Goa Gajah, the “Elephant Cave”, is an archaeological site in the village of Bedulu, a few kilometres east of Ubud. Its centrepiece is a small cave whose entrance is carved into the rock as a huge, glaring face, with the cave mouth as its open jaws.
Inside, a short T-shaped passage holds a statue of Ganesha and a group of lingga. In front of the cave lie bathing pools with figures that pour water from vessels, uncovered by excavation in the 20th century. The site is thought to date to around the 11th century.
Behind the main area, steps lead down through the trees to a stream and the remains of Buddhist carvings — a reminder that both religions were practised here.
Top things to do at Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Enter the cave
It is short, dark and smoky with incense — a few minutes is enough, but the carving at the entrance is the real highlight.
See the bathing pools
The pools with their water-pouring figures are among the best-preserved in Bali.
Walk down to the stream
A path leads into a shady valley with a small waterfall and the Buddhist remains. Few visitors bother, so it is quiet.
How to get to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
- In Bedulu, on the road east from Ubud towards Gianyar, about 15 minutes by car from the centre.
- Easy to combine with the rice fields of Bedulu and Pejeng or with Tirta Empul.
- A sarong is provided at the entrance; an entrance fee applies (around IDR 50,000 at the time of writing).
- An hour is plenty for the whole site.
- Steps can be slippery after rain.
Best tours & tickets for Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and make the most of the day:
Heritage tour Bali: Archeology Museum, Gunung Kawi & Goa Gajah Temple Tour
A day for history: the rock-cut shrines at Gunung Kawi, the carved cave of Goa Gajah and an archaeology museum that puts both in context. A small tour with top ratings.
- The rock-cut shrines of Gunung Kawi
- The Elephant Cave at Goa Gajah
- An archaeology museum
Private tour from US$19 Ubud: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour
A private introduction to Ubud’s spiritual and natural side: the purification pools of Tirta Empul, the macaques of the Monkey Forest, the terraces at Tegallalang and the big cascade at Tegenungan. Over 5,000 reviews at 4.9.
- Tirta Empul Temple and the Monkey Forest
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- Tegenungan Waterfall
