Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
Highlights: Ubud area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

Bali is known for its stunning temples, rich culture, and lush landscapes, and the Gunung Kawi Temple Tour is one of the best ways to experience all of this in one day. From traditional dance performances to ancient temples carved into cliffs, and even a swing over rice terraces, this tour had it all. Here’s how the day went, and why it was one of my favorite experiences in Bali.

Barong Dance: A Story of Good vs. Evil
We kicked off the day with an 8:00 AM pick-up from the hotel, ready for an action-packed adventure. Our first stop was a traditional Barong dance performance. I had heard about Bali’s cultural dances before but wasn’t sure what to expect. It turns out the Barong dance is much more than just a performance—it’s a story, one that represents the eternal battle between good and evil.

The costumes were elaborate, with the Barong (a mythical lion-like creature symbolizing good) facing off against Rangda, the evil witch. The music was intense, with a live gamelan orchestra setting the mood. What I found most fascinating was how involved the audience became, even though the story is ancient. By the end of the performance, you feel like you’ve just witnessed something timeless, a piece of Bali’s soul.

If you’re someone who loves learning about local culture, this is a must-see. Just a heads up, though—it’s a long performance, about an hour or so, so plan accordingly!

Painting Art Village: A Hub of Balinese Creativity
After the dance, we made our way to the Painting Art Village, which is famous for its intricate and beautiful works of art. It’s the kind of place where you can see artists working right in front of you, painting scenes of Balinese life, mythology, and nature.

I’ve always admired the detail in Balinese paintings, but seeing the process in person gave me a new appreciation for the skill and patience it takes. The artists use vibrant colors and fine brush strokes, bringing their canvases to life with depictions of Bali’s landscapes, temples, and everyday life.

If you’re an art lover or just appreciate handmade crafts, this stop is well worth it. You can even buy some artwork to take home as a memento (or a gift for someone special). I ended up getting a small painting of a Balinese rice field—now every time I see it, I’m reminded of this incredible trip.

Goa Gajah Temple: The Elephant Cave
Our next stop was Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave Temple. This temple is a bit different from others you might visit in Bali. It’s a mix of Hindu and Buddhist elements, with ancient carvings and statues that date back to the 11th century.

Walking through the temple grounds, I felt like I was stepping into a piece of history. The entrance to the cave is carved into the rock, with an intricate face of a demon-like figure guarding the doorway. Inside, the cave is small but filled with ancient relics, including a lingam and yoni, symbols of Shiva. Outside, there are several pools where holy water flows from stone statues.

What I loved most about Goa Gajah was the lush setting. Surrounded by trees and ferns, the temple feels like a hidden sanctuary, far away from the busy world. It’s a peaceful place to sit and reflect for a while before continuing the journey.

Gunung Kawi Temple: Ancient Cliffside Shrines
The highlight of the tour for me was Gunung Kawi Temple. This temple is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Located in a river valley, Gunung Kawi is home to several massive stone shrines carved into the cliffside. To get there, you have to walk down a series of stone steps that wind through rice terraces and jungle paths—it’s a bit of a trek, but the views along the way make it more than worth it.

As you approach the temple, you’re greeted by towering stone monuments, known as candi, that are believed to honor Balinese royalty from the 11th century. The carvings are absolutely mind-blowing, especially when you consider how old they are and how much effort it must have taken to create them.

The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of the river rushing nearby adds to the peaceful, almost mystical vibe of the place. I spent a good chunk of time here just exploring and taking in the atmosphere—it’s a place that feels deeply spiritual and connected to Bali’s ancient past.

Lunch With a View: Time to Recharge
By the time we left Gunung Kawi, we were more than ready for a break, and lunch couldn’t have come at a better time. We stopped at a local restaurant with a stunning view of the rice terraces and mountains in the distance. The food was fantastic—traditional Balinese dishes like babi guling (roast pork) and sate lilit (minced fish satay) were on the menu.

Sitting there, enjoying a delicious meal with such a beautiful backdrop, it was one of those moments where you just feel lucky to be alive. If you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates a meal with a view, this lunch stop will be one of the highlights of your day.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Swing: Bali’s Famous Rice Fields
After lunch, we made our way to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace. These rice fields are one of Bali’s most iconic sights, and I’d been looking forward to seeing them in person for ages. What makes Tegalalang special is the way the rice paddies are carved into the hillside, creating layers of greenery that stretch as far as the eye can see.

You can walk through the terraces and really take in the craftsmanship and effort it takes to maintain them. It’s not just a beautiful sight—it’s a testament to the Balinese subak irrigation system, which has been in use for centuries.

And of course, no visit to Tegalalang would be complete without trying the famous Bali swing. Suspended high above the rice terraces, the swing gives you an adrenaline rush while offering incredible views. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous at first, but once you’re in the air, it’s nothing but pure joy. The view from the top is unlike anything else—a sea of green that stretches on forever.

Wrapping Up the Day
As we made our way back to the hotel, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much we had packed into one day. From the vibrant Barong dance to the ancient temples of Goa Gajah and Gunung Kawi, and the serene beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, this Bali tour package was a perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.