Pura Kehen: A Traveler’s Guide to Bali’s Temple of Fire

Axel Donovan

August 14, 2025

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 Bali: Where It Is and How to Visit

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.

Distance and setting: 2km north of Bangli’s center, terraced up a hillside in Cempaga.
Opening hours: Generally 8:00–17:00 daily; hours may vary during ceremonies.
Entry: Recent reports mention ticket prices ranging from IDR15,000 to IDR50,000 depending on the source and visitor type, usually including a sarong rental, plus small parking fees (IDR5,000–10,000).

Pura Kehen Temple: History, Meaning, and Architecture

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:

Eight-tiered terraces and three main courtyards (outer, middle, inner), linked by ornately carved gates.
A candi kurung (enclosed gate) rather than the typical split gate, setting Pura Kehen apart from many Balinese temples.
A massive banyan tree in the first courtyard with a bale kulkul (drum tower) incorporated into the living trunk.
An 11-tier meru shrine in the inner courtyard, dedicated within a pantheon that includes thrones for Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Pura Kehen Temple

What to Expect on the Grounds

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.

Staircase ascent with Ramayana figures and terraced landscaping.
Sacred banyan tree and drum tower, a living symbol of the temple community.
11-roof meru in the inner sanctum, with other shrines for key deities.

Travelers often find Pura Kehen calmer than the south’s headline temples, with time and space to absorb carvings and rituals without crowds.

Practical Tips for Visiting

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.

Getting There

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.

Ubud to Pura Kehen: ~1 hour by car.
Kintamani to Pura Kehen: ~30 minutes by car, making it an easy add-on to a volcano or lake day.
Tours and tickets: Many tour operators include Kehen on East/Central Bali circuits, and some platforms offer booking and bundles.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

Early start from Ubud or Sanur.
Pura Kehen for morning light and quiet courtyards.
Coffee stop in Bangli; countryside views around Cempaga village.
Optional add-ons: Penglipuran traditional village or a Kintamani viewpoint.

This gentle loop keeps travel times short and lets the day flow at a relaxed pace.

Cempaga village

Quick Reference Table

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

Travel Tips at a Glance

Dress modestly; use the provided sarong and sash when needed.
Arrive early or late for the best light and fewer crowds.
Carry small cash; ATMs are limited near the temple.
Be mindful during ceremonies; some areas may close or be restricted.
Pair with nearby cultural stops for a richer day in Bangli.

Pura Kehen FAQs

Is Pura Kehen worth visiting compared to Bali’s bigger temples?

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.

What should be worn when visiting?

Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; sarong and sash are typically included with the ticket at Pura Kehen.

When is the best time to go?

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.

Travel Admin Made Easy: Pura Kehen Trips with GVC

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.

Start an application now: Apply online with GVC https://www.globalvisacorp.com/apply-visa
Track progress anytime: Check current e‑visa status https://www.globalvisacorp.com/check-status
Confirm costs upfront: See pricing before you book https://www.globalvisacorp.com/pricing
Make a secure payment when ready https://www.globalvisacorp.com/make-payment

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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