Located in Tampaksiring Village in a steep valley by the Pakerisan River, this monolithic ancient monument carved out of a massive rock face was believed to have been constructed in the 11th century as burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his wives.  Known as the ‘Valley of The Kings,’ the shrines that commemorate the deified rulers are made up of five candi, one for the king and four for his wives.  To the south of the main structures is a maze of cloisters carved into the cliff that used to serve as the inner sanctum of priestly guardians to the king.

Bali's own Valley of the Kings is Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring. This collection of candi is beautifully situated in a river valley surrounded by rice fields and jungle. It is a collection of ten candi, created to evoke the appearance of temple fronts and designed to provide residence for the souls of ancient kings. The candi are hewn into the valley walls on both sides of the Pekerisan River. On the east side of the river are situated five candi which constitute the main group in this complex. Across the bridge are four candi on the west side. The remaining candi at the southern end is often referred to as the ‘tenth tomb’. At the bottom of the stairway and to your right-hand side through a small field (about one kilometer) is where the tenth tomb is located.

This area preserves many ancient sites; stone sculptures and rock cut structures, especially along the slope of Pakerisan River.