Timeline
17:59
Buy a sarong and sash for entry, then climb down the 371 steps into the valley. The descent is steep, so take your time to adjust your breathing and let the heat of the day fade.
18:24
Walk the path between the larger complex (the King's residence) and the smaller one (the wives' burial site). The paddy fields around the stone reliefs catch the last intense rays of the sun, creating long shadows and a deep golden hue.
18:44
Stand at the edge of the valley as the sun sets toward the WSW. The light fades quickly from gold to blue, silhouetting the ancient carvings against the darkening sky.
19:14
Climb back up the steps. The return journey is harder in the fading light, so use your phone light or a small torch if available. Once at the top, the relief of seeing the full sequence complete is worth the effort.
Local tip
The site opens at 07:00 and closes at 17:00. Since sunset is at 18:44, you must enter before 17:00. The climb down and back up takes significant time, so arriving early ensures you have enough daylight to explore the carvings and still be at the bottom for the golden hour.
Check before you go
- Entry requires a sarong and sash (Rp30,000 for adults, Rp15,000 for children).
- The site closes at 17:00. You cannot enter after this time.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the 371 steep steps.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Ubud (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).