Bedulu is a small village to the northeast of Denpasar in southern Bali. It lies on the main route to Ubud from the Bali capital and is known for its 11th century Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah.
Bedulu makes a good day trip for those staying in Denpasar, or the southern beaches in Sanur and Kuta, as well as for those visiting Ubud. The village sits on the banks of the Petanu River at 280m above sea level and is surrounded by interesting sights - the cave and the famous Yeh Pulu carvings being popular.
Other sights in and around Bedulu include the Gedong Arca archaeological museum, with its ancient artifacts from around Bali, and the lofty Gunung Kawi (Kawi Mountain). If you get the chance, attend a culture night and see the quirky Kecak Dance.
Where to Go
Attractions
- Yeh Pulu: 27-meter long stone rock carvings believed to be one of the oldest in the whole of Bali.
- Goa Gajah: (Elephant Cave) - The main attraction in Bedulu is a couple of kilometers out of town, with its resemblance to an elephant’s mouth at the entrance.
- Gedong Arca: This archaeological museum has many revealing artifacts from the early Balinese dynasties from various digs around the region.
Side Trips
- Ubud: The main cultural attraction in the Balinese south is a favored tourist destination for its setting, culture, and arts.
Events
- Pura Samuan Tiga: A standard celebration of the Pura Samuan Tiga temple anniversary in Bedulu village.
Getting There
Buses go direct to Bedulu heading from Denpasar, via the villages of Sukawati and Sakah. Bedulu is 26kms from the capital and around an hour by bus or bemo. The nearest major airport - Ngurah Rai - is just outside Denpasar and receives flights from all over Southeast Asia.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Only really if you’re into Bali cultural attractions.
- What to do: visit Goa Gajah Cave, walk around the archaeological museum.
- Best time to go: May through to September for the driest weather.
- How long? A couple of hours in Bedulu should suffice.
- Trivia: Bedulu was near to the center of the Balinese dynasties.