Gunung Kawi Temple: Visiting from Ubud (2026 Guide)

Why go

Gunung Kawi is not a temple in the usual sense of courtyards and shrines on a platform. It is a set of candi — memorial monuments roughly seven metres tall — carved in relief into niches in the rock walls of the Pakerisan river valley. They date to the eleventh century and are traditionally linked to the royal family of that era. Ten candi survive in total, in groups on both sides of the river, alongside small rock-cut cells that were once used for meditation.

What makes the visit memorable is the setting. You walk down into a narrow, green gorge, past terraced paddies, cross the river on a footbridge and find the monuments looming out of the cliff face, softened by moss and ferns. Even on busy days it feels older and quieter than most of the temples close to Ubud.

Getting there

Gunung Kawi sits just outside the town of Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes north of central Ubud on a normal day. The road runs through Pejeng and is straightforward by car or scooter. There is a parking area near the top of the stairway, lined with stalls selling sarongs, drinks and souvenirs.

• Private driver: the easiest option, especially if you combine it with Tirta Empul and Pura Mengening, which are only a few minutes away. See how to get around Ubud for typical day rates.
• Scooter: manageable for confident riders; the road is busy but not steep.
• Ride-hailing apps: getting there is usually easy, getting back can be slow because few cars wait in Tampaksiring. Agree a return trip or keep a driver.

Don't confuse it with Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a different (and also lovely) water temple near Tegallalang. If you book a driver, say "Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring".

What to expect

From the ticket area a stone stairway of a few hundred steps leads down into the valley. The descent is easy; the climb back up in the midday heat is the real effort, so leave enough water and time for it. The steps are uneven in places and slippery after rain.

At the bottom you pass through a carved gateway into the main group of shrines, then cross the river to see the second group and the monks' cells. Small offerings of flowers and incense are often placed at the base of the monuments — walk around them, never over them, and don't climb on any stonework.

Sarongs and sashes are handed out or rented at the entrance. Shoulders should be covered. The rules are the same as at any Balinese temple; our temple dress code guide explains them in detail.

Tips

• Go early. Morning light reaches into the gorge, the stairway is cooler and the tour groups that arrive mid-morning haven't come yet.
• Bring small cash. The ticket booth, parking and sarong rental are typically cash only. Our cash guide covers how much to carry.
• Wear shoes with grip. Sandals are fine in dry weather, but the lower steps stay damp.
• Ignore "guides" at the stairway unless you actually want one. The site is easy to explore alone; if you hire someone, agree the price first.
• Skip the souvenir gauntlet on the way up if you're tired. Prices tend to drop once you've said no twice.

Combine with

Gunung Kawi pairs naturally with Pura Mengening, the quiet spring temple a few minutes away, where you can see a Balinese water purification ritual without the crowds of Tirta Empul. Add Penglipuran Village further east if you want a full day. Back in town, the Ubud restaurant list has good options for a late lunch.