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Pura Kehen is one of Bali’s most beautiful and historic temples, tucked into the cool highlands of Bangli. This ancient sanctuary, once the royal temple of the Bangli kingdom, blends dramatic stonework, towering shrines, and living tradition in a serene setting. If the plan is to slow down and feel Bali’s spiritual heartbeat, Pura Kehen should be on the route.
Pura Kehen sits in Cempaga, about 2km north of Bangli town, terraced up a wooded hillside with a sweeping staircase and richly carved gates leading to three sacred courtyards. The temple’s story stretches back at least to the 13th century, and copper inscriptions point to even earlier structures in the 9th and 11th centuries, when it was known as Hyang Api and Hyang Kehen—names tied to the symbolism of sacred fire. Travelers today come for its peaceful atmosphere, graceful architecture, and a magnificent banyan tree with a wooden drum tower (bale kulkul) woven into its trunk.
Pura Kehen sits in Cempaga
Pura Kehen lies on Jl. Sriwijaya in Cempaga, Bangli Regency, set on the lower slopes of a green, wooded hill about 2km north of Bangli’s center. The temple is generally open daily between 8:00 and 17:00, though some sources note opening from 9:00; hours can change on ceremony days. Several sources list different ticket prices by year; recent guides commonly report IDR50,000 including sarong rental for international visitors, with small parking fees for cars and scooters. Some sites still list older prices (IDR15,000) or “free,” but plan for the updated range and bring cash.
Pura Kehen means “temple of the flame,” expressing its deep link to sacred fire in Balinese Hinduism. Inscriptions found here show a layered history: references in the late 9th century (Hyang Api), then the early 11th century (Hyang Kehen), and later a 1204 inscription detailing royal orders and ceremonial guidance—evidence of the temple’s civic and spiritual stature in the Bangli kingdom. Some travel guides describe Pura Kehen as a smaller-scale counterpart to Pura Besakih, noting similarities in its terraced layout and symbolic hierarchy, though its design remains unique to Bangli.
Architectural highlights:
Pura Kehen Temple
Arrive to a dramatic stairway—most sources note around 38 steps, though some guides count closer to 50 depending on how the stair levels are measured—flanked by statues from epic tales, guiding the climb to the first courtyard. The outer court centers around the sacred banyan and drum tower, while the inner court presents the vertical grace of the meru and clusters of shrines, all set against the cool, quiet backdrop of Bangli’s hills.
Travelers often find Pura Kehen calmer than the south’s headline temples, with time and space to absorb carvings and rituals without crowds.
Dress code and etiquette: Shoulders and knees must be covered; sarong and sash are often included with the ticket, and respectful behavior in active worship areas is essential. Photography is generally allowed outside of active rites; always follow signage and staff guidance.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler air, and fewer visitors; the dry season (April–October) offers the most stable weather inland. Ceremonial days—including the annual Ngusaba Dewa festival around the full moon of the fifth Balinese month—bring vibrant rituals but may restrict visitor access. Like many Balinese temples, Pura Kehen may also observe periodic piodalan ceremonies.
Facilities: Basic toilets are available; bring small bills for entrance and parking, as card acceptance is rare here and nearby ATMs are limited.
From Ubud, the trip to Pura Kehen typically takes about 1 hour; from Denpasar, roughly 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Hiring a car with a driver for the day is the simplest option, allowing time to pair Pura Kehen with other inland sights. Rideshare services can work, but arrange return transport in advance given the quieter location.
This gentle loop keeps travel times short and lets the day flow at a relaxed pace.
Cempaga village
Topic
Key Info
Notes
Location
Cempaga, 2km north of Bangli center
Hillside, terraced layout
Hours
Typically 8:00–17:00 daily
Ceremonies may affect access
Entry
Commonly IDR50,000 incl. sarong
Bring cash; parking IDR5k–10k
Yes—its royal history, candi kurung gate, banyan drum tower, and 11-tier meru offer distinctive highlights in a quieter setting than many south Bali sites.
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; sarong and sash are typically included with the ticket at Pura Kehen.
Early morning or late afternoon in the dry season (Apr–Oct) for cooler air and gentle light; ceremonial days add color but may limit access.
Planning a visit to Pura Kehen often means routing through Bali with time for side trips around Indonesia or Southeast Asia. For a smooth arrival, sort visas before travel and keep status updates handy. With GVC, applying for an e‑visa can be done online in minutes, helping ensure entry is ready when it’s time to climb the temple stairs. Start with a quick application, then track progress and review fees in one place to avoid surprises. For multi-country itineraries, applying early keeps flexibility for last-minute route changes. Consider saving the key links on the phone for easy access at the airport or hotel. Apply online with GVC, check the latest status while on the road, and review pricing before confirming plans. Begin the process here with a simple e‑visa application, monitor updates, and view current service prices—everything needed for a calm, temple-focused journey.
Helpful internal links in this post: begin the e‑visa process with a quick online form, follow up with live status updates, and confirm the latest service fees before checkout using the GVC tools above.
Note: Temple details such as opening hours and fees can change due to ceremonies or local policy; always confirm current information close to the visit.
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