Gunung Kawi temple situated at Sebatu Hamlet, Tegalalang-Gianyar and some 55 km from Denpasar, has unique tale to tell. The words Gunung Kawi are derived from word gunung (mount) and Kawi meaning ‘ is made’.

Gunung Kawi temple is estimated to have been made into a sojourn or hermitage by mahareshi from java. Rishi Markandeya hundreds of years ago. At that time , he was undertaking pilgrimage mission from Java to Bali. A stone plate was found where the Maharishi formerly performed austerity when he first set foot there. That’s why the place is known as Sebatu Village.
Other tales tell that sebatu is assumed to be derived from word Sauh and Maserod ( slipping) on a stone. The name of sebatu is associated with unique chronicle of Maya Denawa, a despotic king administering Bali hundreds of years a go. At the time his feet slipped on the stone and that’s how the word sebatu came to be and is still used today.

Gunung Kawi has now become a tourist object, well located and having tranquil atmosphere. In this place there are 10 showers ( spring) having magical quality. They are believed to have quality of curing illness or are medicinal for any kind of calamity striking people, in most cases many visitors do not only only pay a call on this place, but also do worship with simple oblation related to melukat ( purification bathing) in the hope they could avoid illness, obstacles and calamity. Foreign tourist began visiting this temple since 1976. Apart from the climate of its beautiful and serene nature, some of its building are original ones and have magical elements. There are at least 50 visitor coming daily to this object. Predominantly, they come from Italy, America and France among others.