Mount Kawi: A Pocket Guide To Add More Scenic Charm To Your Bali Holiday

At the base of a rich waterway valley going through the little town of Tampaksiring only upper east of Ubud, lies one of Bali’s biggest antiquated sanctuary edifices, the Candi Gunung Kawi. Containing an accumulation of antiquated ‘Candi’ or holy place reliefs cut specifically into the substance of a stone cliff, this is unquestionably a standout amongst the most amazing one of kind archaeological destinations other than being an essential sacrosanct place for the Balinese.

So, scroll down to know all about this beautiful Mountain peak of Mount Kawi in Bali.

About Mount Kawi

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‘Mount Kawi’ temple which is natively termed as ‘Pura Gunung Kawi’ is a unique archaeological site of Bali. The temple is an assortment of antique Candis which are carved into the face of a rocky mountain. The holy ‘Pakerisan River’ flows through the main site of the temple. The river also streams by the ‘Tirta Empul Temple’ which is situated a kilometer above the main temple. The main courtyard of ‘Mount Kawi’ temple located beside the river features old Hindu Candis in a modern architectural way. These shrines are visited largely by pilgrims during piodalan temple anniversaries. Gunung Kawi was additionally on the 44th US President Obama’s itinerary when he and his family holidayed in Bali in late June 2017.

History of Mount Kawi

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The Candis of Mount Kawi in Indonesia are accepted to be developed in the eleventh century (1080 AD) by Lord Anak Wungsu out of appreciation for his dad, the incomparable Balinese ruler Udayana. In opposition to what is regularly trusted, the Candis are not tombs, for they have never contained human remains or slag. The Candis of Mount Kawi temple anyway is as yet encompassed with a riddle in regard with their genuine, deliberate reason. It is exceptionally enticing to accept that at the season of their development these structures were intended for unadulterated otherworldly purposes, rather than the Hindu customs of today which are for the most part performed and went to for the functions themselves, and its rich imagery, for the most part, translated truly rather than followed back to its actual, profound importance.

Area And Location Of The Mount

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The Gunung Kawi in Ubud is situated in the Bali’s area Tampaksiring, which is about 20km northeast of Ubud. The sanctuary is just around 2 kilometers from TirtaEmpul. On the off chance that you are physically fit enough you could choose to visit both.


To get to the sanctuary and places of worship you have to plummet 371 stone advances driving you through a lovely Balinese sawa view (rice fields) to the Pakerisan stream. Four holy places are situated on the west side of the waterway, five on the east side. The tenth is situated in the south.

6 Best Places To Visit Near Mount Kawi

While you’re out and about in this gorgeous land of Bali, don’t forget to check out the various places to visit near this glorious mount. Scroll down to know what all awaits you here!

1. Monkey Forest

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It is also recognized as ‘Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary’. The sanctuary is opened for visitors from 8:30 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. The monkey forest is situated in the Padangtegal village. The forest has an economical, spiritual, educational importance for the village. The forest is home to more than 700 monkeys and 186 species of trees. As the name suggests it is a very beautiful place. Explore this beautiful place, don’t tease the monkeys and run when you are chased by them.

Location: Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali

Must Read: Kanto Lampo Waterfall: All You Need To Know About This Magical Attraction In Bali

2. Gunung Kawi Sebatu

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Just half-an-hour from Ubud, ‘Gunung Kawi Sebatu’ is a charming Hindu temple. The temple is worked out around a number of pools and ponds. It is a perfect place to relax because of its peaceful and tranquil environment. The way to enter the temple from the western side provides stunning views down on the temple complex. Most of the visitors just admire these views more than the temple. The Gunung Kawi Sebatu is devoted to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and is generally used by the native peoples for religious rituals.

Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

3. Tegenungan Waterfall

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If it is a hot and humid day in Ubud then you can go to the Tegenungan Waterfall which is just 10 minute to the South of Ubud. The waterfall is located in a small valley. You can enjoy a swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall and wander around the gorge. The waterfall is surrounded by dense greenery and the volume of the water in the waterfall is quite impressive throughout the year. The water volume increases during the monsoons, that is, October to April. It is not advised to go to the waterfall during heavy rainfall due to the danger of flash floods.

Location: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia


Timings: 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.

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4. John Hardy Jewelry Exhibition

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‘John Hardy’ as we all know is a well-recognized multinational jewelry brand which is based in Bali, Indonesia. Their primary workshop and display gallery is just a few km out of Ubud. You can observe how the jewelry is carved to its final design from scratch. Visit the John hardy Ubud Workshop and Boutique and you can watch the artists and the designers crafting beautiful handcrafted jewelry. The boutique is made up of bamboos in the shape of a ship’s hull and is 90 foot tall. With prior bookings, you can enjoy a family meal cooked in traditional Balinese way along with John Hardy designers and the management team.

Location: Mambal, Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia


Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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5. Goa Gajah

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It is a temple located in a small village called Bedulu, out of Ubud. It is just 10 minutes’ drive away from the downtown area of Ubud. Goa Gajah means ‘Elephant Cave’. It is a very large temple. It takes almost an hour to explore the whole temple. You will enter the temple through a hollow mouth of a demon. Inside the temple, you will find the incomplete relics of a lingam, (symbolic representation of the Hindu God Lord Shiva), and his female equivalent the Yoni. There is also a statue of Lord Shiva’s son, Lord Ganesha.

Location: Raya Goa Gajah, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


Timings: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm

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6. Zen Hideaway

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A must to-do-thing while in you are in Ubud. Take a swing of faith with a view of the ‘Ayung River’ over the deep valley and forests below you. It is a bit expensive but worth if you can afford it. The Zen Hideaway is located in a village named Bongkasa. The Zen Hideaway swing flies over a dense forest of palm trees. To book a swing you will have to inquire first and you will be provided with available date options. The swing session is only for 30 minutes independent of the number of people on your group, so divide the time in such a manner so that everyone gets the chance.

Location: Bongkasa Pertiwi, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

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How To Reach The Mount

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Gunung Kawi is found near the town of Tampaksiring. The sanctuary is a 30-minute head out from Ubud toward the Northeast of the city. There are two passageways to Gunung Kawi. The primary access to the site is found along the main street that goes through the downtown area of the town of Tampaksiring. The passageway to Gunung Kawi is a bit far from the primary street. You need to pay a parking charge as you enter the vehicle parking area and afterward a further charge of Rp 15,000 for every grown-up to enter the sanctuary grounds. In the event that you don’t have one as of now, you are given a white sorong to wear at the passageway of the sanctuary grounds.

Mount Kawi: Tips

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Take your Sarong with you. On the off chance that you forgot you can acquire one at the passage. You have to walk relatively 1km to achieve the sanctuary. The walk is wonderful, yet difficult. Going down is a certain something, however getting back up again is certainly tiring. Be that as it may, you will be remunerated for your exertion. You will see two pots loaded up with still water toward the finish of the staircase. On the off chance that you are requested to wet your hair with it as a custom, cordially refuse many animals have made this water their home.

Further Read: Visit These 10 Best Bali Mountains On Your Tropical Trip Which Are High Above The Clouds

Enticing, isn’t it? Well, to explore more in this scenic land with beautiful landscapes, you must not miss out on all the fun that awaits you here! Plan your trip to Bali for an amazing experience on your soothing holiday! Get packing!