If you’re over the crowds and looking for something a little more raw, Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi might be exactly what you’re after.
This place isn’t just another temple — it’s one of the oldest archaeological sites in Bali, with massive shrines carved directly into the rock face of a jungle-covered valley.
This place flies under the radar compared to the big-name spots — which is exactly why it deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s quiet, spiritual, and genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into another century.
Whether you’re temple-hopping or just want to see something that actually lives up to the hype, this one easily ranks among the best temples in Bali — no question.
Quick Overview of Gunung Kawi
Let’s get the tough part out of the way: yes, there’s a bit of a hike. You’ll walk down a staircase that takes about 7 minutes if you’re moving — or closer to 15 if you’re dragging your feet and stopping for photos (totally fair). But trust me — it’s worth every step.
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi is one of those hidden gems that somehow hasn’t been overrun by tour buses. No lines, no crowds, no stress. Just a serene, spiritual valley carved into the jungle. The peaceful vibe is immediate — you genuinely feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
It’s also super close to Tirta Empul Temple — less than a kilometre away — so it’s easy to visit both in one trip. If you’re looking for something that feels authentic, sacred, and a little off the beaten path, Gunung Kawi nails it.
👉 Don’t confuse this with Gunung Kawi Sebatu — a separate water temple nearby. The one we’re talking about here is the rock-cut temple complex officially called Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi, located in the valley below Tampaksiring.
Summary
🏛️ Official name: Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi
🏷️ Also known as: Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
📍 Location: Tampaksiring village
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 75k (adults), 50k (children)
👕 Dress code: Sarong and sash required (provided)
🪜 Step count: Around 300 steps down and back up
⏳ Time needed: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
🌤️ Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon
What is Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi?
Also known as Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, this is one of Bali’s oldest and most unique temple complexes — and nothing like the others you’ve seen.
The name “Candi Tebing” literally means “cliff temples,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find: a series of massive shrines carved straight into a sheer rock face, standing 7 meters tall. There are ten of them in total — five on each side of the river — and they’re believed to have been built in the 11th century as memorials to King Anak Wungsu and his family.
What makes Gunung Kawi special isn’t just the scale, but the setting. You’re not looking down at this place — you walk into it. Down through a lush river valley, surrounded by jungle and rice terraces, until suddenly the cliffs open up and these ancient shrines are right in front of you. It’s quiet, it’s spiritual, and it genuinely feels like a lost piece of Bali’s ancient history.
Where is Guning Kawi Located?
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi is tucked away in the village of Tampaksiring on Jl. Gn. Kawi, about a 30–40 minute drive northeast of Ubud.
It’s not right in the tourist zone — and that’s part of the charm. The area feels quieter, greener, and more spiritually charged than Bali’s more commercial temple stops.
The temple itself sits deep in a lush river valley, surrounded by dense jungle and terraced rice fields. You’ll walk past local stalls, trickling streams, and waving palms as you descend toward the shrines — and it’s incredibly peaceful the whole way down.
Tampaksiring is also home to Tirta Empul Temple, so most travelers visit both in one trip. But while Tirta Empul can get hectic with ceremony-goers and photo-hunters, Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring usually stays calm. It’s the kind of place where even a short visit feels like a retreat from modern life.
Gunung Kawi Entrance Fee
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi entrance fees are affordable and include a sarong and sash, which are required for entry. Here’s what you can expect to pay as of 2025:
- Adults: IDR 75,000
- Children (5–11 years): IDR 50,000
- Under 5 years: Free
- Sarong / sash rental: Included
- Parking IDR 2,000–5,000
Your entrance ticket includes a sarong and sash — both are required to enter the grounds and follow Bali Temple Etiquette. Tickets are purchased at the official ticket booth near the entrance before you start the descent.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the good news is — you don’t need to overthink your timing. Unlike Bali’s more popular temples, this place rarely gets crowded, so you won’t be battling tour groups or camera mobs.
That said, it’s still a bit of a walk down (and back up), so if you want to avoid sweating buckets, aim for morning or late afternoon. Midday sun can be intense, especially in the open valley.
But really — whether you roll in at 9am or 3pm, you’ll likely have a peaceful, serene experience either way.
How to Get to Gunung Kawi
Gunung Kawi is easy to reach from Ubud, with multiple transport options available. Whether you’re hiring a private driver or riding a scooter, here’s how to get there smoothly.
Private Car and Driver
The most comfortable and hassle-free option is booking a private car and driver — especially if you’re visiting from Ubud or planning to combine Gunung Kawi with nearby attractions like Tirta Empul, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, or even a coffee plantation stop.
You’ll be in the comfort of your own air-conditioned SUV, with the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace — no scooter rental hassles, no worrying about GPS, and no sweating through your clothes before you even get to the temple.
Your driver will wait while you explore and can help plan the most efficient route for your day. Just mention Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, and they’ll know exactly where to take you.
Renting a Scooter
If you’re confident on two wheels, renting a scooter is a great way to explore the area at your own pace. The roads are mostly paved and relatively quiet, but some sections near the village are narrow and hilly. There’s plenty of scooter parking near the entrance.
👉 Rent a quality scooter from Bikago
Grab or Gojek
You can use Grab or Gojek to get to Gunung Kawi, but getting a ride back can be tricky. Since it’s a more remote area, there aren’t many drivers nearby — especially outside peak hours. If you do go this route, consider arranging a return trip in advance or walking out to a main road to increase your chances of finding a ride.
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi: What to Expect
Visiting here isn’t just a temple stop — it’s an experience. Here’s what to expect, from the moment you pass the ticket booth to the last step back up.
The Descent
After grabbing your ticket and sarong, you’ll start the walk down a long stone staircase — about 300 steps in total. The path winds through rice terraces, jungle palms, and trickling streams. It’s peaceful, shady in parts, and one of the most scenic approaches to any temple in Bali.
The Cliff Shrines
Once you reach the valley floor, you’ll come face to face with the temple’s star attraction: ten massive shrines carved directly into the cliffs, some standing 7 meters tall. The carvings are split by the sacred Pakerisan River, with five candi on each side connected by a small stone bridge. They’re not tombs — they’re believed to be royal memorials from the 11th century.
The Surroundings
Beyond the cliff carvings, you’ll find several smaller shrines, meditation caves, ancient pavilions, and water features. The atmosphere is quiet and spiritual — no loudspeakers, no guides yelling through megaphones. Just birdsong, running water, and the occasional priest making offerings.
How Long to Spend at Gunung Kawi?
Plan to spend at least 45 minutes to 1.5 hours here, depending on your pace. It’s not a huge site, but there’s something about the energy that makes you want to linger. Take your time — this place invites it.
Gunung Kawi Dress Code
There’s no strict dress code at Gunung Kawi, but you’ll still need to follow basic Bali temple etiquette. A sarong and sash are provided for free after you pay the entrance fee — you’ll be expected to wear both before entering the temple grounds.
Dress light and breathable — you’ll be walking outdoors in the heat, and the stone steps can feel like a mini workout. While some areas at the back of the complex are shaded, most of the site is exposed, especially around midday. Think: loose clothing, sunscreen, and maybe a hat.
Gunung Kawi Tours
If you want to visit the ancient shrines without the hassle of planning every detail, booking a private day tour is the way to go. Whether you’re into ancient ruins, Bali’s spiritual side, or just want a full day out from Ubud — there’s a tour for that.
Bali Archaeological Sites Tour
Step back in time and explore Bali’s most ancient sites in one day. This tour includes visiting Tirta Empul, Goa Garba, Goa Gajah, and Yeh Pulu reliefs — making it ideal for history lovers and cultural deep-divers.
👉 Book a Bali Archaeological Sites Tour
Bali Temple Tour
If you’re temple-hopping across central Bali, our Bali Temple Tour is a is a wonderful full-day itinerary. Pair for a spiritual journey through Bali’s sacred landmarks without having to stray too far east or north.
Ubud Day Tour
Our Ubud Day Tour offers 3 different itineraries with a perfect balance of nature, culture, and a bit of adventure. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel of Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.
Tips for Visiting the Gunung Kawi Shrines
Here are a few practical tips to make your visit smoother, cooler, and a lot more enjoyable:
- Go early or late – While the temple rarely gets crowded, visiting before 10am or after 4pm means less heat and softer light for photos.
- Bring water – It’s a decent walk, and there are no shops once you’re down in the valley.
- Wear grippy shoes – The stairs can get slippery, especially after rain. Avoid flip-flops if you can.
- Pace yourself on the way back up – It’s a climb, but there are a few shaded spots to catch your breath.
- Pair it with Tirta Empul – Since it’s just a 5-minute drive away, most people visit both in one go.
- Take your time – This isn’t a rush-through temple. Sit, listen to the river, and let the atmosphere sink in.
Where to Eat at Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
You won’t find a full-blown food court here — but there are a few simple options. Just after the entrance and before you start heading down the stairs, there’s a small cluster of local warungs and casual restaurants. They sell everything from cold drinks and coconuts to nasi goreng and mie goreng, making it a handy pit stop if you’re hungry before or after your visit.
There’s nothing at the bottom of the stairs near the temple complex itself, so if you need a bite or a quick drink, it’s best to grab something before you make the descent.
- Kafe Kawi – The first one you’ll come across after paying your entrance fees
- Green Carik – Overlooks the rice fields. They also have some swings.
- Warung A-Bing – A small spot with some cheap snacks and coffee
- Gunungkawi Waroeng – Another restaurant that overlooks the jungle
Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring vs Gunung Kawi Sebatu
It’s easy to mix these two up — they’re close to each other and share a similar name — but they’re very different experiences.
Gunung Kawi (Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi) is the cliffside temple carved directly into the rock face. It’s an ancient archaeological site, set in a jungle valley, with towering shrines and a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere. This is the one with the hike and the dramatic landscape.
Gunung Kawi Sebatu, on the other hand, is a beautifully maintained water temple located about 10 minutes away. It features tranquil ponds, fountains, and manicured gardens — more polished, less wild.
Both are worth visiting, but if you only have time for one:
- Choose Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi for history and landscape.
- Choose Sebatu for serene vibes and easier access.
Where to Go After Gunung Kawi
If you’re already up in the Tampaksiring area, you’ve got several great spots nearby to round out your day. Here are some solid options to make an Ubud Day Tour or to add to your list of things to do in Ubud.
- Tirta Empul Temple – Just 950 meters away, this sacred water temple is famous for its holy spring bathing ritual (melukat). It gets busy, but it’s worth seeing — especially if you go before the crowds roll in.
- Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation – A relaxed stop for sampling local Balinese coffee and teas, with gorgeous views over the rice terraces. Great if you need a caffeine boost post-stair climb.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Bali’s iconic stepped rice fields. Yes, it’s touristy, but the view is still a showstopper — and it’s only about 20 minutes away by car.
- Gunung Kawi Sebatu – If you want to double down on temples, this nearby water temple offers a totally different vibe — manicured, peaceful, and no stairs.
- Penglipuran Village – About 30 minutes away, this traditional village is known for its well-preserved culture, bamboo forests, and zero vehicle traffic inside the village itself.
Final Thoughts: Is Gunung Kawi Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you’re looking for something that feels a little off the beaten path.
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi is one of those rare places in Bali that blends history, nature, and spirituality without the crowds. The cliff-carved shrines are impressive, the setting is serene, and the whole experience feels more like a quiet journey than a typical temple tour. It’s not just a photo op — it’s a place to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and maybe even sit still for a while.
Yes, the stairs are a bit of a workout. But if you can handle that, you’ll be rewarded with one of Bali’s most unique and peaceful temple experiences.
Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi FAQs
What is Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi?
It’s an 11th-century temple complex featuring 10 massive shrines carved into cliff faces. It’s one of Bali’s oldest and most unique archaeological sites.
How many steps are there to reach Gunung Kawi?
Roughly 300 stone steps lead down to the temple valley. The walk back up can be a bit of a climb, so bring water and take your time.
Is Gunung Kawi worth visiting?
Yes — it’s peaceful, visually stunning, and much less crowded than other temples in Bali. A great stop for travelers who appreciate history and nature.
How much is the entrance fee to Gunung Kawi?
As of 2025, foreign adult tickets cost 75,000 IDR and children’s tickets (ages 5–11) are 50,000 IDR. Sarong rental is included.
What should I wear to Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring?
Modest clothing is required, but sarongs and sashes are provided for free with your ticket. Dress light and wear good walking shoes.
Can you visit Gunung Kawi during the rainy season?
Yes, but the steps and paths can get slippery. Bring appropriate footwear and expect a bit more mud along the way.
Is Gunung Kawi a tomb?
No — while it may look like a burial site, the carved shrines are actually memorials likely dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and his royal family.
What’s the difference between Gunung Kawi and Gunung Kawi Sebatu?
Gunung Kawi is the cliff temple with stone carvings in the jungle valley. Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a nearby water temple with pools and manicured gardens.
Comments
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