Mount Kawi
Mount Kawi
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Gunung Kawi is a temple complex centered around royal tombs carved into stone cliffs in the 11th century. It is located amid scenic rice terraces about 30 minutes from Ubud. Note: There are more than 300 steps to climb.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
1,242 reviews
Excellent
756
Very good
398
Average
75
Poor
11
Terrible
2
Osula N
Los Angeles, CA718 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I came here, via private driver, on a Tuesday in mid-December 2022. This is a MUST if you're ever in Bali - definitely worth the trek out here. It looks like something out of a video game. It was my first time seeing anything carved into the walls of the stone like that. It's truly a unique Bali experience.
Because this is a religious place, you must wear a sarong but the entrance ticket also covers a sarong if you don't have one. You do not need to buy one from the vendors if you don't want to. There are a bunch of steps downhill to get to the temple but it's not too bad and well worth it.
Get here early to get the Temple to yourself. I think we got here at 9AM and there was practically no one there except us. Make sure you bring cash to pay for your entrance ticket.
Pro tip: you have to pass by the same vendors coming back up to the parking lot, so if you like something, make sure you get it on the way back up. They were going as low as 20,000 Rp. per pants, sarong, etc. Each vendor next to each other going even lower to out do each other.
Because this is a religious place, you must wear a sarong but the entrance ticket also covers a sarong if you don't have one. You do not need to buy one from the vendors if you don't want to. There are a bunch of steps downhill to get to the temple but it's not too bad and well worth it.
Get here early to get the Temple to yourself. I think we got here at 9AM and there was practically no one there except us. Make sure you bring cash to pay for your entrance ticket.
Pro tip: you have to pass by the same vendors coming back up to the parking lot, so if you like something, make sure you get it on the way back up. They were going as low as 20,000 Rp. per pants, sarong, etc. Each vendor next to each other going even lower to out do each other.
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujatha M
Bengaluru, India82 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Entering and walking down the steps, we were not feeling very enthusiastic. It was a humid afternoon and all we saw all along the steps were shops selling stuff - sarongs, souvenirs. The rice terraces on the sides were good. But once we reached the temple, we were blown away, by the natural beauty of the place and the large stone carvings. And there was hardly anyone else, which added to the charm. Loved the experience and glad we went.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liefhebber
Breda, The Netherlands8,606 contributions
Jun 2019
We combined The Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul in one day. Two of the most beautiful templegrounds we have visited on Bali.
This 11th century temple complex (one of the oldest on Bali) is thought to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu, his wives and favorite concubines. There are shrines (7 meters high) carved out of the rocks. To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps. Next to the stairs there are lots of nice souvenirshops and on your way you have a beautiful view at the surroundings. This templecomplex is quite large, located in a jungle environment. There are lots of stone walkways and stairs. A unique templecomplex surrounded by beautiful nature. You have to wear a sarong which you can borrow at the entrance. We had our own sarong with us. A must see!
This 11th century temple complex (one of the oldest on Bali) is thought to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu, his wives and favorite concubines. There are shrines (7 meters high) carved out of the rocks. To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps. Next to the stairs there are lots of nice souvenirshops and on your way you have a beautiful view at the surroundings. This templecomplex is quite large, located in a jungle environment. There are lots of stone walkways and stairs. A unique templecomplex surrounded by beautiful nature. You have to wear a sarong which you can borrow at the entrance. We had our own sarong with us. A must see!
Written 21 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IWayanSuteja
Kerobokan, Indonesia8 contributions
Jan 2020
I love this place so much. I can feel a very positive energy of this place. A beautiful scenery of the rice paddy and the crystal clear water of the river chilled me gently. Spent some time for meditation in this place is an extra benefit. Great site to put on must visit tourism object
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robby
Bali, Indonesia28 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
This place was really beautiful, so much meaning at there. Religion , culture and legacy. When I came here I was very amazed because in my opinion this is one of the relics that must be preserved. as tourists, we should be able to maintain the purity and cleanliness there. come to Bali must see this place. really a recommendation
Written 18 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just Hamish
Auckland, New Zealand8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Great temple and well worth the drive...soooo many stairs down to it and feels like soooo many nite on the way back. I did find a nice swimming hole/waterfall at the bottom to cool off🙂
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂 ® 👑
Moscow, Russia154,328 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Another very beautiful and peaceful place. In order not to get into groups of tourists, it is better to come in the morning. Interesting history, many different trails to explore and unusual views.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily P
9 contributions
Jan 2015
After parking our bikes and purchasing our entry tickets, we headed to the gate. The four men checking tickets demanded we leave our helmets with them, we politely declined. They were pushy about so we just left them and headed into the ruins. The whole place was beautiful.
On the way out we went to collect our helmets. I looked inside mine and there was what looked like ash stuck to the roof. Upon peeling it off, we discovered inside was a capsule containing some powder, it was secured there by some kind of dried clay. I know it wasn't there before as I always check my helmet before putting it on my head.
While we were investigating this capsule all four ticket checkers had turned to face away from us. We left it on the ground and rode away uneasy.
I don't want to make assumptions, so I'll leave it at that. Watch your things no matter how pushy they are.
On the way out we went to collect our helmets. I looked inside mine and there was what looked like ash stuck to the roof. Upon peeling it off, we discovered inside was a capsule containing some powder, it was secured there by some kind of dried clay. I know it wasn't there before as I always check my helmet before putting it on my head.
While we were investigating this capsule all four ticket checkers had turned to face away from us. We left it on the ground and rode away uneasy.
I don't want to make assumptions, so I'll leave it at that. Watch your things no matter how pushy they are.
Written 22 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec PM
Canberra, Australia317 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
We recently visited Gunung Kawi temples, which was part of a day trip to Ubud area, from Seminyak. The Gunung Kawi area was kid-friendly, in that it had a cool bridge to walk over, and a pretty flowing creek down below. The carvings in the rock wall were huge. Our kids liked to see the terraced rice paddies from the café (though having soft drinks whilst doing it probably helped!) and it was an easy way to see the rice paddies being worked (from a distance), without having to go on a separate trip specifically to rice fields. There were some areas to explore, and some amazing gold and ornate detail on the dais, made it all interesting enough for kids. We didn't drag them around for ages, or spend time discussing it, just kept moving.
It is about 20 to 30 minutes north of Ubud, and about 90 minutes from Petitenget/ Seminyak area, depending on traffic and time of day, of course.
Our driver parked in the parking area (costs about 5000 rupiah) just off the main road, and we walked along the street to the entry area and ticket booth (couple of minutes walk, though your driver could possibly drop you off down the street at the ticket booth area). Of course, the walk talks you past loads of shops and stalls! There were some pushy sellers upon arrival, but plenty of places to buy sarongs, drinks etc. In fact, the handicrafts and things for sale (heaps of stalls/ stores along the road and down the stairs) were reasonably priced (compared to Seminyak anyway!).
Small cost to enter (15,000 per adult, 4,500 per child) and you need a sarong (or covered legs & sash). Pay at the ticket office at the top of the stairs, then a ticket checker is about 2 metres away, takes half the ticket off. Then just near that, is steps going up to Kafe Kawi. The rustic cafe at the top is good for cold drinks & amazing view, before or after (there is a 'western' toilet here too, but don't expect too much & BYO tissues or TP).
The stairs were not as bad as we expected from reading about it, but yes, they could be an issue for some. My husband did carry/ piggy back the 9 year old up part of the stairs on the way back! Towards the end, we could have all done with a Sherpa, but just took our time, stopped at some of the shops on the way up (they had coconuts on offer, some had cold water, no idea how much, probably depends on how sweaty you look!) and rested in the shade.
There was plenty of shade too around the temples, and I am sure it can be very hot and humid here in the middle of the day. We were there fairly early but it was quiet, peaceful area, not many other visitors.
It is about 20 to 30 minutes north of Ubud, and about 90 minutes from Petitenget/ Seminyak area, depending on traffic and time of day, of course.
Our driver parked in the parking area (costs about 5000 rupiah) just off the main road, and we walked along the street to the entry area and ticket booth (couple of minutes walk, though your driver could possibly drop you off down the street at the ticket booth area). Of course, the walk talks you past loads of shops and stalls! There were some pushy sellers upon arrival, but plenty of places to buy sarongs, drinks etc. In fact, the handicrafts and things for sale (heaps of stalls/ stores along the road and down the stairs) were reasonably priced (compared to Seminyak anyway!).
Small cost to enter (15,000 per adult, 4,500 per child) and you need a sarong (or covered legs & sash). Pay at the ticket office at the top of the stairs, then a ticket checker is about 2 metres away, takes half the ticket off. Then just near that, is steps going up to Kafe Kawi. The rustic cafe at the top is good for cold drinks & amazing view, before or after (there is a 'western' toilet here too, but don't expect too much & BYO tissues or TP).
The stairs were not as bad as we expected from reading about it, but yes, they could be an issue for some. My husband did carry/ piggy back the 9 year old up part of the stairs on the way back! Towards the end, we could have all done with a Sherpa, but just took our time, stopped at some of the shops on the way up (they had coconuts on offer, some had cold water, no idea how much, probably depends on how sweaty you look!) and rested in the shade.
There was plenty of shade too around the temples, and I am sure it can be very hot and humid here in the middle of the day. We were there fairly early but it was quiet, peaceful area, not many other visitors.
Written 10 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EredGorgoroth1
Jakarta, Indonesia9,728 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
The only shrines that is carved into mountain rocks in Bali at 7 meters heights. The ten rock-hewn temples are Candis, named after the goddess of death, Candika, consort of Shiva. The four are located by Pakerisan river, the next five is across the river, and the one is hidden down the stairs, and not as majestic as the other nine. Gunung Kawi (Mount Poem) temples are not tombs. Little known about this place, but most used theory is that these temples are monuments to King Udayana and his consorts. Near the temple complexes are a Buddhist monastery, thought to take care of this place. A few hundred meter from Gunung Kawi temple, on the same Pakerisan river, is Pura Pegulingan. An ancient Buddhist Shaivite temple that has Bali's largest stupa. Fragments of Panca Dhyani Buddhas were found, among others, Aksobhya, Amogasiddhi, and Ratnasambava. More Buddhist artifacts can be found in Gajah cave, also nearby. King Udayana is known to call the five Buddhist monks from Java to establish a harmony between Buddhism and Hinduism in Bali, where Mpu Kuturan is believed to formulate a Balinese religion, an amalgamation of Buddhism and Shivaism.
In lush green rice terraces and trees, a small road with souvenir shops ended at the entrance of Gunung Kawi. Around 400 steps climbing down the river with beautiful scenery of the rice terraces, coconut trees, verdant valley and Pakerisan river. It was raining since early in the morning. The temple complex down below can be seen from the stairs. We passed an irrigation waterways, a bridge and arrived at the valley by the Pakerisan riverbed. On the left is four rock-hewn Candi, carved into the mountain rock in the shape of Candi, an Indianized Javanese temple architecture. Stood 7 meters high is majestic, mystical and so ancient, during the era when tantra were spread out in the vast region of Sumatra, Java and Bali. Across the river is the five Candi in similar shape and size. View from the bridge is scenic, huge trees are grown by the riverbed, and the rain added more gushing water. In front of the five Candis are long rectangular pond. At the left end of the complex is a coconut shell art shop. On the right side, more caves can be seen. A rock mountain deeply carved to be a meditation center is the King Udayana's meditation chamber (Jero Gede Payogan Raja Udayana). People are asked to remove their shoes before entering the meditation center. Water drips from some corner of the all-rock chambers. A very quiet place, secluded by mountain high stone rocks.
Further going right, more smaller caves can be seen, and a Balinese pura temple. There is a Temple at the peak of a hill but we didn’t go there.
In lush green rice terraces and trees, a small road with souvenir shops ended at the entrance of Gunung Kawi. Around 400 steps climbing down the river with beautiful scenery of the rice terraces, coconut trees, verdant valley and Pakerisan river. It was raining since early in the morning. The temple complex down below can be seen from the stairs. We passed an irrigation waterways, a bridge and arrived at the valley by the Pakerisan riverbed. On the left is four rock-hewn Candi, carved into the mountain rock in the shape of Candi, an Indianized Javanese temple architecture. Stood 7 meters high is majestic, mystical and so ancient, during the era when tantra were spread out in the vast region of Sumatra, Java and Bali. Across the river is the five Candi in similar shape and size. View from the bridge is scenic, huge trees are grown by the riverbed, and the rain added more gushing water. In front of the five Candis are long rectangular pond. At the left end of the complex is a coconut shell art shop. On the right side, more caves can be seen. A rock mountain deeply carved to be a meditation center is the King Udayana's meditation chamber (Jero Gede Payogan Raja Udayana). People are asked to remove their shoes before entering the meditation center. Water drips from some corner of the all-rock chambers. A very quiet place, secluded by mountain high stone rocks.
Further going right, more smaller caves can be seen, and a Balinese pura temple. There is a Temple at the peak of a hill but we didn’t go there.
Written 29 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be in Bali this September. I'm 66, not overweight, no heart issues, can walk cities for hours with rest stops in between but when at home I walk very little so was wondering if anyone else here is like me and were they able to do all the steps coming and going and how was it?
Written 29 August 2019
Are there toilets and refreshments on site?
Written 4 March 2018
I'm pretty sure there were toilet facilities as well as stalls selling refreshments.
Written 21 March 2018
Hi. Is one hour enough to go down, explore the temple and surrounding place and go up?
Written 24 June 2017
I would say one hour is enough but it does depend on your fitness. 15 minutes to go down and 15 to come up plus 30 minutes at the bottom would work. It does not leave a lot of time for pictures or to sit and relax, but it is possible.
Randy
Written 30 November 2017
Hi. Is one hour enough to go down, explore the temple and surrounding place and go up?
Written 24 June 2017
One hour is enough. About 15 minutes down and 15 up. That leaves you a half hour at the bottom. If you take lots of pictures or want to enjoy the site you might need and extra 15 min.
Written 25 June 2017
I'm 68 with dreadful knees. Should I give visiting completely OR there are some parts I'll be able to see with fairly easy walking? cheers
Written 14 December 2016
Sorry for the late reply, if you have bad knees I would suggest that this is not suitable for you.
Written 31 December 2016
How much does it cost to hire a private driver for one day including the trip to Mt Katie? I'm going there alone. Just wanna be sure that it is safe for a single Asian lady. It would be good if you share the contact with me. Thank you.
Written 1 November 2016
How much does it cost to hire a private driver for one day including the trip to Mt Katie? I'm going there alone. Just wanna be sure that it is safe for a single Asian lady. It would be good if you share the contact with me. Thank you.
Written 1 November 2016
I paid 70 Usd for 8 hours, it does includes wish ever place you would like to visit during that time, we were 2, but I think if you are one they will charge the same, i would advice you to be very careful during your stay in Bali over all it is not dangerous but keep your eyes open at all times, and be very careful where you change your money also, because they tent to trick you.
Written 1 November 2016
How strenuous is the climb walk. I'm not young and have a weird knee?
Written 24 August 2015
Hi, the stairs at the end, are the worst. We heard about the 320 steps and were a bit afraid, that it was too heavy. But the first part is down, and then around the caves there are some flat parts too, so it not climbing all the times. Behind the caves there are some stairs too, but you can decide not to climb those ones.
Don't forget to take the path to the right, we did this at the end, then this is a path before climbing the final steps to the start point. From there you have an incredible view, for great photos. Bring water with you, and take your time at the end...
Written 30 August 2015
Hi, would like check with your guys what time is good to visit Mount Kawi?
Normally how long need to spend at there?
Written 21 August 2015
Hi, my review will arrive in a fay or so, with my programme. Think the morning is the best time, not too crowded and not too hot.
It is really worth to stay here around 1,5 hours.
Written 30 August 2015
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