Table of Contents
Goa Gajah temple is one of the main attractions in Ubud and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. BUT there are some important things that you need to know about visiting Goa Gajah in 2026. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this fascinating temple in Bali.
We loved visiting the Goa Gajah temple – it is genuinely one of the most unique and interesting temples around. In this article we will share our experience to help you have an enjoyable trip.
How much does it cost? When is the best time to visit? What rules do you need to follow? And how do you avoid the most common scam at the Goa Gajah temple? We will even recommend some awesome places to stay in Ubud.
You may also be interested in our FULL GUIDE on must-not-miss Bali temples and our step-by-step 3 day itinerary for Ubud
How much does it cost to visit Goa Gajah temple?
It costs 50,000IDR (around £3 or $3.50) for adults and 25,000IDR (around £1.50 or $1.75) for children. You can buy tickets at the ticket office near the temple entrance.
Goa Gajah temple opening hours: Daily 8am – 5pm
What is there to do at Goa Gajah temple in Ubud?
The Goa Gajah temple is a relatively small temple complex. There is a small pool which is a bathing temple with statues of Hindu angels holding water vases that act as water fountains. The bathing temple is not open to the public for bathing. There are several temples, restored statues and shrines in the area. There is also a forest section at the back with a small waterfall and Buddhist temple.
The entrance to the cave is an impressive stone carving. Visitors are allowed to enter the cave. This is very beautiful and a popular spot for selfies. This can make it tricky to get in and out of the cave without photo bombing someone. The cave itself is relatively small (you can see the back from the entrance). No need for torches or caving equipment here!
There are plenty of small market stalls located at the entrance to the Goa Gajah temple. They sell a range of gifts, clothing, snacks and drinks. There are also a couple of restaurants located here. The main restaurants are the Green Puri Suling and the Buddha Garden Warung.
There are some public toilets near the car park. We recommend allowing around 30 minutes to explore this area.
TOP TIPS for visiting Goa Gajah temple
Here are a few tips for visiting Goa Gajah temple near Ubud
- Local sellers may try to pressure you into buying a sarong when you arrive. There is a box of FREE sarongs available to borrow at the temple entrance
- This temple is a big tourist attraction and can get busy – especially later in the day. If you want to beat the crowds and get some nice empty photos make sure you get to Goa Gajah early in the morning. The quietest time of day is when the temple opens at 8am.
How do you get to the Goa Gajah temple in Ubud?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get around in Bali
The Goa Gajah temple is located around 3.5km to the east of Ubud town. It is very easy to access from Ubud town. Beware the traffic around Ubud can be heavy at times. Journeys may take much longer than you expect.
Address: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
1 Walk to Goa Gajah
It is possible to walk to Goa Gajah temple from Ubud town. This is the cheapest way to get to the temple – however it is also less convenient. If you are planning to walk, bring plenty of water and wear good shoes. The walk is around 3.5km which is likely to take around 1 hour each way. Be aware that the road is narrow at points and there are some sections of road with no footpath (sidewalk) so take care.
2 Take a taxi
The most convenient way to get to Goa Gajah from Ubud is to take a taxi. Taxis in Ubud can be slow to respond at times – especially if it is busy or the taxis are in high demand. The one system around town can also make taxis slower. The best way to get taxis in Ubud is to use the Grab taxi app. Expect to pay around 60,000IDR each way.
3 Rent a motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a fun and convenient way to explore the area around Ubud. Don’t miss our full guide on bike rental in Bali. There are lots of things to see and do, and you can just hop on and off a bike. Bike rental in Bali is pretty cheap, typically costing 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (roughly £5 – £10 per day or $6 – $12). Ride with caution and remember to wear a bike helmet and stick to the local rules. Don’t miss our guide on these amazing adventures around Bali by bike.
4 Rent a car
You can also rent cars in Bali for a pretty good price. The best way to rent a car is to contact a local car rental dealer and negotiate a good price. Car rental in Bali is pretty cheap, normally costing 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR per day (roughly £10 – £20 or $12 – $24). Make sure you are fully qualified to drive in Bali (an international license is recommended).
Can you park near the Goa Gajah temple?
There is a large car park at the Goa Gajah temple. Local shop owners are likely to flag you in and encourage you to park in front of their shops. They may then try to charge a small fee for parking or pressure you to buy things from their shop. A very common scam is to try and sell you a sarong.
They will tell you that you are not allowed in the temple without one (which is true). What they neglect to tell you is that there is a box of FREE sarongs to borrow at the temple entrance. So just be prepared, it can be quite intense when you first arrive.
What is the history of the Goa Gajah temple?
Goa Gajah cave temple (also known as “Elephant Cave Temple”) dates back to the 9th Century. The cave has been used as a sanctuary and as a peaceful spot for meditation. The exact origins of the temple are unknown. The entrance to the cave is surrounded by intricate stone carvings, a large face with a wide open mouth form the actual entrance passage to this small cave. Some of the faces have alarming expressions – this is thought to be a way of warding off unwanted spirits. This temple complex has a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist imagery, a reflection of the diverse history of this site. This temple was rediscovered by archaeologists in 1923.
What else is there to do near the Goa Gajah temple?
Don’t miss our FULL in depth 10 day Bali itinerary
Ubud itself is a lovely town. The main attractions in Ubud are the Monkey Forest, the Saraswati temple, the Ubud palace and the street markets. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and coffee shops around Ubud town. Not far from the Goa Gajah temple you can also visit epic waterfalls, scenic rice terraces, giant swings and coffee plantations. There are also some amazing 5 star resorts around Ubud.
Looking for more? Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Ubud
What are the best places to stay in Ubud?
Here are the best places to stay in Ubud town. All of these hotels are located within the town itself. We have also listed places in approximate order of price to help you find the perfect place for you. Please use our links to book your hotel – we use affiliate links which helps us earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Don’t miss these LUXURIOUS beauties – the best 5 star hotels in Ubud
1 Poshtel Ubud
Price range: £5 – £10 dorms only
If you’re traveling on a budget check out Poshtel Ubud. This is a stylish hostel with an 8 bed mixed dorm available. We love the fun Asian style. This hostel is also excellently located in the center of Ubud close to cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and markets.
2 Yoga’s House
Price range: £10 – £15 double room
Yoga’s house offers amazing value for money in the heart of Ubud. They have a spacious light double room with a balcony and small lush gardens and lots of character. This is a great option whether you’re a solo backpacker or a travel couple on a budget.
3 Putu’s Paradise Guest House
Price range: £15 – £20
Located next to the Monkey Forest this is an awesome option on the low budget end. Lovely home style accommodation with lush gardens. This guest house is great value for money. Double and twin rooms are available at Putu’s Paradise. There is also outdoor seating and a lovely tropical garden.
4 Liyer Spirit House Ubud
Price range: £20 – £50
Famous for its appearance in the movie Eat Love Pray, the Liyer Sprit House offers charm, comfort and great value for money. There is a beautiful garden, a small outdoor pool, outdoor seating areas and comfortable double and twin rooms available with ensuite bathrooms and bathtubs. They can also add an additional mattress to rooms to accommodate families.
5 Ubud Lestari Bungalows
Price range: £20 – £50
The Ubud Lestari is a stunning rice terrace hotel with an outdoor pool and spacious suites including bathtubs. This hotel is great value for money for the amazing quality. Double and twin rooms available. It is also excellently located in the heart of Ubud on Jalan Monkey Forest.
6 Pondok Serayu
Price range: £30 – £40
Small beautiful hotel with spacious rooms, balconies and a very good price too. This hotel offers convenience, comfort and great value for money. You can book breakfast too. Excellent location right next to the Ubud Palace and Saraswati temple.
7 Sapodilla Ubud
Price range: £50 – £120
Sapodilla Ubud offers luxury and tranquility surrounded by lush green gardens. Suites are beautifully furnished with plenty of natural light and ensuite bathrooms with elegant freestanding bathtubs. There is a large outdoor swimming pool (the also offer a great breakfast – check whether this is included when you book)
8 Kebun Indah Ubud
Price range: £50 – £160
The Kebun Indah offers style, character and charm. We love the beautiful wooden Balinese style of this hotel. As a 4 star hotel there are great facilities and service here. We are particularly impressed with the spacious two bedroom suite (that has a double and a single bed). The beautiful ensuite bathroom has a Bali style bathtub.
9 Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites
Price range: £200 – £400
The Royal Kamuela is a luxurious 5 star resort right in the heart of Bali. We are very impressed with the stylish villa with a private pool. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Ubud – this offers some of the BEST value for money for this level of luxury. This is a great option for anyone wanting to splash out in Ubud and experience Balinese hospitality and service.
10 Goya Boutique Resort
Price range: £200 – £1,000
Goya Boutique Resort is an amazing 5 star resort that has a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from. The rooftop infinity pool has breathtaking views of jungle and mountains. There is a decadent Asian interior design with comfortable furniture and plenty of space to relax. They offer villas with private pools and open air bathtubs. Also a great location in Ubud town.
