Fodor's Expert Review Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

There are more theories about the origins of Goa Gajah and its name than there ever were native elephants on Bali. What's indisputable is this Hindu holy place dates back at least 1,000 years. The T-shaped cave interior has elaborate stone carvings and a statue of the Hindu elephant god Ganesha, which is a tribute to Goa Gajah name but not the reason for it. The courtyard outside the cave has sculptured female figures filling a pair of bathing pools. Consider visiting Goa Gajah, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) southeast of central Ubud, by bicycle and walking or pedaling through scenic rice fields to nearby Yeh Pulu (Rp20,000) for its panoramic 14th century rock carvings depicting village life.