Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring
Ancient 11th-century royal shrines carved into cliffs, set amidst lush rice terraces and a serene river valley.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient 11th-century royal shrines carved into cliffs, set amidst lush rice terraces and a serene river valley.
"Impressive rock-cut shrines in a beautiful valley, but be ready for the stairs and potential vendor scams."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 200 steps down and up! Essential for navigating the site comfortably.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rock-Cut Candi Shrines
Cliffside along the Pakerisan River
Ten ancient shrines carved directly into the cliff face, dedicated to royalty. Truly awe-inspiring.

Pakerisan River Valley
Valley floor
Lush, serene valley with a gentle river, surrounded by vibrant rice terraces. A peaceful escape.

Ancient Rice Terraces
Surrounding the temple complex
Beautifully maintained rice paddies that add to the scenic beauty and historical context.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Steps!
Beware of Sarong Scams
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 200 steps down and up! Essential for navigating the site comfortably.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up.
💰 Cash for Tickets
Entrance fees are typically cash only.
🤫 Respectful Attire
Sarongs are required. Get them with your ticket to avoid scams.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 200 steps down and up! Essential for navigating the site comfortably.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up.
💰 Cash for Tickets
Entrance fees are typically cash only.
🤫 Respectful Attire
Sarongs are required. Get them with your ticket to avoid scams.
🗺️ Explore Hidden Spots
Don't miss the lesser-known temple and waterfall halfway down the stairs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gunung Kawi Temple is praised for its impressive 11th-century rock-cut shrines and beautiful natural setting with rice terraces and a river. However, visitors often mention the significant number of stairs and warn about aggressive vendors attempting sarong scams. The entrance fee is also noted as being a bit pricey by some.
"a good place but personally it's not a 'wow' with pretty cool big statues carved with little waterfall next to it with river streams. BEWARE of the ladies at the parking lot holding sarong, they will scam you dry with it and will try to convince and put the sarong on you without permission. the entry ticket was a bit pricey and there are LOTS of stairs with a lot of sellers trying to get you to buy their things."
Julia Himawan
"Great temple but be ready to go down a lot of stairs.
Also make sure to visit the lesser known temple also in this area. It will be located on your right when you go down to Gunung Kawi about halfway down the stairs. There is a wonderful waterfall and we were alone there as few tourists go visit that one.
Entrance is cash only."
Mélanie de Oliveira
"Visited on 21st March 2025, introduced by local people. I don't find this place from any post nor any information from YouTube. Thank you the local driver brought us to this beautiful natural scene, they have temple, rice terrace, small waterfall and of course many stair cases.
I went there on Friday, no crowds, free and easy to walk around. Please go down stairs until the end, you will see the beautiful temple with nice weather."
Beeling Yeap
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gunung Kawi Temple is located in Tampaksiring, northeast of Ubud. The most common ways to get there are by hiring a private driver or a scooter. The drive takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Some travelers also mention it as part of a day trip that includes Tirta Empul Temple.
Parking is available near the entrance. However, be aware of unofficial vendors who may approach you aggressively to sell sarongs or guide you. It's best to proceed to the official ticket counter first.
Ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab may be available for hire, but availability can be inconsistent in more remote areas. Hiring a local driver for the day is often more reliable for exploring multiple sites.
These two popular sites are relatively close to each other in Tampaksiring. If you have a driver, they will easily take you between them. If you're on a scooter, it's a short and scenic ride.
Public transport options are limited and not very convenient for reaching Gunung Kawi. Hiring a private car or scooter is highly recommended for ease of access and flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Gunung Kawi Temple can vary, but it's generally considered a bit pricey by some visitors. It's important to note that the entrance fee is typically cash only.
Yes, a sarong is required to enter the temple complex. You can usually rent or purchase one at the entrance. However, be wary of unofficial vendors in the parking area who may try to sell you sarongs aggressively. Official sarongs are often provided with your ticket.
Gunung Kawi Temple is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as they can sometimes change.
Currently, tickets for Gunung Kawi Temple are typically purchased on-site at the entrance. It's recommended to have cash ready for the ticket purchase.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any applicable rates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll need to descend and ascend over 200 steps to reach the main temple complex. Some visitors have counted around 234 steps. It's a good workout!
The main attractions are the ten impressive 11th-century rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. You'll also find beautiful rice terraces, the Pakerisan River, and a small waterfall.
It can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can help you avoid the largest crowds. Some visitors found it less crowded than other Bali temples.
Restrooms are available. There are also numerous souvenir sellers along the path and at the temple site. Be prepared for persistent sales pitches.
Yes, some visitors recommend looking for a lesser-known temple and waterfall located about halfway down the stairs on your right. It's often less crowded and offers a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The rock-cut shrines themselves are incredibly photogenic. Capture them from different angles, especially with the lush valley and river in the background. The rice terraces also offer beautiful scenic shots.
During peak times, it can be challenging to get unobstructed shots. Visiting early in the morning or on a less busy day will significantly improve your photography experience.
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites in Bali. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for the shrines and valley. Late afternoon can also provide nice light, but be mindful of the heat and potential crowds.
The path leading down to the temple offers great vantage points of the valley. Once at the bottom, framing the shrines against the cliff face is a classic shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical shrines are impressive, the real draw for kids might be the natural surroundings – the river, the rice paddies, and the sense of adventure exploring the valley. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of the sun. The lesser-known waterfall mentioned by some visitors could be a fun, less strenuous discovery for families.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Be prepared for the stairs and the heat. Engaging with local vendors can be part of the experience, but be firm if you're not interested in purchasing. The opportunity to discover hidden spots, like the smaller waterfall, adds to the sense of personal exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots, aim for early morning light to avoid harsh shadows and crowds. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the candi and the serenity of the valley. The journey down and up the stairs also offers interesting perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Gunung Kawi
The temple complex is not just about the shrines; it's also set within a stunning natural landscape. The Pakerisan River flows through the valley, and the surrounding area is adorned with vibrant, ancient rice terraces. This integration of man-made structures with nature contributes to the spiritual and serene atmosphere of the site, often referred to as the 'Valley of the Kings'.
While the historical and architectural aspects are fascinating, Gunung Kawi also has a mystical reputation. Some TikTok videos touch upon local myths and legends associated with the site, hinting at rituals and beliefs that add another layer to its allure. This blend of history, spirituality, and local folklore makes Gunung Kawi a compelling destination for many visitors.
Navigating the Steps and the Valley
Travelers often share their experiences of the climb, with some humorously wishing for escalators. It's crucial to wear comfortable footwear and carry water to stay hydrated. The effort, however, is widely considered worth it for the unique beauty and tranquility of the valley.
Beyond the main shrines, exploring the surrounding rice terraces and the Pakerisan River adds to the experience. Some visitors also highlight discovering a lesser-known temple and waterfall about halfway down the stairs, offering a more secluded and peaceful encounter with the site's natural beauty.
Understanding Local Interactions and Scams
It's important to know that sarongs are required for entry, but they are usually provided for free or for a small fee with your official ticket. Politely but firmly decline unofficial offers and proceed to the ticket booth first. This proactive approach can help avoid an unpleasant encounter and ensure a smoother visit.
Beyond the sarong issue, interactions with locals are generally positive. Many visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the historical significance of the site. The presence of local women working in the rice fields adds to the authentic Balinese atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit