Gunung Kawi Temple

The Gunung Kawi Temple in Tampaksiring is Bali’s rendition of the Valley of the Kings. This candi collection is tucked in a river valley with rice fields and jungle on either side. This has long been one of our favourite day visits. Gunung Kawi Temple is a cluster of ten candi constructed to resemble temple fronts and to house the souls of former monarchs. Candi are carved into the valley cliffs on both sides of the Pekerisan River. The history of Gunung Kawi Temple is fascinating. Inscriptions on each Candi suggest that it was built in the 11th century. Because of its proximity, each temple is thought to have acted as a memorial to a deified royalty.

Things To Know Before Visit Gunung Kawi Temple

The temple carvings on the walls of Gunung Kawi Temple are divided into four groups, namely:

First cluster
It is the northernmost temple.

This cluster is a symbol of respect for King Udayana.

And the temple next to it is the palace for the consort and son of King Udayana.

Then next to the first cluster there is the Gunung Kawi Temple.

Second cluster
There is a temple that serves as a shrine for the king’s consorts.

Third cluster
It is a monastery building and a niche carved into the cliff at Gunung Kawi Temple.

Fourth cluster
It is a temple and niche for meditation.

Apart from that, in the Gunung Kawi Temple area there is also the tomb of King Anak Wungsu’s ashes and the tomb of King Udayana.

Therefore, Gunung Kawi Temple is called the tomb of the Warmadewa Dynasty.



Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552

Gunung Kawi Temple was built in the 11th century AD.

According to history, at that time King Udayana was a leader of the Warmadewa dynasty.

The construction of Gunung Kawi Temple is estimated to have started during the reign of King Sri Haji Paduka Dharmawangsa Marakata Pangkaja Stanttunggadewa.

Until it ended in the reign of King Anak Wungsu.

Gunung Kawi Temple was discovered in early 1910.

The Gunung Kawi Temple complex was originally built by King Marakata as a place of worship for the spirit of his father, King Udayana. (3)

According to another history, the existence of Gunung Kawi Temple is associated with the figure of Empu Kuturan.

Empu Kuturan was King Airlangga’s envoy to his younger brother, Raja Anak Wungsu.

Then, Empu Kuturan was appointed as the main adviser to the king and had an important role in the development of the Bedahulu Kingdom.

You can come before 09.00 WITA, because not many visitors have come, or after 15.00 WITA. The following is a schedule of opening and closing times.

  • Weekdays (Monday-Friday) : 08.00–18.00 WITA
  • Weekend (Saturday-Sunday): 08.00–18.00 WITA

The entrance fee for the Tebing Gunung Kawi Temple for foreign and local tourists is different, here are the details:

  • Local Tourist Entrance Ticket IDR 30,000 per person
  • Foreign Tourist Entrance Ticket IDR 50,000 per person
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