Bali is full of surprises – one moment you’re sipping on a coconut on the beach, and the next you’re stepping into an ancient cave with a menacing face.
Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is considered one of the best temples in Bali. It’s one of the more fascinating Bali ancient ruins and features a cave with intricate stone carvings.
To add to your list of things to do in Ubud, here is a complete guide to Goa Gajah in Ubud, including detailed information on its history, what to expect, and updated entrance fees.
About Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah dates all the way back to the 9th century (some sources say 10th). It was initially a meditation site for Buddhist monks and Hindu priests, which explains the mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements in the complex.
The cave itself is believed to have been carved into the rock sometime around the 11th century during the reign of the Warmadewa dynasty. It was rediscovered in the 1920s by Dutch archaeologists and more relics were unearthed in the 1950s.
The name Goa Gajah translates to “Elephant Cave” but there is no concrete evidence of elephants ever living here. The ongoing theory is that it was named after the Ganesha statue inside – a Hindu god with an elephant’s head.
Others say that the cave was named after the carving at the entrance – claiming that it resembles an elephants head (I squinted as hard as I could and I still couldn’t see it.) Either way, the name stuck around.
The entire place is a massive complex that consists of temples, waterfalls, bathing pools, a huge courtyard, and even a flowing river in the very far end.
Where is Goa Gajah located?
Goa Gajah is located approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Ubud in Bedulu, Gianyar. The exact location on Google Maps is Bedulu, Blahbahtuh, Gianyar Regency. It is a short drive from the centre of Ubud.
The temple complex is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or scooter and is a popular stop for visitors exploring Ubud and surrounding areas. The site itself sits near the Petanu River which adds to the mystical ambiance.
Here is the distance from major areas in Bali
- Central Ubud: 13-15 minutes
- Seminyak: 1.5 hours
- Canggu: 1.5 hours
- Kuta / Legian: 1.5 hours
- Bali Airport: 1.5 hours
- Nusa Dua: 1.5 hours
- Uluwatu: 2 hours
- Amed: 2.5 hours
Goa Gajah Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Goa Gajah is IDR 50,000 and goes toward maintaining the property and keeping it clean and presentable for visitors.
Tickets can be paid with IDR cash or with credit / debit cards. After purchasing your entrance tickets, you can enter and stay as long as you wish. The entrance fee includes a sarong rental.
- Foreign adults: IDR 50,000 (AUD $5 or USD $3.15)
- Foreign children: IDR 25,000 (AUD $2.50 or USD $1.60)
Upon exiting, you’ll need to pay your parking fee. If you’re visiting the temple with one of our drivers, you don’t need worry about this. Parking fees are not included in your entrance fee.
- Car parking fee: IDR 10,000
- Scooter parking fee: IDR 5,000
Goa Gajah Opening Hours
You can visit Goa Gajah any day of the week. It is open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, but if you enter before 6:00 pm, you can continue exploring until 7:00 pm.
I recommend staying about 1 hour – although you can make it a quicker visit just the visit the Elephant Cave. But if you’d like to explore the entire property which extends all the way to the river at the bottom, take your time and spend 1 – 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit Goa Gajah
As always with outdoor destinations, it’s best to visit in the early morning hours before 10:00 pm. The best time to visit is after 5:00 pm when the jungle provides more shade and the sun is starting to set.
Between mid-March and October (Dry Season) is the most recommended time to visit, but any other month shouldn’t stop you from visiting the Elephant Cave. November to February is Bali’s wet season and can experience unforgiving rainfall at times.
However, the temple is still open all year round. The upside to visiting during the rainy season is that you’ll likely have the place mostly to yourself. An large umbrella will conquer the rain easily.
Goa Gajah Day Tours
Ubud Day Tour
Book yourself an Ubud Day Tour with a private car and driver to see the best attractions in and around Ubud. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or villa by one of our friendly, English-speaking drivers in an immaculate, air-conditioned SUV.
You have 3 Ubud itineraries to choose from but you’re not obligated to follow them. Our tours are flexible and fully customizable. Whether you prefer to visit temples, waterfalls, or markets, the entire day is up to you.
Bali Archaeological Tour
If you’re fascinated with archaeology, our Bali Archaeological Tour can be a great way to be immersed with Bali’s ancient sites and history. It takes you to five archaeological sites around Ubud with a private car and driver.
You can choose to include entrance fees in your booking, or exclude entrance fees to give yourself the freedom to alter your itinerary. As with all of our tours, you have the freedom to change your day.
What to Do at Goa Gajah
Explore the Elephant Cave – As previously mentioned, the Elephant Cave itself is quite small. You can enter to explore the interior. Inside of the cave, you’ll find a Ganesha statue and the lingam and yoni
Take photos – The entire temple complex provides tons of opportunities to get picturesque photos. The surrounding jungle and massive trees create an exotic backdrop.
Get a workout – The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is the never ending amount of stairs. While the descent is easy work, the climb back up will definitely work the thighs and calves.
Enjoy the atmosphere – One of my favourite things about the temple is that the jungle completely soundproofs the area – not a single sound of a scooter or car, just the fainting sounds of a few cascading waterfalls.
Find the Buddhist temple – If you keep following the stairways, you’ll eventually come across a small Buddhist temple after a huge tree with massive roots. Here you will likely run into an old gentleman who will ask you if you want to know more about the temple. This is not a scam nor is he trying to upsell you. He simply wants people to learn more about Bali’s Buddhist past. However, his English is not that great.
Shop for souvenirs – At the entrance, you’ll pass several vendors selling souvenirs like handmade crafts, sarongs, and small knick-knacks. I suggest saving your souvenir shopping for Ubud Art Market instead.
Visit the temples – Near the Elephant Cave at the back of the courtyard are active Balinese temples. You can enter these if you wish to explore. If there’s a ceremony, please be respectful and quiet.
Sit by the bathing pools – Sit and enjoy the quietness for a few moments. You’ll be sitting in a place once used by people over a thousand years ago.
Visit the waterfalls – There are a few waterfalls that run through the complex. Although they’re not as picturesque as some of the best waterfalls in Bali, they compliment the exotic nature of the temple.
Walk down to the river – If you follow the stairways all the way to the bottom, it will take you to Petanu River. You can find signs pointing to “Elephant River.” This area is quite serene and I suggest taking a break here to enjoy the nature.
Restaurant at Goa Gajah
Just before the main ticket counter at the entrance, there is a restaurant to the left. Here you’ll find a a pathway to Puri Suling Resto – considered a hidden gem in Ubud.
I’ll be honest with you. With the exception of a few menu items, it is relatively overpriced. The restaurant is often accused of being a tourist trap but since it’s the only place to eat within the grounds of Goa Gajah, many end up settling for it.
However, the restaurant does have a nice ambiance with a natural aesthetic and offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle. I suggest grabbing a coconut or a fruit juice for a refreshing drink after your hike and have your driver take you somewhere better to eat.
How to get to Goa Gajah
By Car
If none of our tours interest you and you’d like to create your own itinerary, you can book a private car and driver for the day to take you to the attractions you wish to visit. All of our drivers are knowledge and are familiar with Bali’s roads to help you navigate your way. Just sit back and enjoy the ride in teh comfort of your own private, air-conditioned SUV.
By Scooter
If you’re already staying in Ubud and traveling light, renting a scooter in Bali can be an easy way to get to Goa Gajah. Keep in mind, the traffic in Ubud can be brutal for rookie riders. Stay safe and wear your helmet.
By Bus
Bali’s new public transportation system is called Teman Bus. However, there are no routes that passes directly by Goa Goa temple. You’ll need to do a fair bit of walking from the closest bus stop. Although it’s quite cheap, I wouldn’t recommend this method.
Tips for Visiting Goa Gajah
Here are a few tips to make the most out of your visit:
- Bring water. You can also buy water from the souvenir shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Take tons of photos! The entire complex is filled with Instagrammable spots.
- Dress modestly. It is a temple. If you’re wearing shorts or short skirts, you’ll be provided a sarong (included in your entrance ticket).
- Politely refusing souvenir vendors who are trying to sell you items.
Goa Gajah: A Brief History
Goa Gajah stands as a testament to Bali’s deep spiritual and cultural history, dating all the back to at least the 9th century during the heigh of ancient Javanese and Balinese Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms.
Built as a place of meditation, the origins are closely tied to Bali’s early religious devlopment, reflecting the island’s unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The Elephant Cave itself, with it’s intricately carved entrance, was designed to serve as a sanctuary for monks and priests seeking enlightenment. The Ganesha statue and Shiva lingams suggest that Bali’s Hindu past is deep-rooted.
The set of bathing pools with fountains in front of the cave were buried for centuries and only rediscovered in 1954. This reveals that the site once functioned as a place of ritual purification. Balinese people have long believed that sacred water holds purifying and protective properties.
Fun Facts about Goa Gajah
- Goa Gajah is believed to have been established during the Warmadewa Dynasty, a Balinese Hindu kingdom that reigned between the 10th and 15th centuries.
- The Hindu and Buddhist elements of the location suggest that it was a shared place of worship at some point in time.
- Some believe the cave entrance’s mouth carving represents Bomo, a mythological Balinese guardian that’s responsible for warding off evil spirits.
- The site was rediscovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923 while Indonesia was still colonized by the Dutch kingdom.
- It comes an area of approximately 2 hectares (20,000 square meters), but the iconic Elephant Cave itself is quite small.
- There are actually no elephants anywhere near the complex.
Final Thoughts
The importance of Goa Gajah extends beyond simply being a place of worship. It provides insight into Bali’s pre-Majapahit era, a time before the great Javanese Hindu kingdom influenced the island’s religious and cultural landscape.
The Elephant Cave and its surroundings tell the story of a time when Bali’s spiritual life was evolving, shaped by influences from, India, Java, and earlier indigenous beliefs. Even as Bali’s religious climate shifted, Goa Gajah remained a sacred place.
It’s not just an ancient archaeological site – it’s a cultural landmark that embodies Bali’s log history of religion and devotion. While modern Hindu practices dominate the island, the presence of both Hindu and Buddhist relics at Goa Gajah serves as a reminder to Bali’s diverse spiritual roots.
Attractions near Goa Gajah
- Yeh Pulu Temple – 1.4 km away
- ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art) – 3.4 km away
- Ubud Monkey Forest – 4.2 km away
- Ubud Palace Legong Dance – 5.2 km away
- Ubud Art Market – 5.3 km away
- Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace) – 5.4 km away
- Blanco Museum – 6.2 km away
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall – 6.2 km away
- Tibumana Waterfall – 10.5 km away
FAQs about Goa Gajah
Is Goa Gajah worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Elephant Cave is quite breathtaking from up close. Once you learn a little about its history, your observation and perspective shifts and you will be fascinated. It’s a wonderful place to visit without straying too far from Ubud.
Is Goa Gajah a tourist trap?
Goa Gajah is not a tourist trap but at certain moments it might feel that way. The souvenir shops at the entrance and the handful of vendors near the temple do tend to take away from the authenticity of the place. But the vendors aren’t as abundant as those in Besakih Temple. Once you walk past these, you have the entire place to explore without being bothered.
Is Goa Gajah Free?
No. Goa Gajah is not free. You will need to pay an entrance fee to access the temple complex, including the Elephant Cave.
What is the Goa Gajah entrance fee?
The entrance fee is IDR 50k for foreign adults and IDR 25k for foreign children under 11 years old.
Can I buy entrance tickets online?
No, Goa Gajah Temple does not have an official website to purchase entrance tickets. You’ll need to buy them on location.
What is the dress code for Goa Gajah?
Like many Bali temples, it is recommend that you wear modest clothing when visiting. If needed, included in your entrance fee is a sarong and sash to wear while exploring the site
What are the opening hours?
Goa Gajah Temple opens at 8:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. If you enter before 6:00 pm, you can continue exploring the complex until 7:00 pm.
Can I enter the Elephant Cave?
Yes, you are allowed to enter the Elephant Cave. The interior is dark but a few lights have been installed on the corners.
How much time do you need at Goa Gajah?
At least 1 hour should be enough for a visit. If you don’t have any other plans or in a rush to visit other attractions in Ubud, take a few hours to explore the temples, gardens, and the stairways that lead all the way to the bottom by the river.
Can kids visit Goa Gajah?
Yes, kids are allowed to visit. The entrance fee for children under 11 years old is IDR 25k.
What is the parking fee?
The parking fees at are IDR 10k for cars and IDR 5k for motorcycles or scooters. This is not included in the entrance fee.
How to get to Ubud from Bali Airport?
Getting to Ubud from Bali Airport can be quite this hassle due to the fact that it’s relatively far from the airport. Read my detailed guide about the best options for getting from Bali Airport to Ubud.
What else to do in Ubud?
Aside from exploring ancient temples and archaeological sites, there are tons of things to do in Ubud – countless waterfalls, traditional villages, art museums, more temples, and loads of cultural activities.
More Bali Temples to Visit
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: 2025 Review, Entrance Fee & Guide
Tanah Lot Temple: Visitor Info, Tickets, and Hours [2025]
Besakih Temple Guide 2025: Entrance Fees, Tips & Must-Know Info
Brahmavihara-Arama: All About Bali’s Buddhist Monastery
Bali Temple Etiquette Guide
14 Best Temples in Bali
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about Bali’s rich culture.
