Updated July 4, 2019

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Although one of the main temples in Bali, the Goa Gajah is not one of the biggest, not the most famous, is not the nicest, nor highlighted by a spectacular setting. If I dedicate it a post in particular is because in my opinion is the most complete. The truth is that to the most famous temples in Bali I find it difficult to dedicate a post because only allow a picture, certainly spectacular, but little more than a photo from many different angles. It is the case of the very famous and over photographed Ulu Watu, Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu. If you want to see more than a Meru placed next to the sea, then this temple deserves a little visit. In addition, from Ubud you can get there in no time.

Open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Admission Rp 15,000.

Just 10 minutes drive southeast from Ubud, so, although it is included in most tours, you can easily get there by scooter, taxi or bicycle.

It is not known when it was exactly built, but some of its architectural motifs are influenced by the 8th and 10th centuries. This temple is colloquially called “The Elephant Cave”. That is because an artificial cave carved into the rock with engravings around the entrance imitating an elephant. The interior is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant god of Hinduism.

There are roofed areas to pray and fountains for purification.

My favorite part are the grounds. The oldest tree is almost a thousand years old and it was supposed to be planted while the temple was being built.

From this temple trails leave connecting to other smaller temples. The paths, despite being close to civilization, seem to be in the jungle.

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