Mount Kawi
Mount Kawi
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Gunung Kawi is a temple complex centered around royal tombs carved into stone cliffs in the 11th century. It is located amid scenic rice terraces about 30 minutes from Ubud. Note: There are more than 300 steps to climb.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Mount Kawi
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles
Attractions
85 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,242 reviews
Excellent
756
Very good
398
Average
75
Poor
11
Terrible
2
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Osula N
Los Angeles, CA718 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I came here, via private driver, on a Tuesday in mid-December 2022. This is a MUST if you're ever in Bali - definitely worth the trek out here. It looks like something out of a video game. It was my first time seeing anything carved into the walls of the stone like that. It's truly a unique Bali experience.
Because this is a religious place, you must wear a sarong but the entrance ticket also covers a sarong if you don't have one. You do not need to buy one from the vendors if you don't want to. There are a bunch of steps downhill to get to the temple but it's not too bad and well worth it.
Get here early to get the Temple to yourself. I think we got here at 9AM and there was practically no one there except us. Make sure you bring cash to pay for your entrance ticket.
Pro tip: you have to pass by the same vendors coming back up to the parking lot, so if you like something, make sure you get it on the way back up. They were going as low as 20,000 Rp. per pants, sarong, etc. Each vendor next to each other going even lower to out do each other.
Because this is a religious place, you must wear a sarong but the entrance ticket also covers a sarong if you don't have one. You do not need to buy one from the vendors if you don't want to. There are a bunch of steps downhill to get to the temple but it's not too bad and well worth it.
Get here early to get the Temple to yourself. I think we got here at 9AM and there was practically no one there except us. Make sure you bring cash to pay for your entrance ticket.
Pro tip: you have to pass by the same vendors coming back up to the parking lot, so if you like something, make sure you get it on the way back up. They were going as low as 20,000 Rp. per pants, sarong, etc. Each vendor next to each other going even lower to out do each other.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujatha M
Bengaluru, India82 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Entering and walking down the steps, we were not feeling very enthusiastic. It was a humid afternoon and all we saw all along the steps were shops selling stuff - sarongs, souvenirs. The rice terraces on the sides were good. But once we reached the temple, we were blown away, by the natural beauty of the place and the large stone carvings. And there was hardly anyone else, which added to the charm. Loved the experience and glad we went.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liefhebber
Breda, The Netherlands8,606 contributions
Jun 2019
We combined The Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul in one day. Two of the most beautiful templegrounds we have visited on Bali.
This 11th century temple complex (one of the oldest on Bali) is thought to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu, his wives and favorite concubines. There are shrines (7 meters high) carved out of the rocks. To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps. Next to the stairs there are lots of nice souvenirshops and on your way you have a beautiful view at the surroundings. This templecomplex is quite large, located in a jungle environment. There are lots of stone walkways and stairs. A unique templecomplex surrounded by beautiful nature. You have to wear a sarong which you can borrow at the entrance. We had our own sarong with us. A must see!
This 11th century temple complex (one of the oldest on Bali) is thought to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu, his wives and favorite concubines. There are shrines (7 meters high) carved out of the rocks. To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps. Next to the stairs there are lots of nice souvenirshops and on your way you have a beautiful view at the surroundings. This templecomplex is quite large, located in a jungle environment. There are lots of stone walkways and stairs. A unique templecomplex surrounded by beautiful nature. You have to wear a sarong which you can borrow at the entrance. We had our own sarong with us. A must see!
Written May 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vitorbabrazil
Salvador, BA9,394 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
The entrance costs 50,000 rupees and descending the 60 steps to the bridge is worth it, to see the stone walls dating from the 11th century and dedicated to the two kings of the region at the time.
One of the spaces was created for asepsy, a very important concept in Hinduism, in which the spirit is only clean if there is also the body. Therefore, there are water springs (nozzles) where purification rituals are performed.
The contrast of the stone walls with the lush vegetation makes any record in photo look perfect.
One of the spaces was created for asepsy, a very important concept in Hinduism, in which the spirit is only clean if there is also the body. Therefore, there are water springs (nozzles) where purification rituals are performed.
The contrast of the stone walls with the lush vegetation makes any record in photo look perfect.
Automatically translated
Written August 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IWayanSuteja
Kerobokan, Indonesia8 contributions
Jan 2020
I love this place so much. I can feel a very positive energy of this place. A beautiful scenery of the rice paddy and the crystal clear water of the river chilled me gently. Spent some time for meditation in this place is an extra benefit. Great site to put on must visit tourism object
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolas D
Chereng, France51 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
On the advice of a host, we visited this temple rather than Pura Tirta Empul. We can not judge by comparison but we were not disappointed!
The place is peaceful, mostly carved in rock and with a large square (re)taken by nature. Which makes the site even more beautiful.
There were not too many people during our mid-morning visit. This is probably true all day because climbing the 250 steps requires some effort on the way back.
The place is peaceful, mostly carved in rock and with a large square (re)taken by nature. Which makes the site even more beautiful.
There were not too many people during our mid-morning visit. This is probably true all day because climbing the 250 steps requires some effort on the way back.
Automatically translated
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robby
Bali, Indonesia28 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
This place was really beautiful, so much meaning at there. Religion , culture and legacy. When I came here I was very amazed because in my opinion this is one of the relics that must be preserved. as tourists, we should be able to maintain the purity and cleanliness there. come to Bali must see this place. really a recommendation
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just Hamish
Auckland, New Zealand8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Great temple and well worth the drive...soooo many stairs down to it and feels like soooo many nite on the way back. I did find a nice swimming hole/waterfall at the bottom to cool off🙂
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂 ® 👑
Moscow, Russia156,928 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Another very beautiful and peaceful place. In order not to get into groups of tourists, it is better to come in the morning. Interesting history, many different trails to explore and unusual views.
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily P
9 contributions
Jan 2015
After parking our bikes and purchasing our entry tickets, we headed to the gate. The four men checking tickets demanded we leave our helmets with them, we politely declined. They were pushy about so we just left them and headed into the ruins. The whole place was beautiful.
On the way out we went to collect our helmets. I looked inside mine and there was what looked like ash stuck to the roof. Upon peeling it off, we discovered inside was a capsule containing some powder, it was secured there by some kind of dried clay. I know it wasn't there before as I always check my helmet before putting it on my head.
While we were investigating this capsule all four ticket checkers had turned to face away from us. We left it on the ground and rode away uneasy.
I don't want to make assumptions, so I'll leave it at that. Watch your things no matter how pushy they are.
On the way out we went to collect our helmets. I looked inside mine and there was what looked like ash stuck to the roof. Upon peeling it off, we discovered inside was a capsule containing some powder, it was secured there by some kind of dried clay. I know it wasn't there before as I always check my helmet before putting it on my head.
While we were investigating this capsule all four ticket checkers had turned to face away from us. We left it on the ground and rode away uneasy.
I don't want to make assumptions, so I'll leave it at that. Watch your things no matter how pushy they are.
Written January 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be in Bali this September. I'm 66, not overweight, no heart issues, can walk cities for hours with rest stops in between but when at home I walk very little so was wondering if anyone else here is like me and were they able to do all the steps coming and going and how was it?
Written August 29, 2019
Are there toilets and refreshments on site?
Written March 4, 2018
I'm pretty sure there were toilet facilities as well as stalls selling refreshments.
Written March 21, 2018
Hi. Is one hour enough to go down, explore the temple and surrounding place and go up?
Written June 24, 2017
I would say one hour is enough but it does depend on your fitness. 15 minutes to go down and 15 to come up plus 30 minutes at the bottom would work. It does not leave a lot of time for pictures or to sit and relax, but it is possible.
Randy
Written November 30, 2017
Hi. Is one hour enough to go down, explore the temple and surrounding place and go up?
Written June 24, 2017
One hour is enough. About 15 minutes down and 15 up. That leaves you a half hour at the bottom. If you take lots of pictures or want to enjoy the site you might need and extra 15 min.
Written June 25, 2017
I'm 68 with dreadful knees. Should I give visiting completely OR there are some parts I'll be able to see with fairly easy walking? cheers
Written December 14, 2016
Sorry for the late reply, if you have bad knees I would suggest that this is not suitable for you.
Written December 31, 2016
How much does it cost to hire a private driver for one day including the trip to Mt Katie? I'm going there alone. Just wanna be sure that it is safe for a single Asian lady. It would be good if you share the contact with me. Thank you.
Written November 1, 2016
How much does it cost to hire a private driver for one day including the trip to Mt Katie? I'm going there alone. Just wanna be sure that it is safe for a single Asian lady. It would be good if you share the contact with me. Thank you.
Written November 1, 2016
I paid 70 Usd for 8 hours, it does includes wish ever place you would like to visit during that time, we were 2, but I think if you are one they will charge the same, i would advice you to be very careful during your stay in Bali over all it is not dangerous but keep your eyes open at all times, and be very careful where you change your money also, because they tent to trick you.
Written November 1, 2016
How strenuous is the climb walk. I'm not young and have a weird knee?
Written August 24, 2015
Hi, the stairs at the end, are the worst. We heard about the 320 steps and were a bit afraid, that it was too heavy. But the first part is down, and then around the caves there are some flat parts too, so it not climbing all the times. Behind the caves there are some stairs too, but you can decide not to climb those ones.
Don't forget to take the path to the right, we did this at the end, then this is a path before climbing the final steps to the start point. From there you have an incredible view, for great photos. Bring water with you, and take your time at the end...
Written August 30, 2015
Hi, would like check with your guys what time is good to visit Mount Kawi?
Normally how long need to spend at there?
Written August 21, 2015
Hi, my review will arrive in a fay or so, with my programme. Think the morning is the best time, not too crowded and not too hot.
It is really worth to stay here around 1,5 hours.
Written August 30, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 12
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing