Location & SettingThe Gunung Kawi complex is located in the Bali’s region Tampaksiring, which is about 20km north east of Ubud.
The temple is only about 2 kilometers away from Tirta Empul. If you are physically fit enough you could decide to visit both.
To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps leading you through a beautiful Balinese sawa scenery (rice fields) to the Pakerisan river. Four shrines are located on the west side of the river, five on the east side. The tenth is located in the south.

Good to KnowTake your Sarong with you. If you forget you can borrow one at the entrance. You need to walk almost 1km to reach the temple. The walk is beautiful, but not easy. Going down is one thing, but getting back up another, particularly in the hot and moist air of Bali. But, you will be rewarded for your effort.
You will see two pots filled with still water at the end of the stair case. If you are asked to wet your hair with it as a ritual, politely say no thank you. We are not all too sure about all the creatures that made this water their home.

CeremoniesLocal women carrying offering on their heads to the shrines (left picture).

Ancient MonumentsThe carved shrines are 7 meters tall. When standing in front of them look around and imagine how this place looked like more than a 1000 years ago. No stairs, no land clearing, no pathways; only jungle, rocks, and a river deep down in a valley.