Goa Gajah Temple – Elephant Cave In Ubud, Bali
The Pura Goa Gajah temple is an interesting old 9th century Hindu cave temple in Ubud, Bali.
Its name means ‘elephant cave’ but no one knows why; it’s not wide enough to fit an elephant inside, and there aren’t any elephants here except for a big contemporary statue near the parking entrance.
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!Where To Stay
Goa Gajah Cave Temple
The doorway of the Goa Gajah cave is really cool and bizarre, and it feels like you’re walking into the belly of some rock monster!
The inside of the cave has a narrow path that goes about 15 meters (50 ft) deep, where you’ll find some Hindu incense baskets burning.
It reminds me of the Buddha Park in Vientiane, Laos, but this one is a little bit different. It’s easy to see why the Goa Gajah temple was a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1995.
In the parking area, there’s a moss covered concrete statue of an elephant, which seems to tie in with the name of this cave. Bali doesn’t have an elephant temple, so this is probably the next closest thing to it.
After checking out the entrance and the inside of the Goa Gajah cave, there’s not much to do here except admire the huge banyan trees.
In other words, if you’re expecting something awe inspiring at the Goa Gajah elephant cave, you might be a bit disappointed.
It’s still a neat stop if you’re in the Ubud area, though!
Hours & Entrance Fee
- Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee (Adults): 50k IDR (~$3)
- Entrance Fee (Kids 5-11): 25k IDR
This is the current Goa Gajah ticket price and hours as of 2021, but it’s a very popular temple so they seem to raise the entrance fee every year or two.
The entrance fee includes a sarong to wear at the temple. Ignore the shops near the cave trying to sell you their own sarongs at marked up prices!
What To Wear To Temples In Bali
You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter most temples in Bali, including this one.
A sarong is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist, that can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than a dollar).
In this case, the sarong is included for free in the ticket price for the temple.
How To Get To Goa Gajah
The Goa Gajah elephant cave is located near Ubud, Bali.
It’s only a 10 minute drive east from the Ubud market and town center.
The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).
More Bali Temples
Looking for more information on the best temples in Bali, Indonesia?
Check out my Bali Temple Guide for a complete list with photos, maps, and more!
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.
Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.
We've used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.
Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental
Ubud Hotels
See Also
- Ubud Travel Guide - Best Things To Do In Ubud Bali
- 3-Day Ubud Itinerary - Touring Bali's Cultural Center
- Ubud Temple Guide - Best Temples In Ubud Bali
- Ubud Waterfall Guide - Best Waterfalls Near Ubud Bali
- Bali Beach Guide - The Best Beaches In Bali
- Bali Waterfalls Guide - The Best Waterfalls In Bali
- Bali Temple Guide - The Best Temples In Bali
- Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
- Bali Travel Guide - Info, Pictures, & Blog