Bali isn’t famous for its caves, but there are plenty of amazing cave complexes to see in this part of Indonesia.
There are temples in caves to explore, hikes to beautiful waterfalls with caves and even resorts with caves on the island.
We’ve got a guide to the 10 best caves in Bali and where to find them.
10 Incredible Cave Destinations In Bali
Goa Gajah: The Elephant Cave
The world-famous Goa Gajah is also known as the elephant cave, yet, nobody knows why Goa Gajah is associated with elephants – it’s a mystery.
However, the cave entrance at Goa Gajah is very Instagrammable and this is one of the easiest caves to visit in Indonesia as it’s just outside of the popular resort town of Ubud. Goa Gajah is a “must-see” for many tourists here.
Goa Lawah: The Bat Cave
Goa Lawah is another temple and this time its in a cave full of nectar-drinking bats. They pose no threat to human beings and it makes for a very exciting time to watch them swarm out of the cave at sunset.
This site isn’t as busy as Goa Gajah and it’s a nice place to get a glimpse of locals interacting with their temples.
Goa Jepang: Klungkung Cave
This complex is completely free to enter (probably because the entrance sits on the main road and thus, it’s impossible to police).
However, there’s not much known about this property and while you’re free to explore at will and take photos, you can’t get much insight into the Japanese who used these caves as prisons during World War 2.
KelingKing Beach: The T-Rex Cave
The trail along the famous Kelingking beach (which is known as the T-Rex beach as the rock formations look like the famous dinosaur when viewed from above), leads you to several small caves.
You are completely free to explore them to your heart’s content, just make sure to keep an eye on the time and the tides, you don’t want to get trapped in them when the water comes in.
Banyumala Waterfall: Tirta Kuning Cave Temple
This wonderful temple near one of Bali’s most famous waterfalls is a bit of a journey but if you’ve ever wanted to witness many-coloured waters in a cave setting, this is the place to do it.
The waters here have five individual colours and are believed to help keep pests at bay around the location of the temple.
We should note that you cannot bathe in or drink these waters, they’re poisonous to people.
Ubud To Taro: Cave Trekking
If you’re staying in one of the many pleasant hotels in Ubud, then we recommend that you join a trek from Ubud to the village of Taro.
Not only will you get to see this lovely traditional village and participate in the local handicrafts, but you’ll also encounter some fairly dramatic caves along the route.
Mount Lesung: Cave Trekking (Nagaloka Cave)
This cave can be found on the slopes of Mount Lesung and you can join an organized tour to this destination which involves a 4-5 hour round trip hike. (This hike features on our best hikes in Bali list).
The Naga-loka are figures from Buddhist lore and the cave has plenty of art depicting the glory of these mythical figures.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Hidden Cave Complex
If you visit Kanto Lampo then your admission fee includes access to the Tan Hana Cave nearby and it’s only a few minutes walk from the waterfalls.
It’s only a small cave and you won’t have any problems exploring it safely by yourself.
Suluban Beach: Hidden Caves
This surfing hotspot is also home to some pleasant hidden caves, they’re best explored at low tide when the water is far out and you can easily get inside them and navigate around.
Just don’t get stuck inside when the tide comes in, you don’t want to spend a night in Bali treading water in a cave by the beach, it wouldn’t be much fun.
The Cave: Dining In A Cave
Chef Ryan Clift was inspired to turn a cave into a must-visit destination restaurant and if you don’t fancy a walk through rice fields or down a cliff to find your perfect cave in Bali, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Cave.
This fine dining restaurant offers just 22 seats with 3 sittings a day (two for dinner, one for lunch).
The first dinner sitting is a 7-course set menu for 1,600,000 ++ IDR per person or 3,000,000 IDR++ per head with wine and cocktail pairings for each course.
The lunch and second dinner settings offer the same 7-course menu and an additional 10-course set menu which is 2,150,000++ for the food and 3,900,000++ per head including wine and cocktail pairings.
You must book in advance to secure a seat and just like with an entrance fee, there is no refund of the 50% deposit if you decide to cancel.
It’s one of the island’s most popular restaurant attractions and if you want to visit, we’d recommend you book a long time in advance, particularly during the high season.
FAQs
Does Bali Have Caves?
Yes! As you might expect from an island made mainly of volcanic rock, there are plenty of caves in Bali. Not all of them are open to the public or safe to visit but many of them are.
How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Elephant Cave In Bali?
The current entry fee to the elephant cave (Goa Gajah) is 50,000 IDR per person.
This fee is subject to revision at any time, of course, and we would note that many attractions in Bali are currently increasing their entry fees.
How Old Is The Cave In Bali?
We assume you mean, the restaurant, “The Cave”. The cave it is based in was discovered in 2013 and then renovated by Chef Ryan Clift to welcome visitors a couple of years later. It has been in continuous use as a restaurant ever since.
How To Book A Trip To See Caves In Bali?
We always recommend that you book tours of Bali through the awesome people at Bali Res Centre. That’s a locally based, owned and operated travel service that specializes in Balinese travel.
The team there have been delighting tourists and exceeding their expectations for years and the tours are first-rate.
Final Thoughts On Bali’s Rich Cultural Heritage And Caving Experiences
Bali has some awesome caves to visit. From temples carved out of the rock to amazing restaurants located deep underground, there’s something for everybody here.
Our team visited every site on our list of 10 caves on the island to ensure you’d have a great time at any of these places.
Just remember, once you’ve worked up a thirst from caving, we’ll be waiting for you at FINNS, the world’s best beach club, with cold beers and comfy chairs for you to relax in.
