Is Elephant Cave (Indonesia) Worth Visiting?

Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah as it's known locally, is a fascinating historical site near Ubud, Bali. It's all about exploring ancient carvings and a serene temple complex, making it a popular spot for those interested in Balinese history and culture.

The cave's entrance, carved into the face of a rock, is its standout feature, resembling a gaping mouth of a demon or elephant. Inside, you'll find intriguing statues and relics. The surrounding area boasts lush greenery and bathing pools, adding to its tourist appeal.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

Planning your visit to Goa Gajah? Knowing the best time to visit will help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your experience. Here's what you need to know:

• Opening Hours: Generally, Goa Gajah is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is early in the morning (around 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) to avoid the tour bus crowds that arrive later in the day. The late afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) is also a good option.
• Best Time to See: To experience the site with fewer people, aim for weekdays rather than weekends. The shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) offer a balance of good weather and fewer tourists.
• Estimated Visit Duration: Allow approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore the cave, bathing pools, and surrounding gardens.

Location Details about Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

If you're wondering where is Goa Gajah, it's conveniently located near Ubud, making it easily accessible. Here are the essential location details to help you plan your trip:

• Address: Goa Gajah is located at Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80581, Indonesia.
• Parking Availability: There is ample parking available near the entrance of Goa Gajah. You may need to pay a small parking fee.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the terrain and steps involved, Goa Gajah is not easily wheelchair accessible.

How Much to Enter / Visit Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

Curious about the cost of visiting Goa Gajah? Here's a breakdown of the entrance fees and where to buy your tickets:

• Tickets: Entrance tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth near the entrance of the site.
• Price: As of recent updates, the entrance fee is around IDR 50,000 (approximately £2.50) per adult. Prices are generally the same on weekends and weekdays.
• Pricing Variations: Children usually have a slightly reduced entrance fee. Check the current pricing at the ticket booth upon arrival.

How To Go to Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

Getting to Goa Gajah is relatively straightforward, especially if you're staying in or around Ubud. Here's how to go to this fascinating site:

• Ride Hailing: Using ride-hailing services like Traveloka is a convenient option. Simply book a ride to Goa Gajah from your location.
• Rented Scooter or Car: Renting a scooter or car is a popular choice for exploring Bali. Goa Gajah is easily accessible by road, and the drive from Ubud takes about 15-20 minutes.
• Organised Tour: Many tour operators in Bali offer day trips that include a visit to Goa Gajah. This can be a hassle-free way to see the site along with other attractions.
• Taxi: Traditional taxis are also available, but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.

Things To Do in or near the Elephant Cave

Goa Gajah and its surroundings offer a variety of activities and sights to explore. Here's a list of things to do nearby:

• Activities in Elephant Cave:
  • Explore the Elephant Cave itself, admiring the ancient carvings and statues.
  • Wander through the lush gardens surrounding the cave.
  • Visit the bathing pools and learn about their historical significance.
  • Take photos of the intricate stone carvings and the cave entrance.
  • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the site's history.
• Activities Nearby Elephant Cave:
  • Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, famous for their stunning landscapes.
  • Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest, home to hundreds of playful monkeys.
  • Discover the Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred water temple known for its purification rituals.
  • Take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes.
  • Visit the Ubud Art Market for local crafts and souvenirs.

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Nearby MRT Station & Bus Stops near the Elephant Cave Indonesia

While Bali doesn't have an MRT system, understanding the local transport options is key. Here's what you need to know about nearby bus stops:

• Nearby Bus Station: Public transport in this area is limited. The best way to get around is by using ride-hailing services or renting a scooter/car. There are local bus stops along the main roads, but these are not always reliable for tourists.
• Bus Stops Nearby: Look for "halte" signs along the main roads. However, schedules can be infrequent, so it's best to ask locals for the most up-to-date information.

Tips To Go to Elephant Cave (Indonesia) and Safety Tips

Planning a safe and enjoyable trip to Goa Gajah? Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• What to Bring:
  • Comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be doing a fair bit of walking.
  • Modest clothing, as this is a religious site (shoulders and knees covered). Sarongs are often available for rent at the entrance.
  • Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
  • Water to stay hydrated.
  • Cash for entrance fees, parking, and souvenirs.
• Tourist Safety Tips:
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, especially at night.
  • Negotiate prices before using taxis or ride-hailing services.
  • Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Best Hotel Area in Indonesia

Choosing the right area to stay in Indonesia can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the best areas to consider:

• Ubud, Bali: Best for culture, yoga, and nature lovers. Known for its rice terraces, temples, and spiritual atmosphere.
• Seminyak, Bali: Best for those seeking a blend of relaxation and nightlife. Offers trendy restaurants, beach clubs, and stylish boutiques.
• Kuta, Bali: Best for budget travellers and surfers. Famous for its beaches, lively nightlife, and affordable accommodation.
• Jakarta: Best for business travellers and city explorers. Offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, historical sites, and vibrant street food.
• Yogyakarta, Java: Best for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Home to ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as traditional Javanese arts and crafts.

Where to Eat Inside or near Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

After exploring Goa Gajah, you might be wondering where to grab a bite. Here are some options for Indonesian food and places to eat nearby:

• Cafes/Restaurants:
  • Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3 (Ubud): While not directly inside Goa Gajah, this is a famous spot in nearby Ubud known for its delicious Babi Guling (suckling pig).
  • Locavore (Ubud): A fine-dining restaurant showcasing modern Indonesian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Clear Cafe (Ubud): Offers a variety of healthy and organic dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Local Street Food:
  • Sate: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce. You can find street vendors selling sate throughout Ubud.
  • Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice, often served with egg, vegetables, and meat.
  • Gado-Gado: A traditional Indonesian salad with boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.

Shopping Places near Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

Looking for some retail therapy after your visit to Goa Gajah? Here are some shopping places nearby:

• Ubud Art Market: A bustling market where you can find a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and artwork.
• Tegalalang Handicraft Center: Located near the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, this area offers a variety of shops selling wood carvings, paintings, and other Balinese crafts.
• Sukawati Art Market: Another popular art market where you can find traditional Balinese art and crafts at reasonable prices.

Best Hotels to Stay near Elephant Cave (Indonesia)

Finding the perfect place to stay near Goa Gajah can enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the best hotels to consider in Indonesia:

• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud): Offers luxurious villas with stunning views of the Ayung River valley.
• Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Ubud): A secluded resort surrounded by rice paddies and lush greenery.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta, Mega Kuningan: A luxurious hotel in the heart of Jakarta's business district.

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Hotels with Swimming Pools near Elephant Cave

Relax and unwind after a day of exploring by staying at a hotel with a swimming pool. Here are some hotels in Indonesia with fantastic swimming pools:

• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud): Features a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Ayung River.
• Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua (Bali): Boasts multiple swimming pools, including a lagoon pool and an oceanfront pool.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta, Mega Kuningan: Offers a rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

Hotels with Parking near Elephant Cave

If you're planning to rent a car or scooter, it's essential to choose a hotel with parking facilities. Here are some hotels in Indonesia that offer parking:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta, Mega Kuningan: Provides ample parking space for guests.
• Grand Hyatt Jakarta: Offers secure parking facilities for hotel guests.
• Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua (Bali): Has extensive parking areas for cars and motorcycles.

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Best Hotels near Airport Indonesia

For travellers needing convenient access to the airport, here are some of the best hotels near airports in Indonesia:

• For those flying into Bali, the Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai Airport offers direct access to the terminal, making it ideal for early morning flights.
• Another great option near Bali's airport is HARRIS Tuban Kuta Bali, known for its vibrant atmosphere and comfortable rooms.
• The Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport provides modern amenities and a convenient location for travellers.
• Consider Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence Bali for a comfortable stay with easy access to both the airport and Kuta's attractions.
• In Jakarta, the Jakarta Airport Hotel offers a seamless travel experience with its proximity to the terminals.
• For a budget-friendly option near Jakarta's airport, check out POP Hotel Airport Jakarta, providing clean and simple accommodations.
• The FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta Airport offers a relaxing stay with resort-style amenities close to the airport.
• Lastly, Ibis Styles Jakarta Airport provides a comfortable and stylish stay with easy access to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Average Room Rate hotels near Elephant Cave

Hotel prices near Goa Gajah and in Indonesia can vary depending on the season, hotel class, and availability. It's always a good idea to check Traveloka for the latest prices and deals. Keep an eye out for hotel discounts and promos to get the best value for your money.

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Conclusion

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