In the middle of the beautiful Balinese forest near Ubud there is a small charming village called Tampaksiring. Through the village flows a beautiful river next to which a king built a temple centuries ago. You have to descend into the valley to get to the river and the temple. Pura Gunung Kawi has recently become more famous since people are finally starting to recognize what a treasure it really is. The steps to the temple are lined with local vendors and lots of local art made from bamboo and metal. This guide has all the information you need to have a great trip to Pura Gunung Kawi.
Gunung Kawi is believed to be shrines or candis dedicated to King Udayana and his favorite wives and sons. There are 10 candis in total in the valley. The candis were carved from the mountain in the 11th century almost a thousand years ago.
Where is Gunung Kawi?
Gunung Kawi is 30 minutes away from Ubud by scooter. The temple actually falls before Pura Tirta Empul which is a very famous temple in Bali. When you type Gunung Kawi lots of places pop up in Google Maps. The correct one is this one.
How to Get to Gunung Kawi
By Scooter
Scooters are the cheapest and quickest way to get around Bali. They are small so traffic is easily avoided. Scooter rentals cost around IDR 60,000 to IDR 80,000 (approximately USD 3.50 to USD 5.50) per day in Canggu and Ubud. I’ve found that longer term rentals are usually cheaper. Checkout my guide to renting a scooter in Bali so you don’t get scammed like I did.
Local taxi
If you prefer getting a taxi then Gojek and Grab are two good apps to use. These are Ubers for Bali. You can ask for a scooter or car depending on what you prefer. Hop onto the back of the scooter and they will drop you off at the parking lot of the waterfall. You can find people driving scooter taxis to take you back from the parking lot to the towns.
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).
Tour Options to Gunung Kawi
Best Time to Visit
The walk down to Gunung Kawi is a long one so it would be a miserable time to go during the rainy season. Dry season which runs from April to November is the best time to go to Gunung Kawi. I did go during the rainy season and it drizzled a little on the way down but it wasn’t too bad.
Entry Fee and Timings
The fee to park your scooter at the parking lot is IDR 2000 and to park your car is IDR 5000. The entrance fee for one person to the temple is IDR 50,000. Gunung Kawi is open from 8am to 6pm everyday. You will spend at least a couple hours going down and up so make sure you leave enough time for it.
Experience at Gunung Kawi
When you get to Gunung Kawi you will see a place to park the scooter in front of all the shops there. The shopkeepers will try to sell you sarongs to wear to the temple but you don’t have to do that if you brought your own. The booth to buy the ticket is inside the main gate of the temple. Once you buy the ticket you will begin the climb down the cemented staircase. The climb is quite far down and takes at least 20 minutes to get down.
While climbing down you will find lots of small shops on the side of the staircase. I tried coconut water from one of the ladies and later found I got charged 4 times the usual amount for a coconut. But since I was exhausted and sweating from climbing down it was worth the cold coconut.
After a while the shops will end and the staircase goes down next to some pretty rice fields. This is a really nice place to take pictures. The rice fields are just above the valley floor so you can see for miles in every direction.
At the bottom you will come to the gate and when you walk through it you will see the carvings of the temple into the opposite side of the valley. You have to walk 20 meters to the left of the gate to see the carvings on this side of the gate. You can cross over the Pakerisan river on the bamboo bridge and explore both sides of the carvings.
The place is really gorgeous and the atmosphere was very peaceful. There was only one other couple with a tour guide when I was there so it was pretty quiet.
Things to Carry
- Good Shoes: You will need good walking shoes to get up and down the stairs. Sandals and flip flops won’t be comfortable for walking that long.
- Cash: If you want to buy something from one of the shops on the way down you will need cash for it.
- Sunscreen: The staircase doesn’t have a lot of shade so you will be in the sun for a long time going up and down the mountain. You need at least SPF 50 for the harsh sun in Bali.
- Snacks & Water: You definitely need a lot of water because the hike down is very intense and you will need to walk for a long time. I was very happy to get a coconut but if you don’t want to pay for overpriced coconut then having your own water is very good.
FAQs
Where is Gunung Kawi?
Gunung Kawi is 30 minutes away from Ubud. It is very close to Pura Tirta Empul so you can do both the temples in one day. I did it the same day I went to Tegalalang rice fields and it wasn’t rushed at all. All the places are close by so you will have a nice day trip.
Places to Stay in Ubud
Luxury: Udaya Resort and Spa
Experience unparalleled luxury at Udaya Resort and Spa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. They have the most gorgeous infinity pool I have ever seen hanging over the dense Bali jungle. Their rooms are the epitome of luxury with tastefully decorated interiors. Their cuisine is also great with international and local dishes that you will love to try.
- Price: From $210.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level: Merak Village by Prasi
Merak Village by Prasi offers a comfortable and stylish stay, perfect for those seeking a mid-level hotel experience. They have a beautiful resort in the middle of the jungle with all the modern amenities you could want.
- Price: From $60.
- Booking.com link
Budget: Joglo Organik Guesthouse
For budget-conscious travelers, Joglo Organik Guesthouse provides a charming and affordable stay. The staff is warm and hospitable and their service is great. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. It’s the best value for money in Ubud.
- Price: From $40.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Gunung Kawi
Pura Tirta Empul
This is one of the most famous temples in Bali near Ubud. Pura Tirta Empul is a water temple known for its holy spring water where devotees go to do a cleansing ritual. You can witness the water fountain and ask the priests to do the ritual for you. There is also a huge pond with lots of koi fish that are eager to be fed. The temple premises are really pretty and there is a big local market at the exit with a huge variety of souvenirs.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site 30 minutes away from Bali. The ancient technique of rice cultivation called Subak is still practiced by the local people here. At Tegalalang there are lots of hikes to walk through the rice fields and take pictures. Some of the locals have setup photo booths made of bamboo that you can use for a small fee. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Bali and should not be missed despite the crowds.
This is one of the lesser known waterfalls in Bali with a huge pool below the waterfall. The waterfall is situated in dense forest so you have a short hike to get to it. They have a raft tied in the pool that you can push out to take pictures. It’s a really pretty place with not a lot of people and very Bali-like vibes.
Conclusion
Candi Gunung Kawi is one of the oldest and most unique shrines in Bali. You will rarely find such well preserved ancient architecture anywhere else on the island. The temples are very impressive to visit and the valley in which they are is equally beautiful. If you are going to Tegalaland or Pura Tirta Empul then it is just a short 10 minute drive away from these places and easy to add onto your road trip. You will love climbing down the staircase next rto the rice fields at GUnung Kawi and discovering these ancient shrines.
