Best time to visit Bali

Goa Gajah in Bali

The Elephant cave honours Ganesha and scares off evil spirits

Best time: April–October

Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Bali near Ubud. It was built in the 9th century as a place for spiritual meditation. According to one legend, it was created by the fingernail of the giant Kebo Iwa. With both Hindu and Buddhist imagery, the cave contains symbols of Shiva and Ganesha, while there are also carved images of stupas and chattra.

The temple is known for its angry faces that are carved into stone, presumably to ward off evil spirits. The cave is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. The temple has a large swimming pool that was discovered in the 1950s. It features tall statues pouring water out of jars into the central bath, quite a contrast from the scary entrance. The cave is quite small inside and is still used as a place of meditation and religious offerings.

It's best to visit Goa Gajah during the dry season between April and October since a long walk down the stairs is required to get to the cave's entrance. Also, the best time to head to the cave is early morning before the tourist buses arrive.

Practical info

What is the significance of the angry faces carved into stone at Goa Gajah?

Goa Gajah's angry stone-carved faces represent Bhoma, the giant capable of fending off evil. Anger and spiritual symbols were placed together to deter evil spirits and enable self-discovery. Goa Gajah was created for spiritual meditation. The area is located in Bali where in the 11th-century ancient Balinese-Hindu cultures flourished. Show more

When was the swimming pool in Goa Gajah discovered?

During the restoration of Goa Gajah in the 1950s, a large swimming pool was unearthed along with statues of women pouring water into a central bath. Further excavation led to the discovery of meditation chambers with stone engraved gods and writing on walls. These stunning findings highlighted the impressive architecture the ancient Balinese-Hindu cultures practised. Show more

Where can we find symbols of Shiva and Ganesha at the Elephant Cave?

Elephant Cave at Goa Gajah displays ancient Hindu-Buddhism culture in Bali. Carved images of chattra and stupas, with the symbols of Shiva and Ganesha reflect the spiritual essence. Ganesha, with an elephant's head, symbolizes wisdom, good luck, and understanding. The Elephant Cave is a sacred site honouring Ganesha and is famous for its exquisite architectural and historical significance. Show more

When is the best time to visit Goa Gajah?

April to October is the ideal season to explore Goa Gajah during the dry weather, making the long walk down the stairs easy with no rain to contend with. To avoid the crowds, it is advisable to visit the site early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive. Exploring the area in the morning brings serenity to the exploration of the site. Show more

What can we expect to see in the central bath at Goa Gajah?

Inside Goa Gajah's cave complex, a large swimming pool with statues of women pouring water flowing into the central bath. Designed for peace and tranquility, the central pool exudes serenity. The serene atmosphere in the central bath provides a glimpse into Bali's rich cultural heritage. The beautiful pool area and the ancient structures surrounding it are a stunning revelation of a bygone era in Bali. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin