Candi Tebing Kalebutan: A Hidden Ancient Relief Carved into the Tukad Petanu Cliffs, Pejeng Kawan

Just a short drive from busy Ubud, at the bottom of the Tukad Petanu river valley, lies Candi Tebing Kalebutan (often spelled Kelebutan): a temple relief about 3.5 metres tall and hermit niches carved directly into the cliff face. This protected heritage site in Banjar Tatiapi Kelod, Pejeng Kawan Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar, is thought to date from the 11th–12th century and is far quieter than Bali’s other cliff temples.

Once a Favourite, Now a Hidden Gem

In the 1970s–80s Kalebutan regularly appeared in Bali guidebooks and was even used as a filming location for Cupak Grantang. Visitor numbers later dropped; BaliPost and NusaBali (2018) reported overgrown bushes and locals staying away after a septage disposal facility (IPALT) was built on the western clifftop. In early 2022, leaders of Banjar Tatiapi Kelod proposed a clean-up and local guides, and explorers were still visiting the site in 2025–2026.

What You Will See

• A candi relief: a shrine façade carved into the soft volcanic rock, simpler in style than Gunung Kawi.
• Hermit niches beside it, once used by ascetics for meditation.
• A spring spout at the foot of the cliff that locals hold sacred; be respectful if someone is praying.

Tips for the Walk Down

• The footpath (partly stepped) to the valley floor is about 500 m return (around 5–10 minutes down), steep and slippery after rain; wear sandals or shoes with good grip.
• Wear a sarong and temple sash (bring your own) as this is a sacred site.
• Come in the morning (08:00–10:00) when the light is soft and the path is dry; avoid heavy rain, as the river can rise.
• Bring drinking water and mosquito repellent; facilities on site are very limited.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Banjar Tatiapi Kelod, Pejeng Kawan Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar — View on Google Maps
• Getting there: about 15–25 minutes’ drive from central Ubud or 25–30 minutes from Tirta Empul; park on the village road and walk down.
• How to visit: no booking needed; just turn up and ask local residents or the temple priest (pemangku) for permission or someone to accompany you. No official ticket has been documented, so bring a voluntary donation of around IDR 10,000–20,000.
• Sensible hours: daylight, roughly 08:00–17:00 WITA.
• Instagram: no verified official account yet — search on Instagram
• Combine with: Pura Penataran Sasih, Goa Garba, Candi Tebing Tegallinggah or Pura Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring.

Want to explore Pejeng’s ancient sites at a relaxed pace? Find a hotel voucher around Ubud on AccessiaPass and make Kalebutan your first morning adventure.