One of the Must-See Sites in Ubud

Goa Gajah, translated as “Elephant Cave”, is an archaeological site built as a spiritual place for meditation to the Hindu gods (Ganesha, Shiva, and more). This UNESCO World Heritage candidate for its cultural representation is a must visit when in Ubud.

About the Elephant Cave

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, has conflicting theories about its foundation being built in the 8th century, 9th century, 11th century, or even in the 14th century. The Dutch colonizers excavated the bathing pool in 1954, discovering Hindu statues built at waterspouts inside the bathing temple.

Today, visitors can walk down the steep, stone steps through the relic-filled courtyard, admire the rock-wall carvings, and explore the meditation cave, bathing pools, and fountains. Further past the temples, the site extends along a hillside where two small streams meet at a river junction. Take a quiet moment to bask in the steep jungle-like gardens which eventually walk out onto rice terraces.

Welcome to Goa Gajah. This is a popular destination for all tourists. As such, the parking lot entrance hosts several vendors who will try to sell their sarongs and souvenirs. Read more about these sarongs in the section below
The Elephant Cave. The elephant and the demons scaring off evil spirits have been carved into the rock face. Visitors enter through the demon’s mouth in a small, dark cave where there are stone idols and black soot-filled walls from incense burning

 

Information to Know Before Visiting

Goa Gajah is a popular tourist destination for large groups and solo travelers. The site opens daily from 8am to 4pm, and it is best the go in the morning or about an hour before closing to avoid masses of crowds.

All guests are required to clothing over your knees; otherwise, you must wear a sarong. Vendors near the parking lot will try to convince you to buy theirs. Don’t be fooled. You can rent sarongs when you purchase your entrance ticket (currently priced at 15,00 rupiah per person, about $1 USD).

 

Watch my video below from my afternoon sightseeing in Ubud. And subscribe to my YouTube channel for all my latest travel vlogs!

 

Address & Hours

Goa Gajah
Bedulu Village
Jalan Raya Goa Gajah
Blahbatuh, Gianyar
8am to 4pm

 


 
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