One of the other interesting holiday spots in Bali is Goa Gajah Bali in Ubud, also known as Elephant Cave Ubud Bali. This tourist attraction is bustling with visits from tourists almost every day, both Indonesian and foreign tourists. So, what makes Elephant Cave Ubud interesting? Here’s a brief explanation about Goa Gajah Bali or Elephant Cave Ubud Bali.
1. Map of the Location of Goa Gajah Bali
Goa Gajah Bali is located west of Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency. The exact location is on the edge of a ravine and is the confluence of a small river in the village. If you depart from Denpasar City, the distance is around 26 kilometers with an estimated travel time of 1 hour.
Then, if you want to access this tourist attraction from Ngurah Rai Airport, you can take several routes. For the fastest route, you can take the Bali Mandara toll road. First, follow Airport Ngurah Rai Street and take Kemayoran Street. About 1.7 from the first entrance to Kemayoran Street, please turn around and take Nusa Dua Street.
Enter the Bali Mandara Street Toll Road by going in and out towards Sanur or Denpasar. Then, you take Benoa Street Harbor and also take Bypass Ngurah Rai Street. Continue towards Prof Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Street and turn left towards Ketewel Street.
Then, head to Guwang Street and turn right to go to Sukawati Street. Continue following it to Teges Street. After that, enter Goa Gajah Street and arrive.
2. The Attraction of Goa Gajah Bali
From the parking area to the hermitage location, tourists must go down the stairs. This place is surrounded by shady green trees. So, the atmosphere will feel very cool, beautiful, and comfortable. According to the officer guarding this tourist attraction, the trees are hundreds of years old. You can see the entire holiday complex from the stairs.
When you reach the lower area after descending several stairs, you will hear the gurgling sound of water flowing from the statue’s fountain. Rocks from buildings that were destroyed by the earthquake were also found around the shower area. Meanwhile, Goa Gajah Bali is located not far from the statue fountain.
3. The Uniqueness of Goa Gajah Bali
The Goa Gajah Bali vacation spot is popular with tourists because it offers many unique features. The unique thing is that the entrance is through the mouth of the cave and is only large enough for 1 person. Outside the entrance, there are carvings and 2 statues of guards.
The inside of the cave is T-shaped, about 2 meters high and 2 meters wide. There are alcoves on the left and right sides of the hall which may have been places for meditation in ancient times. However, now tourists can sit or lie there. At the west end of the hall, there is a Ganesha statue and at the east end of the hall, there are 3 lingas.
Not only that, around this tourist attraction, there is also a lightning pool. The distance is about 11 meters south of the cave. This pool is about 3 meters below ground level. The water source comes from the east of the temple area. This lightning area consists of 3 swimming pools. Each room is limited by a low dividing wall.
6 statues decorate the water fountain. Initially, there were 7 statues, but 1 statue had to be moved to another location due to the earthquake. Lightning statue with 7 Widyadara-Widyadari statues holding holy water. There are a total of 7 statues which are symbols of the 7 rivers in India, the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism.
It is believed that this shower water can purify a person’s aura. Many visitors try to wash themselves under this shower.
4. Price for entrance ticket
This ancient site, which local people call Pura Gua, was originally used as a holy place for Hindu and Buddhist religions during the reign of the Warmadewa Dynasty in the X to XIV AD. However, currently, this tourist attraction is used as a recognized cultural heritage by UNESCO as a protected world heritage.
Local people still use this cave for religious rituals on special Hindu religious days. If you want to visit, prepare money for the entrance ticket. For local tourists, IDR 30,000 or $1.93 (USD). Meanwhile, foreign tourists are charged IDR 50,000 or $3.22 (USD).
Apart from the entrance ticket, you also need to pay for vehicle parking. For motorbike parking, IDR 2,000 or $0.13 (USD). Meanwhile, the fee for car parking is IDR 5,000 or $0.32 (USD). Entrance ticket and vehicle parking rates for this holiday destination may change at any time. Goa Gajah Bali is open every day, from 07.30 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
5. Dress Etiquette for Entry
Goa Gajah Bali is one of the Balinese Hindu temples which is sacred to Balinese Hindus. Therefore, some rules apply to visitors entering the temple area. This rule also applies to Balinese Hindus.
Furthermore, one of the rules you need to know when entering a temple in Bali is clothing etiquette. The dress code for entering temple areas in Bali is very simple. You require to wear the sarong and sash. Then, you have to tie a sash or scarf around your waist.
If you forget to bring a sarong and scarf, the entrance ticket counter has provided sarongs and scarves for you to use at no additional charge. However, if you do not want to wear the clothes provided at the entrance ticket counter at this tourist attraction, you can buy them on site. This is because there are many stalls in the vehicle parking area selling sarongs and scarves.
Apart from that, other ethics must be adhered to. For women who are menstruating, it is forbidden to enter the temple.
6. Facilities owned by Goa Gajah Bali
There are various facilities available at Goa Gajah Bali. First, parking space. If you want to visit this tourist attraction, now there is an eParking facility for tourists. You only need to make non-cash parking payments using your cell phone.
Second, souvenir shops. If you as a visitor want to shop for Balinese souvenirs, you can take advantage of these shops. You can buy various souvenirs such as sarongs and other Balinese souvenirs here. There are also food stalls that can be your choice if you are hungry.
7. Tourism Close to Goa Gajah
There are several vacation spots close to Goa Gajah Bali. Starting from Samuan Temple, Gedong Arca Museum, Yeh Pulu, and Garba Cave. Samuan Tiga Temple is a holiday attraction that is only 800 meters from Goa Gajah Bali in Bedulu Village. You can also enjoy several artifact remains if you visit.
Goa Gajah Bali is a sacred place. Therefore, before you visit, you need to read and understand carefully what is in Goa Gajah Bali.