Temple · Ubud
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Busy 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM Found on Google Maps 1 Oct 2026
Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is a renowned 9th-to-11th-century archaeological and spiritual sanctuary nestled in the lush river valley of Bedulu, just southeast of central Ubud. Designated as a national cultural heritage site, the complex is celebrated for its mysterious shallow rock-hewn meditation cave, whose entrance is carved with an intricately detailed, menacing demonic face believed to represent the earth god Bhoma or an elephant demon warding off evil spirits. Excavated in the 1920s and 1950s, the site also features ancient communal bathing pools fed by natural springs through seven ornate stone maiden fountains (pancoran), representing sacred rivers of India, along with fallen Buddhist stone ruins nestled in the surrounding jungle ravine.
Insider tips
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01
Explore the Jungle Ravine. Beyond the main cave and central pools, follow the stone stairways leading down into the lush rear ravine, where you will find ancient collapsed Buddhist relief stupas and tranquil mossy streams.
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02
Sarong Included in Ticket. Decline the insistent sales pitches of souvenir stallholders in the parking lot who claim you must buy a sarong; authentic sarongs and waist sashes are provided free for use with your entrance ticket.
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03
Early Morning Peace. Visit right when the gates open between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM to explore the dimly lit, T-shaped meditation chamber in quiet contemplation before tour buses arrive.
Good to know
- Admission & Parking
- Entrance is Rp 50,000 for foreign adults and Rp 25,000 for children; parking costs Rp 2,000 for motorbikes and Rp 5,000 for cars at the main lot.
- Hours & Rules
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is strictly required, and menstruating women are traditionally asked to refrain from entering sacred sanctums.