Gunung Kawi's ten shrines are carved directly into the rock face of the Pakerisan river valley, each candi several metres tall and close to a thousand years old. Cut from the living cliff rather than built up in stone, they rank among the oldest and largest monuments in Bali, and are believed to honour an 11th-century king and his family.
You reach the shrines on a stone stairway of around 300 steps that winds down through rice terraces to the valley floor. The descent is half the visit: the paddies, the village gardens, and the sound of the Pakerisan growing louder as you go. Take it slowly, and the climb back up is more manageable than it first looks.
Gunung Kawi stays far quieter than Bali's better-known temples, which is much of its appeal. Standing at the foot of the carved cliffs with the sacred river running past, the site feels far older than most, and on a good morning you may have the valley almost to yourself.
Private car, driver and fuel. You pay entrance tickets at each gate as you go - handy if you like to skip a stop.
The whole day prepaid, with entrance tickets for the listed stops included. Nothing to pay at the gates.
We pick you up from your hotel or villa in the Ubud area at the time you choose. Your driver shares their details the day before.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and some cash for entrance tickets (Standard) and lunch along the way.
Temples ask for a sarong, arranged at the gate. A few stops have stairs or a short walk. The route is flexible - linger or skip as you like.
Book and pay online by card or PayPal; a $10 deposit holds your date and you settle the rest at the end of the day. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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