Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Elephant Cave. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Bali Private Car Hire With Driver

• Best of Ubud Attractions: Private All-Inclusive Tour

• Private Day Tour: The Highlight of Ubud

• Half-Day Bali Tour

• Full Day in Bali: Private Design-Your-Own Tour

Entry tickets for the Elephant Cave cost 50,000 rupiah per adult and 25,000 per child, with discounts available for Indonesian nationals. Tickets include the use of a sarong inside the temple, so you don’t need to buy one from the vendors outside. Many people visit the temple as part of a guided tour that includes transportation, which can start around US$25.

Yes, the Elephant Cave is worth visiting. One of Bali's most compelling historical sites, it likely dates back to at least the 11th century—and the eerie carved stone face that forms the cave's gate makes for striking photos. Joining a tour does more than just spare you from navigating Bali's crazy traffic: It can help you understand the religion behind the temple, see other Ubud highlights, and get fabulous pictures, too.

Per one customer who booked the Best of Ubud Attractions: Private All-Inclusive Tour, "Our driver, Marco, was so kind to take pictures for us, and he takes really good angles! Really appreciate that part!! He even knew all the spots to take pictures with a great background!! Marco also was great at explaining the elephant sanctuary and getting along with the monkeys. This was a 10/10 for seeing mostly everything in Bali!!"

Goa Gajah is located around a 10-minute drive from Ubud, just past the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The easiest way to get here is by either joining a tour that includes transportation from your hotel or hiring a taxi to take you there and back.

The best time to visit the Elephant Cave is first thing in the morning when it opens to avoid crowds, but it’s really a fantastic attraction no matter when you visit. It typically remains open until late afternoon, but hours can vary on some holidays.

Yes, there are some codes of etiquette to keep in mind when visiting Goa Gajah. The most important thing is to dress respectfully, with clothes that cover your lower body; sarongs are appropriate and encouraged. Also, while photography is allowed, don’t use flash and don’t take pictures of worshipers without their consent.

The best time of year to visit Elephant Cave is during the dry season, which runs between April and October. However, the cave is lovely no matter when you happen to be in Bali. Just be prepared for intermittent rainfall if you visit outside of the dry months.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Elephant Cave. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Ubud:

• Tegenungan Waterfall

• Tegalalang Rice Terrace

• Tirta Empul Temple

• Neka Art Museum

• Celuk Village

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Ubud.