Pura Kebo Edan, Pejeng: The 3.6-Metre Giant Most Tourists Drive Past

In the middle of Pejeng village, Tampaksiring district, stands a small temple holding one of the largest and strangest statues in Bali. Pura Kebo Edan sits only about 5 km from central Ubud, yet nearly every tour group drives straight past it on the way to Tirta Empul or Goa Gajah. Inside its inner courtyard stands a figure roughly 3.6 metres tall, nicknamed the Giant of Pejeng.

The Shiva Bhairawa statue, the “Giant of Pejeng”

The main statue depicts Shiva in his Bhairawa form: a giant body, curly hair, a mask over the face, and a dancing pose above a human figure. Archaeological records put its height at around 362 cm — practically twice the height of an adult.

• Estimated age: 13th to 14th century, the period of Singhasari influence in Bali.
• Decorative serpents coil around the wrists and ankles, a hallmark of Bhairawa iconography.
• Its blunt anatomical detail is often read by researchers as a trace of Tantrayana practice.
• The statue was designated a protected cultural heritage object of Gianyar Regency in 2019.

Not just one statue

The name “Kebo Edan” (mad buffalo) comes from a large, ferocious buffalo statue on the temple grounds. Dozens of ancient statues are scattered across the courtyard — the figure often quoted is around 55 — including Ganesha, Nandi and an elephant. Some are worn smooth by age, others are still wrapped in black-and-white poleng cloth and receive daily offerings, because this is still an active temple.

Route, etiquette and best timing

• From Ubud: about 15 minutes by scooter along Jalan Raya Pejeng, the same road as the Gedong Arca Archaeological Museum.
• From Denpasar: roughly 1 hour (about 35 km) via Sukawati and Blahbatuh.
• Dress respectfully: wear a sarong and sash, covering shoulders and knees; loaners are sometimes available on site, but bringing your own is safer.
• Ideal visit: 20–30 minutes — easy to combine with Pura Penataran Sasih and Pura Pusering Jagat, both only 1–2 km away.
• Come in the morning, around 08:00–10:00, while the light is soft and the courtyard is genuinely empty.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps
• Hours & tickets: generally open during daylight hours, roughly 08:00–17:00; there is no official fee, just a voluntary donation of around Rp10,000–20,000 in the donation box.
• How to visit: come directly by rented scooter or car; a local Ubud guide can explain the iconography in far greater depth. Avoid entering during a piodalan or ongoing ceremony.
• Social: search on Instagram

Staying overnight in Ubud or Gianyar lets you explore the Pejeng sites slowly from early morning — compare prices and book your stay voucher at AccessiaPass before you go.