Sight guide · Ubud · Indonesia
Visiting Gunung Kawi
Ten shrines about 7 metres tall are carved into the cliffs either side of the Pakerisan river, thought to be memorials to an 11th-century Balinese king and his family.
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Quick answer
Gunung Kawi is a historic site in Tampaksiring, Ubud. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Tampaksiring
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, outdoors, active and photo spot
- Best months
- July–September
About Gunung Kawi
Ten shrines about 7 metres tall are carved into the cliffs either side of the Pakerisan river, thought to be memorials to an 11th-century Balinese king and his family. Reaching them means about 300 steps down through rice terraces, which makes it quieter than Tirta Empul a few kilometres away.
Tip: Combine with Tirta Empul on the same morning; the steps are steep and slippery after rain.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Tampaksiring.
Best time to visit Gunung Kawi
Gunung Kawi is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- August: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- September: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Ubud has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Ubud itinerary visits Gunung Kawi on day 2, together with Tirta Empul and Pura Taman Saraswati.
- No. 10 of the 19 sights in our Ubud things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Ubud.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Ubud.
Near Gunung Kawi
Also in Tampaksiring, so you can walk between them:
- Tirta Empul — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
If you like Gunung Kawi
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces — Tegallalang, 1.5–2 hours
- Campuhan Ridge Walk — Campuhan, 1.5–2 hours return
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) — Bedulu, 1 hour
- Tegenungan Waterfall — Kemenuh, 1.5 hours
Staying near Gunung Kawi
Where to stay in Ubud compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Gunung Kawi?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Tirta Empul nearby, it fits a half-day in Tampaksiring.
+Is Gunung Kawi free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Gunung Kawi?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Combine with Tirta Empul on the same morning; the steps are steep and slippery after rain.
+Do I need to book Gunung Kawi in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.