Serene, peaceful and quite.
Tucked away in the hillside of Tampaksiring, lies the temple of Gunung Kawi. Unlike the other temples in Bali, this one is rather laid back, shrouded by mysteries and stunning views.
*Not to be confused with Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. Similar names, very close location but certainly two different temples.
As you make your way down to the temple, you’re welcomed by the sound of running water followed by lush greenery. Gunung Kawi is set among rice terraces and the jungle, which makes the setting stunning.
*Not to be confused with Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. Similar names, very close location but certainly two different temples.
As you make your way down to the temple, you’re welcomed by the sound of running water followed by lush greenery. Gunung Kawi is set among rice terraces and the jungle, which makes the setting stunning.
Beautiful rice terraces adorn the walk down towards the temple.
The holy Pakersian River flows through the centre of Gunug Kawi, splitting the site into two along its riverbank. Due to the low tourist traffic, over looked by rice terraces and flanked by the sounds of the running river, this place is truly peaceful and beautiful.
Like everything mystical on this island, it is believed that the mythical giant Kebo Iwo carved out all of the ancient tombs in one night with his fingernails.
The reliefs cut into the rocks are known as ‘Candi’. The ‘Candi’s’ are usually stand-alone monuments that are often found in Central Java except for these ones, they're hewn reliefs. It is said that these monuments were built around the 11th century by King Anak Wungsu. One story suggests that it’s a tomb of the Balinese ruler King Udayana, his queen, principle consorts and concubines while the other suggest that Anak Wungsu built it as a mausoleum for himself, his wives and favourite concubines.
*No there are no bodies or ashes buried here but rather these Candi’s have a little niche or small chamber beneath the Candi, accessed by a sloping shaft from the front where symbolic offerings of food and other objects, representing the necessities of earthly existence are placed.
*No there are no bodies or ashes buried here but rather these Candi’s have a little niche or small chamber beneath the Candi, accessed by a sloping shaft from the front where symbolic offerings of food and other objects, representing the necessities of earthly existence are placed.
More chambers built hidden towards the hills.
The complex consists of ‘ten tombs’. The first four is to the left of the river, just before you cross the bridge, while the other five are just across the river. The tenth tomb however is a bit of a trek. It is placed at the bottom of the stairway and to your right-hand side through a small field. It is regarded as a priest’s house, or ‘gria pendana’. It is believed to be the Candi of a high caste official.
There is a Bhuddist monastery at the rear of the complex as you cross the bridge. Within the courtyard around a stone pavilion, there are cells hewn out of the rock. It is believed that the monks lived here and were most probably the caretakers of this place. To the east of this main group of cloisters, there is a smaller and second group of cells.
*Some of the areas further up, behind the main complex can be a bit slippery with moss.
There is a Bhuddist monastery at the rear of the complex as you cross the bridge. Within the courtyard around a stone pavilion, there are cells hewn out of the rock. It is believed that the monks lived here and were most probably the caretakers of this place. To the east of this main group of cloisters, there is a smaller and second group of cells.
*Some of the areas further up, behind the main complex can be a bit slippery with moss.
Another temple tucked away further up the hill side.
As I walked around Gunung Kawi, I felt relaxed and calm, as the constant sound of flowing water is soothing. It feels a bit like an Indiana Jones adventure looking for the tenth tomb and locating other chambers, as the signs are not clear. But steps usually lead somewhere and I was certainly curious to find out what lies at the end.
I have to admit, the walk down is rather fun but the hike back up… I burnt off everything I had for breakfast.
*What goes down must come back up. The walk back from the temple involves huffing and puffing, if you get my drift.
I have to admit, the walk down is rather fun but the hike back up… I burnt off everything I had for breakfast.
*What goes down must come back up. The walk back from the temple involves huffing and puffing, if you get my drift.
How to get there?
Its located in Tampaksiring village.
Entrance fee cost about Rp.15,000 per person.
Take a bottle of water and be prepared to walk!
For more photographs, view the gallery
Its located in Tampaksiring village.
- 5km from Pura Tirta Empul
- 35 km from Denpasar city
- 50 km from Kuta
- 68 km from Nusa Dua.
- It is on the same route as Pura Goa Gajah, Pura Pusering Jagat and Pura Tirta Empul.
Entrance fee cost about Rp.15,000 per person.
Take a bottle of water and be prepared to walk!
For more photographs, view the gallery