Elephant Cave vs Tirta Empul Temple
Both are endorsed by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Tirta Empul Temple ranks significantly higher than Elephant Cave. Tirta Empul Temple scores 90 with accolades from 3 reviewers such as Frommer's, Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet.
Elephant Cave
Peliatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
From $0 /night
Concierge
"The "Elephant Cave," discovered by a farmer in 1923, is a temple that dates back to the 11th century."
Travel + Leisure
"An ancient (circa 11th-century) Buddhist and Hindu temple that’s one of Bali’s most bewitching tourist attractions."
Full review
Frommer's
"One of Bali’s most visited tourist sites is a grotto of elaborate stone carvings from the 9th century."
Full review
Fodor's
"There are more theories about the origins of Goa Gajah and its name than there ever were native elephants on Bali."
Full review
Tirta Empul Temple
Banjar Tampak Siring, Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia
From $0 /night
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The site of an annual pilgrimage (at the full moon in the fourth month), Tirta Empul and its reputedly magical."
Full review
Travel + Leisure
"One of the holiest temples on an island that is home to more than 20,000, Tirta Empul, in the small town of Tampaksiring, is a half-hour drive outside of Ubud."
Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"An important sacred water temple for more than 1,000 years, contains a warren of shrines, gates, courtyards, and purification pools where Balinese Hindus “baptize” themselves...come to feel moved. "
Full review
i
Equally popular with travelers, the temple commands a 15,000 rupiah ($1) entry fee and the wearing of a sarong.
Frommer's
"Balinese regard these springs as sacred and people come from miles around to bath in these waters."
Full review