It’s almost the weekend and that means it’s time to get outside and explore the great unknown! Or in our case, the less developed, unpopulated side of Bali. Come along and follow the Bali Reporter as she goes where no Bali Reporter has gone before…
Given that Bali’s population is 90% Hindu, there are of course hundreds of temples (pura in Balinese) to explore while on the Island of the Gods. Though I like to think I’ve been to my fair share of temples here, in reality the number is not so high and I’m determined to step up my game. That’s why this weekend we are bringing you to one of Bali’s more mysterious religious sites, the Goa Gajah Temple. Situated just a 5 minute drive from Ubud’s epicenter of shops, cafes, and spa parlours, I have heard plenty of murmurs before about this temple but never made any serious efforts to see what all the hubbub was about. All I knew was that there is a cave with a huge, demonic face carved into the side of a mountain. And that’s about it. So now that we’re all on the same page, come along as I wander through Goa Gajah, or as its known in English, the Elephant Cave!
History:
Before going to a temple, or any cultural site for that matter, I usually like to read a bit about its history so I have some context as to what I’m looking at and can better appreciate where I am. Yeah, well, that wasn’t really possible this time. Some adventures are more spontaneous than others and don’t leave much of an interim period for internet research. YOLO! As I learned upon arrival by one of the temple priests though, Goa Gajah is believed to date back to the 11th century when it was originally built as a place for spiritual meditation. A combination of both Hindu and Buddhist religious elements, Goa Gajah is comprised of a relic-filled courtyard, bathing pool with waterspout fountains and a dim cave accessible through the mouth of the carved, menacing face (thought to be one of an elephant in fact).
You may be wondering, like I was, if there are any gentle giants roaming the temple’s grounds. Sadly there are not, but that doesn’t mean the name is totally random; there exist many different theories as to why the temple is referred to as the ‘Elephant Cave’. One particular belief suggests that the river valley the temple is built in was once home to indigenous, roaming elephants. Another points out that there is a stone Hindu figure inside of the cave depicting the lord Ganesh, famous for its elephant head identity.
Set on the Petanu River at the edge of Bedulu Village, Goa Gajah is surrounded by the majestic rainforest with trickling streams and walking paths constructed to take you through the trees. I went on a weekday morning in between light rain showers so the crowds were minimal and I was able to wander solo around the temple relics and natural jungle cover. You could hypothetically see the main temples sites in under an hour, but if you come at the right time I suggest staying a little longer, buying some fresh fruit along the path and enjoying the natural scenery. After all, it is the merging of the rivers that led the Balinese to build this sacred prayer and meditation site so many hundreds of years ago.
Logistics:
• Open daily 08:00-16:00
• Entrance fee: 15,000 rupiah (~ $1.50) for adults and 7,500 rupiah (~ $0.75) for children
• The entrance off of Jalan Raya Goa Gajah is marked by a large parking lot, lined by souvenir stands and small booths to buy snacks and beverages. The ladies selling sarongs will insist you need one to enter, but don’t be fooled…
• … you can bring your own sarong in if you’d like but it is not necessary. You will be provided with one at the entrance at no additional cost. *Unlike other Southeast Asian temple dress codes, it is not required that you cover your shoulders, however modesty is always recommend whenever possible
• Finally, to explore Goa Gajah, we recommend being based in a Ubud villa to avoid lengthy travel times 😉
