Looking for a quiet historical site in Bali that still feels authentic? Yeh Pulu Temple in Ubud, Bali, is a hidden sanctuary for travelers drawn to meaningful cultural discovery. It’s not a museum or tourist performance; it’s a centuries-old spiritual site with temple elements, carved directly into nature.
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Tucked away in Bedulu Village, just 15–20 minutes from central Ubud, the heritage temple site sits in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by rice paddies and forest edges. Above all, the setting is raw and untouched, offering a quiet path that leads to one of Bali’s oldest cultural landmarks.
Instead of polished walkways or glass panels, you’ll find stone, soil, and a living connection to Bali’s ancestral past.
If you’re the kind of traveler who values reflection over rush and real stories over showmanship, this quiet temple in Ubud belongs on your itinerary.
Editor’s Note:
The Wira Tour Bali team independently wrote this article after a direct field visit. We are not affiliated with the official management of Yeh Pulu. This guide is based on firsthand experience to help travelers explore the site respectfully and accurately.
All photos © Wira Tour Bali unless otherwise credited.
Quick Answers
| Location | Bedulu Village, 15–20 minutes from Ubud |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Daily, 07.00–18.00 |
| Ticket Price | IDR 30,000 (adults) / IDR 15,000 (kids). Cash only, paid on-site. |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning (08.00–09.00) or late afternoon |
| Visit Duration | ±30–45 minutes |
| Highlights | 14th-century rock relief carved into a forest-side cliff |
This guide is written for independent travelers seeking quieter, culturally meaningful places in Bali.
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Why Visit Yeh Pulu Temple in Ubud?
Why should you visit Yeh Pulu Ubud instead of Bali’s more famous landmarks?
Because it offers something most tourist hotspots don’t, a quiet, cultural escape with deep ancestral presence.
Set beside rice fields and forest edges in Bedulu Village, this cultural landmark gives you more than just sights. It invites slow exploration. The setting is raw, peaceful, and tuned to Bali’s older rhythm, where stone, water, and history speak softly through time.
Yeh Pulu Temple isn’t a conventional pura with elaborate shrines or ornate gates. Instead, it’s often referred to as a heritage temple because of its sacred spring, cliffside shrine area, and the occasional blessings performed by local caretakers. While it doesn’t hold daily ceremonies, the site blends historical reliefs with spiritual function and remains a respected place of cultural reverence in the community.
While Ubud’s better-known sites like the Monkey Forest or Tegallalang Rice Terraces are often busy and curated, the cliffside sanctuary remains understated, even in Bali’s peak seasons. You won’t find fences, fixed routes, or performance crowds here. Just a path, nature, and history, unfiltered.
If you’re drawn to places that feel lived-in, intimate, and rooted in cultural memory, the Yeh Pulu Temple Bali site offers a rare kind of presence, one you walk into, not through.
Where Is Yeh Pulu, and How Do You Get There?
Yeh Pulu Location in Bedulu Village
Where is the cultural landmark located?
Yeh Pulu Temple is located in Bedulu Village, Gianyar Regency, around 6–7 kilometers east of Ubud. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes if you use a private vehicle.
You can view it on Google Maps.
Transportation Options from Ubud
If you’re traveling independently, you can reach the site by scooter or car, depending on your group size.
For a more relaxed experience, especially if you plan to combine Yeh Pulu Bedulu with nearby temples like Goa Gajah or Tirta Empul, hiring a private car with a driver offers the most flexibility.
Therefore, this allows you to move at your own pace, ideal for travelers who prefer unhurried cultural exploration over fixed tours.
There’s no public transport to the site, so private transport is the best option.
Yeh Pulu Ticket Prices, Hours & Entry Rules in [2025]
Opening Hours
What time is Yeh Pulu open?
You can visit any day of the week. The site opens at 07.00 and closes at 18.00, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Yeh Pulu Bali Entrance Ticket Prices (2025)
For Indonesian Citizens:
- Adults: IDR 20,000
- Children (5–11): IDR 10,000
For International Visitors:
- Adults: IDR 30,000
- Children (5–11): IDR 15,000
Parking Fees:
- Scooter: IDR 2,000
- Car: IDR 5,000
Tickets are sold directly at the entrance near the parking area. There’s no online booking, but you won’t wait long. Lines are short and move quickly.
What to Know Before You Go
- Bring cash. There’s no card or QR payment available.
- Entry is managed directly by the village. It’s simple and welcoming.
- You won’t be charged for taking photos; feel free to capture the experience.
- Parking is limited, especially on holidays. Come early if you’re arriving with a group.
- Your ticket helps maintain this quiet heritage temple, cared for by the local community.
Best Times to Visit Yeh Pulu Bali
When is the best time to go?
- Morning (08.00–09.00): The soft eastern light highlights the stone carvings. Great for peaceful exploration and photos.
- Late Afternoon (16.00–17.00): Fewer people, cooler air, and a calming mood.
Avoid Midday (10.00–14.00):
If you visit during peak sun, come prepared:
- Wear a hat or bring an umbrella.
- Use sunglasses.
- Stay hydrated.
- Choose light, breathable footwear.
How Long to Spend at The Carving Site
How much time should you plan?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes here. That’s enough to walk the short trail, view the full carving, and enjoy the calm surroundings without feeling rushed.
What Will You See at Yeh Pulu Temple, Ubud?
Walking the Trail and On-Site Facilities
What is it like to visit Yeh Pulu Ubud on foot?
Your visit starts with a brief walk through rice fields and shaded greenery. The trail is flat and easy, only five minutes from the parking area, making it suitable for all ages.
As you walk, you will hear the sounds of rice stalks rustling, water flowing, and birds calling from the trees. A narrow stream runs next to the trail, and traditional irrigation canals pass through the rice paddies.
What to expect along the trail
- Trail duration: About five minutes from the entrance to the site.
- Path condition: Flat dirt and stone, easy to walk on for both kids and adults.
- Scenery: Rice terraces, jungle edges, a quiet stream, and village views.
Facilities available on-site
- Parking for scooters and cars.
- The toilet is halfway to the relief from the ticket counter.
- A small souvenir stall run by residents.
- Optional guides are available at the entrance.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find a sacred spring and a large boulder. This peaceful spot marks the beginning of the Yeh Pulu Temple relief.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots?
Where can you take the best photos at Yeh Pulu Temple, Ubud?
The Ubud’s hidden carving site isn’t built for staged shots, and that’s what makes it memorable.
Top photo spots
- Relief entrance: Step back for a wide-angle view of the entire carving as it lines the cliff.
- End of the trail: Frame the sacred spring jar with surrounding trees and stones.
Photo tips
- Use HDR to enhance stone texture and shadow contrast.
- Shoot from a low angle to capture the height and curve of the cliff.
- Avoid midday. Bright light flattens detail and washes out depth.
What’s the Story Behind the Yeh Pulu Relief?
Overview of the Cliff Carvings
What is the Yeh Pulu Temple relief?
The heritage site is a 26.5-meter-long stone relief carved directly into a cliff in Bali. Standing around three meters tall, it’s one of Ubud’s most complete and unaltered ancient carvings.
The entire artwork remains in its original location, fully exposed to the open air, no barriers, no reconstructions, just time-worn stone in its natural setting.
This is not a museum display; it’s a preserved site you can walk beside in its original outdoor setting.
Historical Background and Meaning of the Relief
What do the Yeh Pulu carvings show?
The relief stretches 26.5 meters along the cliff face and tells a quiet story of life in Bali’s ancient forests.
Figures of farmers, noble characters, and forest dwellers appear in a distinctive style called “pepatran serba kaku”, a form of early Balinese art marked by stiff postures, leaf patterns, and expressive kala faces carved into the stone.
As inscribed at the site:
The Yeh Pulu relief tells the story of life in the forest, featuring rigidly carved figures adorned with leaf decorations, known as ‘pepatran serba kaku.’” (Yeh Pulu Inscription Photo, Bedulu Village)
Scholars date the carvings to the 14th century, toward the end of the Bedahulu Kingdom and just before the Majapahit cultural wave reshaped Bali. The figures likely represent farmers, sages, noble characters, and spiritual scenes drawn from the local worldview of the time.
The relief unfolds in a continuous narrative showing forest life, rituals, and mythic scenes, culminating in a seated Ganesha figure that anchors the site’s spiritual meaning.
The site was rediscovered in 1925 by a local official (Punggawa Ubud) and later documented by Dutch artist Nieuwenkamp. His report to the Oudheidkundig Dienst noted early erosion from irrigation runoff, but the carvings have remained remarkably intact.
In 1929, archaeologist Dr. W.F. Stutterheim led the formal excavation and observed stylistic ties between Yeh Pulu Bedulu and Candi Penataran in East Java, suggesting broader cultural links across the archipelago. (Source: BPCB Bali – Situs Pura).
The name Yeh Pulu derives from yeh (water) and pulu (jar), referring to the sacred spring and stone vessel at the base of the site. Still flowing today, this spring remains in ceremonial use by the local community, anchoring Yeh Pulu’s spiritual relevance beyond its carvings.
For those drawn to places where history, nature, and ritual still live together, Bedulu sanctuary offers more than a visual experience; it invites presence.
What Makes Yeh Pulu Temple Unique Among Bali’s Heritage Sites?
What makes Yeh Pulu different from other cultural sites in Bali?
At Yeh Pulu, nothing feels staged. The carvings haven’t been moved or restored with modern materials—they’re still out in the open, weathered by time and nature.
There are no ropes or fences. You’re free to walk beside the cliff, pause where you like, and take in the details at your own pace. No loud tour groups, no guided paths—just an honest connection with Bali’s past.
The site is looked after by local villagers, not polished for performance. If you’re someone who prefers quiet observation over crowded photo ops, the heritage site will speak to you.
What Other Places Can You Visit Near Yeh Pulu?
Nearby Attractions from Yeh Pulu Bali
The temple pairs well with a few nearby heritage sites that share a similar atmosphere of reflection and cultural depth.
If you’re planning a cultural day trip around East Ubud, consider adding:
- Goa Gajah (±5 minutes). An ancient meditation cave with carved stone guardians and sacred springs.
- Pura Gunung Kawi (±25 minutes). A temple complex carved into a river valley cliffside, serene and steeped in history.
- Tirta Empul (±30 minutes). A famous water temple where locals and visitors take part in purification rituals.
These places enhance the calm and meaningful atmosphere of Yeh Pulu Temple in Ubud. They are deeply connected to Bali’s heritage.
How to Plan a Day Around Yeh Pulu Ubud Bali
- Start your morning with a visit to Goa Gajah or Tirta Empul.
- By midday, head to Yeh Pulu Bedulu for a quiet, unhurried cultural stop.
- In the afternoon, continue to Gunung Kawi or another nearby heritage site to round out your day.
All sites are nearby, so travel time stays short.
If you’d like to visit this temple site and nearby temples on a flexible route, message us on WhatsApp to arrange a private car.
FAQ – Visiting Yeh Pulu Bali: What Travelers Need to Know
Do I need a guide at Yeh Pulu Bali?
No. A guide isn’t required, but local guides are available at the entrance if you’d like deeper context about the carvings. Fees are flexible based on your time and interest.
What shoes are best for walking the Yeh Pulu trail?
Wear shoes with a grip. See the walking trail section above for full tips.
Are there etiquette rules for visiting Yeh Pulu Temple?
Yes. This is a sacred cultural site.
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
- Keep your voice low
- Don’t touch the stone water jar near the spring
Is Yeh Pulu suitable for kids or older visitors?
Yes, with light assistance. The trail is short and flat, but not stroller or wheelchair-accessible. Use a baby carrier for toddlers. Older people may need help with uneven steps.
Do I need a sarong to enter?
No sarong needed. Just dress respectfully.
Is Yeh Pulu Worth Including in Your Bali Itinerary?
Is Yeh Pulu Temple worth visiting during your Bali trip?
Yes. If you enjoy ancient sites, cultural meaning, and places that aren’t overrun with tourists, Yeh Pulu Bedulu is worth your time.
You’ll enjoy Yeh Pulu Bali if you:
- Want to see authentic rock carvings etched into a natural cliff
- Prefer quiet, cultural spaces without commercialization
- Appreciate heritage sites that still matter to local communities
Even a brief visit can create a lasting impression. You can easily combine it with Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul, or a scenic drive to Kintamani for a full-day cultural experience.