Ancient carved cave-temple and bathing pools southeast of Ubud, compact and quick to see.
Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave, is a 9th to 11th century site set in a small green valley a short drive from central Ubud. The centrepiece is a shallow rock-cut cave with a fierce, demonic face carved around the entrance, and small shrines inside. In front lie excavated stone bathing pools with spouting figures, rediscovered in the 1950s.
Beyond the cave, paths lead down past Buddhist relics, banyan roots and a stream, making a pleasant short loop through the valley.
It is compact and you can see it in under an hour. It draws tour groups, and as at all Balinese temples there is a sarong requirement and the usual cluster of souvenir stalls at the entrance.
Getting there
Goa Gajah is about 10 to 15 minutes southeast of central Ubud near Bedulu, an easy scooter ride or short drive. Most travellers come by scooter, driver or as part of a temple day trip. There is paid parking at the entrance.
Best time
Arrive near the 8am opening to beat the tour buses and the midday heat in the valley. It pairs naturally with Tirta Empul and other sites nearby into a half-day temple circuit.
Good to know
Entry is around IDR 50,000 for foreign visitors and includes a sarong, which is required to enter, cash only. The steps down into the valley can be slick, so wear sensible shoes, and the cave interior is small, dim and often briefly crowded.
Around IDR 50,000 per foreign adult as of 2025, with a sarong included in the price. Bring cash, as card payment is not reliable.
Yes. A sarong is required and is provided with your ticket at the entrance. Shoulders should be covered as a courtesy at this active temple site.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour. The cave and pools are quick to see, and the optional valley loop past the relics and stream adds a short, pleasant walk.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
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