Place to see · Ubud
Gunung Kawi: temple façades carved into the cliff
At the bottom of the Pakrisan valley, in Tampaksiring, temple façades have been carved straight into the cliff since the 11th century. You reach them by a long staircase through the rice fields, and climb back the same way. Less famous than nearby Tirta Empul, and often calmer.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
A staircase lined with rice terraces drops to the river. On one side, five candi stand in a row in the cliff; on the other, across the bridge, four more, with a tenth set apart. Around them, temple courtyards still in use, springs and a hermitage dug into the rock.
Contents
Key points
- Ten candi cut into the rock, in two groups on either side of the Pakrisan river.
- A long staircase down and back up: it is what sets the length of the visit.
- Sarong and sash required; they are lent at the entrance, where the fee is posted.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours on site, and combine it with Tirta Empul and Tegallalang.
Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century funerary complex linked to the royal tradition of the time. Its candi, tall niches shaped like temple fronts, were hollowed directly out of the rock face. They are not tombs in the strict sense: no one is buried there.
Before you go, read the dress and behaviour rules in Balinese temples and culture.
What you see at Gunung Kawi
A staircase lined with rice terraces drops to the river. On one side, five candi stand in a row in the cliff; on the other, across the bridge, four more, with a tenth set apart. Around them, temple courtyards still in use, springs and a hermitage dug into the rock.
- The five candi on the east bank, the most imposing, facing the river.
- The four candi on the west bank, across the bridge over the Pakrisan.
- The tenth candi, set apart to the south, often skipped by hurried visitors.
- The monks’ cells cut into the rock near the shrines.
Getting there from Ubud
Gunung Kawi is in Tampaksiring, north-east of Ubud, along the country roads that climb towards Kintamani. With a driver or by scooter, the ride is short early in the morning and longer at midday. The car park is at the top; everything else is on foot.
- From Ubud, head north-east towards Tampaksiring.
- Park at the site car park, at the top of the valley.
- Go through the ticket desk, tie your sarong, then walk down between the stalls and the rice fields.
- Save some energy for the climb back, in full sun by late morning.
When to go
Early in the morning, before the heat: climbing the stairs back up is much easier in the cool. The site opens during the day, from morning to late afternoon, but hours change with ceremonies: check on site. On festival days, some courtyards may be reserved for worshippers.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Staircase | The climb back takes longer than the descent, especially in the sun |
| Ceremony | Partial access and waiting, but a living temple to watch from a distance |
| Rain | Slippery steps, higher river |
What to pair it with
Gunung Kawi chains with Tirta Empul, the temple of holy springs, a few minutes away by road, then with the Tegallalang terraces on the way back down to Ubud. Leave early to do all three before the crowds fill the car parks.
- Tegallalang rice terraces: on the road back to Ubud.
- Campuhan ridge: another morning, on foot from the centre.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there at Gunung Kawi?
A few hundred, down and then back up. They are regular but steep in places; take breaks in the shade of the stalls.
Do I need a sarong?
Yes. It is lent at the entrance with a sash. You can also bring your own.
Gunung Kawi or Tirta Empul?
They are close and complementary. Tirta Empul shows a living ritual in its pools; Gunung Kawi shows an ancient site in a calmer valley.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
