The Elephant Cave, also known as Goa Gajah, is an archeologically significant Hindu temple. The stone structure is believed to date back to between the 10th and 14th centuries. The history behind the temple’s name is unconfirmed.
Enter through the dark looming mouth of a demon to step inside the cave. The demon is a kala head and has the bulging eyes typical of these sculptures. The cave itself is only small. See the ancient inscriptions and follow the narrow passageway to the end. On the left is a small alcove with a statue of Ganesh and on the right is a small worship area with representations of lingam, a symbol of Shiva, and yoni, a representation of female creative energy.
Descend the stairs to the gardens with the pond of Patirtaan, which is said to contain holy water and is used for ceremonies. Check out the statues around the fish pond and lily pond these depict Widyadara-Widyadari angels.
You need less than 15 minutes to see the Elephant Cave complex. It is still worth coming here, however, because the journey is scenic and the surrounding rice paddies and other temples in the area are good photo opportunities. Set out exploring and visit the small waterfall in the valley, stroll through tropical gardens, or inspect the nearby Buddhist temple.
Elephant Cave is open daily and there is a small fee to enter. The site is located west of Bedulu Village in the Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency. This is just 6 kilometres (4 miles) from Ubud. To get there, book a tour or rent a vehicle. Free parking is available.
You can pay a local guide to show you around, but if you don’t to do this, it’s useful to know the word “tidak” (no), because the local guides can be persistent. Women need to cover their shoulders and both men and women should wear a sarong. You can buy a sarong at stalls near the entrance.
Goa Gajah
Visit Goa Gajah
Ubud Diary Villa
Reviewed on 11 Feb,2024
Tours & day trips
See all 760 activitiesOpens in new tabAll-Inclusive Ubud Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 251 activitiesOpens in new tabBali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring
Water activities
See all 106 activitiesOpens in new tabBali quad bike Quad Bike Through Tunnel, Waterfall, White Water Rafting
Wildlife & nature
See all 55 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Central Bali: Waterfall, Elephant Cave & Rice Fields
Shows & concerts
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
Popular places to visit
Pura Samuan Tiga
Learn about the local history of Bedahulu with a stop at Pura Samuan Tiga. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Yeh Pulu
You can find out about the history of Ubud when you stop by Yeh Pulu. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets in Kemenuh. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Peliatan Palace
You can learn about the history of Peliatan with a visit to Peliatan Palace. Amble around this culturally rich area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Agung Rai Museum of Art
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture at this interactive centre, enjoy a meal, or stay in the resort and relax in the peaceful natural setting.
Museum Purbakala
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Museum Purbakala in Pejeng Kawan. Make time for the temples and cycling trails in this quaint area.
Top Goa Gajah Hotel Deals
- Holidays and getaways similar to Goa Gajah
- Hotels Near Goa Gajah
- Hotels near other Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Goa Gajah
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Ubud Monkey Forest
- Ubud Traditional Art Market
- Ubud Palace
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Saraswati Temple
- Agung Rai Museum of Art
- Bali Bird Walks
- Blanco Museum
- Alila Ubud Art Gallery
- Neka Art Museum
- Ubud Peliatan Balerung Stage
- Pura Desa
- Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre
- Wayang Kulit
- Candi Tebing Jukut Paku
- Hotels near Sanur Beach
- Hotels near Ubud Monkey Forest
- Hotels near Ubud Traditional Art Market
- Hotels near Ubud Palace
- Hotels near Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- Hotels near Bali Safari and Marine Park
- Hotels near Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Hotels near Tegenungan Waterfall
- Hotels near Sanur Night Market
- Hotels near Keramas Beach
- Hotels near Matahari Terbit Beach
- Hotels near Bali Beach Golf Course
- Hotels near Saba Beach