry fee: IDR 50,000 (≈ $3.15 USD) per adult, and parking is available nearby.

How to get there: Goa Gajah is just a 10-minute drive from central Ubud and easily reachable by scooter or Grab. You can also add it as a stop on a half-day temple tour around Ubud.

Why visit? Because Goa Gajah offers more than just visuals it’s a place where history, religion, and nature quietly coexist. It’s not overly touristy, and the site holds a quiet energy that lingers with you even after you leave.

I captured some beautiful shots of the temple complex, carvings, and jungle surroundings you can see more on my Instagram: @traveltrove22 if you're...

Goa Gajah :

We were coming  from Ubud,and reached Goa Gajah or the "Elephant Cave." Cave's opening mouth is decorated with a giant structure of temple guard Kala Makara. Dutch people probably identified Kala structure as an elephant one and named it as Elephant cave.

Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave   is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365.The cave was discovered only in 1923 by the Dutchs . But the beautiful fountains and bathing pool were  discovered only after 1950 .

There is a small river flowing here named as Petanu River and by the side of the river, rocks were  carved out , to make both Hindu and Buddhist temples and deities. There are 3 Shivalinga, each Linga is encircled by 8 smaller lingas, probably representing Astha Dikpala of Hindu mythology. There is an 4 hand idol of Lord Ganesha inside the cave .  By the river side there are carved images of Buddhist stupas and chaitya, monk's residential chambers, and atleast 2  statues of Meditating  Buddha .

The bathing ghat having 3 distinct parts. Central part is the holiest one, left one was used for the women and right one for men. The complex  contains 7 statues of women (one was  destroyed due to an earthquake) holding water pitchers that depicts seven holy rivers of India: Ganga, Jamuna, Saraswati, Sindhu, Kaveri, Godavari and Narmada.  The Hindu temple or sanctuary was built probably in  11th century by the Kings of Bali. Balinese  folklore relates that it was created by the fingernail of the legendary giant Kebo Iwa.

Buddha statues and stupas was built probably earlier in...