The Sacred Gunung Kawi Temple
Situated in the same district with Tirta Empul temple, Gunung kawi temple is also an ancient temple which is built in 11th century according to some inscriptions. Gunung Kawi is not only a temple but also a funerary in the contrary of Tirta Empul which is a water temple. The complex is stretched along Pakerisan river that comprised ten craved rock-cut shrines with seven metres height. Those shrines are the funeral monuments to honour Anak Wungsu the king of Udayana dynasty.

Gunung Kawi temple complex
As a whole, Gunung kawi temple possess temples, monument, fountains, streams, caves, and offerings. Temples in the complex is divided into east side and west side. According to some theories, the east side temples are dedicated for the king, his wife, and his sons, while the west side temples are dedicated for king's other minor queens. For each side consists of five units of temple. In addition, the north side also has four units of temple and the south side has one unit of temple.
Other than mentioned temple, Gunung kawi temple also has Buddhist temple complex. The complex functions as a place for meditation and residences. Its location is in the east cross of Pakerisan river. There are many caves there which were used by monks to mediate in pre-hindu era. Buddhist complex is near with the temple bunch.

Sceneries in the temple
Famous for its gigantic memorials cut-rock, there some other enchanting sceneries offered by this temple. As located along Pakerisan river and under valleys Gunung kawi temple consists more that two hundreds and seventy steps which will lead you to an earthen vase which holy water sprang. The green vegetation is also another joy you should be grateful. Unique offerings also often presented in front of the temples.
The calm and breeze will refresh your mind and soul. Some rituals also often happen in the temple. The most common one is when the women carrying offering on their head and putting the carrying in front of the shrines. Based on Balinese calendar, every full mon Kapat or in September is the routine traditional ceremony proceed in this temple. Along the way to reach the niches that are cut into cliff face, your eyes will be pleased by terraced rice fields view.
Based on some tourists experience, the walk mostly takes more than ten minutes and the walk is quite challenging since they walk on stairs. So do not forget to fuel up your energy before entering this site. The temple can be visited starting nine morning until five in the afternoon. Do not forget to wear sarongs and do not forget also to take photos since this view is one and only in this world..