The short answer
Gunung Kawi: what visitors should know first
Yes, for a quiet, atmospheric stop in a green valley. The walk down is the hard part, because you must climb back. Go early, take it slowly, and decide at the first viewpoint whether to continue.
History and context
The story behind Gunung Kawi
Wikipedia describes Gunung Kawi as an 11th-century funerary complex, with ten rock-cut shrines (candi) carved into niches about seven metres high on a cliff face. The shrines are believed to honour King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens.
One theory assigns the five east-side temples to King Udayana, his queen Mahendradatta and their sons Airlangga, Anak Wungsu and Marakata. An inscription on the north shrine on the east side reads Haji Lumahing Jalu.
Useful facts
Gunung Kawi facts at a glance
- Location
- Tampaksiring, north-east of Ubud
- Faith
- Balinese Hindu funerary monument
- Dedication
- Believed to honour King Anak Wungsu and royal queens
- Visitor note
- Long stair; sarong needed
- Built
- 11th century (per Wikipedia)
Why it matters
Why Gunung Kawi is worth your time
The shrines are one of the oldest large stone monuments on Bali. Cut directly into the cliff rather than built from blocks, they show a different tradition from the later temples you see across Ubud, and they are linked to royal commemoration.
The site is part of the Pakerisan river valley, a landscape of rice terraces and water shrines that UNESCO recognised as part of Bali's cultural landscape. Seeing it alongside Tirta Empul, just upstream, shows how ritual, water and farming were joined on the island.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Rock-cut candi
Ten shrines are carved into niches about seven metres high.
- 02
River valley
The complex sits on both banks of the Pakerisan.
- 03
Quiet atmosphere
Water and shade make it calmer than many sites.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Follow the stair from the entrance down into the valley, passing rice fields and a river. The shrines are carved into niches in a sheer cliff, about seven metres high. Wikipedia says ten shrines are cut into the rock on the two banks of the Pakerisan, with five on the east side. Look at the proportions and the shape of the niches, then cross the river to see the other group.
There is also a quiet temple area by the water. The sound of the river and the cool shade make this one of the calmer ancient sites near Ubud.
Wear a sarong, cover shoulders and take your time on the way back up. If you are visiting with parents, set a time limit and agree to turn back if they are tired. Many visitors pair it with Tirta Empul, which is nearby, and Tegallalang on the way back.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Check the stairs and set a turn-back point
- Wear a sarong and sturdy shoes
- Go early for shade and quiet
- Combine with Tirta Empul
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Tampaksiring, north-east of Ubud
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Early morning
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- A long stone stair descends to the river and the return climb is steep; there is some shade and railings in places but few places to sit. Slippery when wet.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is ticketed and sarongs are normally required; check current charges and dress rules on arrival.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Gunung Kawi
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A long stone stair descends to the river and the return climb is steep; there is some shade and railings in places but few places to sit. Slippery when wet.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How old is Gunung Kawi?
Wikipedia dates it to the 11th century and links it to King Anak Wungsu.
Is it hard to visit with parents?
The stair down and back is long and steep. Go slowly, or view from the upper section.
Who is buried at Gunung Kawi?
Wikipedia says the shrines are believed to honour King Anak Wungsu and his favourite queens, though it is a funerary complex, not a confirmed tomb.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
