Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah Temple is indeed one of the oldest temples in Bali Island. Not only that, this temple is also worth to be mentioned as one of the most phenomenal designs in the Gods Island. Moreover, this temple has also a high historical value. Its building has unique shape, and is very different compared to other temples.

The History of Goa Gajah

Base on the Negarakertagama book that was arranged by Mpu Prapanca in 1365. The Goa Gajah come from the word between “Lwa that means the river” and “Gajah that means worship place”. So Goa Gajah may be meant as a place of worship that is located on the river bank.

The attractiveness of Goa Gajah

From the parking area to the hermitage location, tourists must descend the stairs. In this place, there are many shady green trees, so the atmosphere is very cool and beautiful. According to the officers who guard these attractions, the trees are hundreds of years old.

Goa Gajah tourist complex as a whole can be seen from the stairs. When you arrive at the bottom area after descending the stairs, you will hear the sound of water flowing from the statue's shower. The former buildings that were destroyed in the earthquake were also found around the shower. While Goa Gajah itself is located not far from the statue's fountain.

The entrance through the mouth of the cave is only enough for 1 person. Outside there are carvings and 2 guard statues. The inside of the cave is in the shape of the letter T, with a height of about 2 meters and a width of 2 meters. The left and right sides of the passageway also have a niche which might have been a place of meditating in ancient times. But now tourists can sit or lie there. At the west end of the hall there is a statue of Ganesha and the eastern end of the hall there are 3 phallus.

The Location of Goa Gajah

It is located the west of Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency. The distance is about 26 km from the city of Denpasar with an estimated travel time of 1 hour.