From Ubud it's a short journey to both Goa Gajah, the elephant cave, and Tirta Empul, the holy water temple. We were lucky enough to hire a driver for the morning, but you can also do the trip with your own transport or as part of a tour group.
Goa Gajah, otherwise known as the elephant cave is an 11th century temple around 6km from Ubud. Entry to Goa Gajah is 15,000 RP per person ($1.50) and car parking is 5,000RP (50c). After a short walk from the carpark you find yourself at the top of some steps down to the main site, the cave itself is incredible and there's long walks to take around the tropical gardens also, beware there's a lot of steps though. Despite the name elephant cave, there's no elephants and no one can agree on where the name came from either.
Our next stop was Tirta Empul, the holy water temple, which is in the town of Tampaksiring around 15km from Ubud. Tirta Empul is another Hindu temple, where locals head to be cleansed by the holy spring waters which rise in the temple grounds. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Entry is 15,000 RP per person and full temple dress should be worn, spare sarongs and sash's are available. If you wish to bathe in the holy water this must be done clothed and a donation should be offered.
If you've got more than a morning a trip to Gunung Kawi is also a great way to spend some time, sadly we had to give it a miss due to the 300 or so steps to and from the temple complex.
xo