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Photo: User:China_Crisis, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The centerpiece here is a cave dating back to the 9th century, the entrance to which is an ornately carved demon's mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha. Large, carved guards stand around pools near the entrance, and a little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields, and some Buddhist stupa fragments. Some parts of the Goa Gajah complex were not excavated until the 1950s. Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 30-60 min visit without guide. Unclear if dirt path to rice fields and elephant river is usable/maintained.
Goa Gajah, lit. meaning "The Elephant Cave", is located in Gianyar on the island of Bali near Ubud, in Indonesia. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary.
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Introduction to the exotic ingredients and unique culinary heritage of Bali, set in Balinese compound.
This complex of rock carvings is close to Goa Gajah but far less well known. The carvings date from the fourteenth or fifteenth century, and are set in a very attractive rice field. You can reach Yeh Pulu on foot through the rice fields from Goa Gajah, but you will definitely need a guide for the 45-minute walk as there is no path to speak of. In addition to the carvings, there is a holy well here, and the attendant priest will be happy to bless you with the well water. Temple dress code applies (you can rent a sarong at the ticket counter without extra charge). This is a much underrated and under-visited site, and is highly recommended.
This fascinating museum displays more than a thousand masks and puppets from across Indonesia and around the world. Traditional Balinese, Javanese and international theatrical traditions are represented within a peaceful complex of traditional wooden houses surrounded by gardens.
A wide range of Balinese paintings is exhibited here, both traditional and modern. Run by its owner, artist Nyoman Rudana, who is often present.
Hotel transfer, light breakfast overlooking Mt. Batur, well maintained bikes, water en route, lunch, insurance covered.
Free pickup from hotel, breakfast with a view of Mount Batur, visit to coffee plantation, downhill cycling through rice paddies and villages, visit to a Balinese family compound, optional flat/uphill cycling and a generous buffet lunch. Two guides per group, bikes in good condition, helmets, water also included. Also do volcano climbs, jungle treks, etc.