Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring - white buddha temple on mountain during daytime
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Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring

4.7
·674 reviews·, Indonesia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds.

CrowdLow
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Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring - white buddha temple on mountain during daytime

Gunung Kawi Temple Tampaksiring

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(674 reviews)

"Impressive rock-cut shrines in a beautiful valley, but be ready for the stairs and potential vendor scams."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rock-Cut Candi Shrines

Rock-Cut Candi Shrines

Cliffside along the Pakerisan River

Ten ancient shrines carved directly into the cliff face, dedicated to royalty. Truly awe-inspiring.

Instagram+1
Pakerisan River Valley

Pakerisan River Valley

Valley floor

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

InstagramReddit
Ancient Rice Terraces

Ancient Rice Terraces

Surrounding the temple complex

Beautifully maintained rice paddies that add to the scenic beauty and historical context.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Steps!

Prepare for a significant descent and ascent! Gunung Kawi features over 200 steps to reach the main temple complex. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if visiting during the hottest part of the day. InstagramReddit

Beware of Sarong Scams

While sarongs are required for entry, be cautious of unofficial vendors near parking areas who may aggressively try to sell or rent them. Official sarongs are often provided with your ticket. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Friday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Can be hot, but fewer tourists.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

mitos atau fakta #pesugihan #gunungkawi #tumbal #ritual #mistis #horror
@muzafiir
128.5K likes • 6.3M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Over 200 steps down and up! Essential for navigating the site comfortably. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up. Reddit

Membalas @rumiyuliyati ritual di tempat paling sakral gunung kawi... #ritual #gunungkawi #nandaputri #fyphoror #sesajen #trendingviral
@nandaputriyuhanita_
105.5K likes • 3.9M views
Pura Gunung Kawi di Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, menjadi salah satu destinasi favorit wisatawan mancanegara, khususnya dari Eropa. Dibangun pada abad ke-11 oleh Dinasti Warmadewa, situs ini terkenal dengan sepuluh candi yang dipahat di tebing batu padas di tepi Sungai Pakerisan, sebagai persemayaman Raja Anak Wungsu dan keluarganya. Untuk mencapai lokasi, pengunjung harus menuruni 315 anak tangga...
otw_melali
1.3K likes • 34.5K views

💰 Cash for Tickets

Entrance fees are typically cash only. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Attire

Sarongs are required. Get them with your ticket to avoid scams. Reddit

🇮🇩 Tampaksiring Gianyar, mungkin masyarakat Bali dan wisatawan hanya tau dan mendengar Pura Tirta Empul dan istana presiden. Namun sejatinya Tampaksiring memiliki destinasi wisata yang kini semakin populer seperti persawahan di Banjar Mancingan, wisata religi dan wisata sejarahnya di Pura Tirta Empul, Pura Gunung Kawi, serta Pura Mengening. Salah satu Mimin bahas adalah objek wisata religi " Pura...
dotmelali
140 likes • 4.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Over 200 steps down and up! Essential for navigating the site comfortably. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up. Reddit

💰 Cash for Tickets

Entrance fees are typically cash only. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Attire

Sarongs are required. Get them with your ticket to avoid scams. Reddit

🗺️ Explore Hidden Spots

Don't miss the lesser-known temple and waterfall halfway down the stairs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(674 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Impressive rock-cut shrines
Beautiful natural scenery
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Many stairs
Aggressive vendors
Pricey entrance fee

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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! InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

Restrooms are available. There are also numerous souvenir sellers along the path and at the temple site. Be prepared for persistent sales pitches. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites in Bali. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Gunung Kawi with children requires preparation for the extensive stairs. The descent is manageable, but the climb back up can be tiring for little ones. Consider carrying younger children or taking frequent breaks. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Gunung Kawi is a great destination for solo travelers looking for a mix of history, nature, and a bit of a physical challenge. The site is generally safe, and the steps provide a good opportunity for personal reflection. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Gunung Kawi offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and lush landscapes. The rock-cut shrines against the cliff face are iconic, and the surrounding rice terraces provide stunning scenic shots. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi Temple is an 11th-century funerary complex and temple located in Tampaksiring, Bali. It was built by the Udayana Dynasty and is believed to be the resting place of King Anak Wungsu and his queens. The ten impressive candi (shrines) are carved directly into the sheer cliff face, standing about 7 meters high, and are sheltered within niches. This unique architectural style makes it a significant historical and archaeological site in Bali. Instagram+1

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'. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok+1

Navigating the Steps and the Valley

A key aspect of visiting Gunung Kawi is the physical journey to reach the main temple complex. Visitors must descend over 200 steps to get to the valley floor where the candi are located. This descent is often described as manageable, but the subsequent ascent can be quite challenging, especially in the heat. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Understanding Local Interactions and Scams

While Gunung Kawi is a beautiful historical site, visitors should be aware of potential scams, particularly concerning sarongs. Several reviews and tips mention aggressive vendors in the parking area who try to force the rental or purchase of sarongs, even when visitors intend to get them at the official ticket counter. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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