Welcome to
Goa Gajah Bali

Goa Gajah Bali. There were never any elephants on Bali, the cave probably takes its name from the nearby Sungai Petanu, which at one time was known as Elephant River, or perhaps because the face over the cave entrance might resemble an elephant

The origins of the cave are uncertain, one tale relates that it was created by the finger-nail of the legendary giant Kebo Iwa. It probably dates to the 11th century, and was certainly in existence during the Majapahit takeover of Bali. The cave was rediscovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923, but the fountains and pool were found until 1954.

The cave is carved into a rock face and you enter through the cavernous mouth of a demon. The gigantic fingertips pressed beside the face of the demon push back a riotous jungle of surrounding stone carvings.

to return to the main page of week 6, click here

To leave Goa Gajah Bali page and return to the main page, please click here