A few kilometers from Ubud lies Gunung Kawi, one of the oldest and most mysterious temples of Bali. In the sheer cliffs on both sides of the gorge, 10 tomb-monuments have been carved, each up to seven meters high. Behind the monuments, a temple and cells for monks were carved out.
The approximate date of the creation of Gunung Kawi is the XX-XXI century, or more precisely, between 989 and 1070. However, it is not known for certain by whom and when the complex of tombs and temples was carved into the rock; there are only assumptions by archaeologists and ancient legends of the local population.
A Balinese legend says that the tall carved tombs were cut into niches in the stone wall for the ruler of Bali and Java, Anak Wungsu, several of his wives, and his favorite concubines. The caves, meanwhile, were carved out for monks, who lived in stone cells, prayed in the cave temple, and cared for the monumental tombstones of the king and his women.
The temple is an active religious site, so entry is allowed only in modest clothing and without shoes. However, if you arrive in shorts, you can take a sarong at the entrance.
The descent into the man-made gorge is no less impressive than the ancient temple itself. A long staircase of more than three hundred steps will lead you among the emerald terraces of rice fields and thickets of coconut palms. Local craftsmen carve amazing delicate изделия from large coconuts. You can buy coconut and coral handicrafts, traditional clothing, and other Balinese souvenirs in one of the many shops crowding the sides of the descent to Gunung Kawi.
