Pura Gunung Kawi Temple resembles Bali’s Valley of the Kings, where ten 11th-century royal tombs were carved into a steep cliff wall at the bottom of a river valley.

It’s believed each of the candi (shrines) was dedicated to different members of the ancient Balinese royal family, starting with King Udayana and his wives and sons.

Gunung Kawi sits at the bottom of a river valley, so you’ll have to walk down (and back up) nearly 300 steps. It can be a bit tough in the midday heat and humidity, but what you get to see will undoubtedly make the hardships worth it.

On the way down to the temples, you’ll pass some rice terraces, souvenir shops, and small cafes and restaurants overlooking the rice paddies.

At the bottom of the steps, turn left to see the first 4 temples of Gunung Kawi, then head south to find another hidden temple. Finally, cross the bridge to see 5 other temples on the east bank across the Pakerisan River, considered sacred by the locals.

The stone temples may be the main attraction, but there is much more to explore. In the western area, there is a vihara carved inside the cliff with squares inside, where Buddhist monks used to meditate inside in search of enlightenment.

The venue is open from 8 am to 6 pm, the entrance fee is Rp 25,000/child and Rp50,000/adult,

Gunung Kawi is like a glimpse of Indonesia’s ancient civilization, with the river and jungle all contributing to an extraordinary overall atmosphere, making you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

According to theworldtravelguy.com