Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
Explore ancient Balinese history at Goa Gajah, the 'Elephant Cave,' with its iconic rock-carved entrance and serene jungle sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Balinese history at Goa Gajah, the 'Elephant Cave,' with its iconic rock-carved entrance and serene jungle sanctuary.
"A fascinating slice of Bali’s spiritual and cultural history, Goa Gajah is a compact but powerful temple site."
Free Sarong Included
Your entrance fee includes a sarong rental. Ignore pushy vendors outside!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The site has uneven paths and stairs, so good footwear is a must.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 10,009 reviews
Type
Hindu Temple
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Elephant Cave Entrance
Main cave entrance
A menacing, yet fascinating, rock-carved demon face guards the entrance to this ancient meditation cave.
+1
Ancient Shrines and Ruins
Temple grounds
Explore moss-covered relics, Hindu and Buddhist imagery, and serene bathing pools scattered throughout the lush grounds.
+1
Jungle Waterfall
Near the bathing pools
Discover a tranquil waterfall cascading amidst the greenery, adding to the site's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sarong Savvy
Footwear for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Sarong Included
Your entrance fee includes a sarong rental. Ignore pushy vendors outside!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The site has uneven paths and stairs, so good footwear is a must.
Respectful Attire
Sarongs are mandatory for temple entry. Dress modestly.
Explore Beyond the Cave
The surrounding grounds offer beautiful ruins, shrines, and nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Sarong Included
Your entrance fee includes a sarong rental. Ignore pushy vendors outside!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The site has uneven paths and stairs, so good footwear is a must.
Respectful Attire
Sarongs are mandatory for temple entry. Dress modestly.
Explore Beyond the Cave
The surrounding grounds offer beautiful ruins, shrines, and nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Goa Gajah for its fascinating history, unique rock carvings, and serene natural setting with a waterfall and lush grounds. While the cave itself is small, the overall atmosphere and the surrounding archaeological elements make it a worthwhile cultural stop near Ubud. Some find the vendors outside to be pushy, but the experience inside the temple grounds is generally peaceful.
"Goa Gajah or elephant temple is small but full of character. The entrance alone carved like a giant monster face—is worth the visit. Walking through feels like stepping straight into Bali’s ancient past. Inside, it’s quiet and spiritual, while outside you’ll find mossy stone carvings, fountains, and peaceful gardens.
It’s not a huge site, but between the history, the jungle setting, and the chance for fun photos (yes, I posed like I was being “eaten” by the cave 😅), it’s definitely worth a stop in Ubud. A perfect mix of culture, nature, and a little mystery."
souad yassine
"It was a fantastic experience. The entire setting is beautiful. You're in nature with lovely flowers, bridges, and even a waterfall inside. It's not crowded. Make sure to wear good shoes. It's well worth a visit."
Csilla Suha
"Used to be a UNESCO SITE, this temple is well preserved and should continue to be. Entrance fee includes temporary sarong rent which makes sense for tourists and doesn't feel rip off. There are guides at sites but they are not pushy for business. Used as a sanctuary for both Hinduism and Buddhism, you could see two religions in one. There's also a Buddha temple right at the end but it seems neglected. Overall, worth a visit especially if you are interested in cultural understanding."
John Tay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Goa Gajah is conveniently located about 15 minutes from Ubud center. You can easily reach it by taxi, ride-sharing apps like Grab or Gojek, or by hiring a private driver for the day. Many tours also include Goa Gajah as part of an Ubud itinerary.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Goa Gajah directly. Hiring a private driver or using ride-sharing services is generally the most practical way to get there from Ubud or other parts of Bali.
For flexibility and ease, hiring a private driver is recommended, especially if you plan to visit other sites in the area. Ride-sharing apps are also a good option for a direct trip from Ubud.
Goa Gajah is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), depending on traffic conditions.
While it's possible, walking to Goa Gajah from Ubud is a significant distance (around 5-6 km) and not recommended due to traffic and heat. It's best to use transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Goa Gajah is typically around 50,000 IDR per person. This fee usually includes a sarong rental, which is mandatory for entering the temple area.
No, you do not need to buy a sarong. A sarong is provided as part of your entrance fee and is required for entry into the sacred temple grounds.
Goa Gajah is generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or specific holiday hours.
Yes, Goa Gajah is open every day of the week, including weekends.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site upon arrival. There isn't usually an option for online booking in advance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'cave' itself is a small meditation chamber carved into a rock face, featuring ancient carvings. While small, it's rich in atmosphere and historical significance.
Goa Gajah dates back to the 9th century and served as a spiritual sanctuary for Hindu and Buddhist monks. It features a mix of both religious imagery and ancient relics.
Absolutely! The surrounding grounds are extensive and feature beautiful bathing pools, ancient shrines, moss-covered ruins, and a lovely jungle waterfall.
Yes, families can enjoy Goa Gajah. The natural surroundings, the unique cave entrance, and the peaceful atmosphere make it an interesting cultural experience for all ages.
A visit to Goa Gajah typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cave, shrines, bathing pools, and surrounding grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic demon face entrance is a must-capture. Also, the mossy ruins, bathing pools, and the jungle setting offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of others and avoid intrusive flash photography, especially in the meditation cave.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can create a magical atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites in Bali to respect the sanctity of the location and for safety reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cave entrance and the expansive grounds. A standard zoom lens will be versatile for most shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit