experience bali activity
CENTRAL BALI'S ANCIENT TEMPLES AND RELICS
Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah
Ancient temples and relics near Ubud.
A full-day cultural tour through central Bali's ancient sites, Tirta Empul's holy spring, the cliff-carved shrines of Gunung Kawi, Yeh Pulu's rock reliefs, and the Goa Gajah cave sanctuary.
Highlights
Tirta Empul, a 10th-century temple known for its ritual bathing pools
Gunung Kawi's 11th-century shrines carved into cliff faces
Yeh Pulu's ancient rock relief depicting daily life and mythology
Goa Gajah, a cave sanctuary dating back roughly 1,000 years
Location
Ubud
Duration
7 hours
Price Range
From approx. USD 34 per person
Full Description
This tour strings together several of central Bali's oldest heritage sites around Tampaksiring and Bedulu, an area once central to early Balinese kingdoms.
The day starts at Tirta Empul, a 10th-century temple built around a natural spring used for ritual purification, visitors can watch the bathing rituals take place even without joining in. From there, the route continues to Gunung Kawi, where royal shrines were carved directly into a river valley's cliff face in the 11th century, reached by a set of stone steps down into the gorge.
Next is Yeh Pulu, a long rock relief in Bedulu depicting scenes from daily life and mythology, followed by a stop at the Bali Archaeological Museum (Gedong Arca), home to a collection of ancient statues and sarcophagi. The day closes at Goa Gajah, an approximately 9th-century cave sanctuary with a carved entrance and surrounding meditation areas.
Our Review
Includes
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
✅ Local guide
✅ Mineral water
✅ Entry fees (if option selected)
❌ Food and drinks
❌ Tips
❌ Personal expenses
Not Suitable For
Pregnant travellers
People with limited mobility
Wheelchair users
People over 70 years
What To Bring
A camera
Sunscreen
Cash
Know Before You Go
Menstruating visitors are asked not to enter the temples, per local custom
Expect extensive walking, stairs, and uneven paths at Gunung Kawi, Yeh Pulu, and Goa Gajah
Modest dress is required at temples (shoulders and knees covered)
The Archaeological Museum may be closed on weekends or public holidays, with an alternative site substituted if needed
The tour runs in light rain, a light raincoat is worth bringing during wet season
Not Allowed
Pets
Alcohol and drugs
Where to Stay
Central Ubud: best for walkable sights.
Monkey Forest Road: best for shops and cafés.
Penestanan: best for a quieter base.
Sayan: best for valley views.
Nyuh Kuning: best for a village setting.
Tegallalang: best for rice terrace stays.
The ideal itinerary for local activities
Walk the Campuhan Ridge at sunrise
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
See a dance performance at Ubud Palace
Browse the Ubud Art Market stalls
See the Tegallalang rice terraces
Join a yoga class or cooking course
Visit Goa Gajah and Tirta Empul.
Base yourself near Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah in Ubud
Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah is one of the things to do in Ubud, so start with hotel prices and pick a base from the walkable centre to the quiet valleys at Sayan. Then check activity packages, since most trips to Ubud pair Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah with a second experience nearby. Finally, price a car: the sights are spread across the valley, so one driver for the day beats separate tours. The three links below go straight to each.
frequently asked questions
How long does Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah take?
Plan for roughly 7 hours, not counting travel to and from Ubud. It is easiest to build the rest of your day in Ubud around that.
When is the best time for Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah?
Dry Season (April-October) is the most reliable window. Bali's dry season runs roughly May to September with the steadiest weather, while the wet season brings heavier afternoon rain and lower prices.
How much does Bali Heritage Tour Tirta Empul Gunung Kawi Goa Gajah cost?
From approx. USD 34 per person. Prices vary by operator and season, so confirm the current rate when you book.