Pura Kehen

About Pura Kehen

Written by the Bali Saku Raba local team · Last verified September 2026

Pura Kehen is the state temple of Bangli Regency, one of the finest examples of traditional Balinese temple architecture in East Bali. Built in the 11th century, the temple features a dramatic ceremonial staircase flanked by stone demonic figures, leading up through three courtyard terraces to a grand eleven-tiered meru tower dedicated to the fire god Brahma.

A massive banyan tree spreads its canopy over the first courtyard, while elaborately carved stone panels depict scenes from Hindu epics. The temple is still actively used by the local community for regular Balinese Hindu ceremonies.

History and setting

Pura Kehen is in Bangli Regency, at the southern foot of Bukit Bangli. The temple is an active place of worship and a heritage site, so its meaning cannot be separated from the community that continues to use it. Official Bangli tourism information places the temple in Br. Pekuwon, Desa Adat Cempaga, Kecamatan Bangli, and records its history through several inscriptions associated with the site.

Pura Kehen gallery image 1
Pura Kehen — gallery image 1

The temple’s name is connected in historical interpretation with earlier references to a sacred fire place. A copper inscription dated Saka 1126, or 1204 CE, records the name Hyang Kehen, while older inscriptional evidence is used to discuss the site’s earlier history. Visitors should read these dates as historical interpretation rather than treating one date as a simple construction certificate.

Architecture and visual details

The approach is marked by a ceremonial staircase and carved stone guardians. Courtyards, gates, shrines, trees, and layered roofs create a sequence that should be viewed from the areas open to visitors. The main meru tower and other architectural elements are part of a sacred compound, not a decorative backdrop. Ask a local caretaker or guide before entering any inner courtyard or taking close photographs.

A large banyan tree and carved reliefs contribute to the temple’s visual character, while the surrounding hill helps explain its position in Bangli. The temple is best experienced slowly: observe the transition from the public approach to more restricted spaces, notice the relationship between stonework and vegetation, and listen to explanations about ritual use. Do not touch carvings, offerings, cloth, or shrine structures.

Worship and visitor etiquette

Pura Kehen remains actively used for Balinese Hindu ceremonies. Access can therefore change according to the religious calendar, preparation, and local decisions. Wear modest clothing, follow any requirement for a sarong or temple attire, and do not enter areas marked for worshippers only. Visitors should not photograph ceremonies, sacred objects, or people without permission.

Keep voices low, silence devices, and walk carefully. Do not sit on shrine platforms, step over offerings, or place personal items in ritual spaces. If a ceremony is taking place, accept that viewing may be limited or unavailable. A respectful visit is more important than seeing every courtyard or obtaining a particular photograph.

Location and planning

Pura Kehen is in Bangli town’s wider area, in the central part of Bali. Travel time varies with traffic, weather, and the starting point. Confirm current entrance arrangements, dress requirements, opening access, and any local restrictions before travelling. Admission and facilities can change, and some areas may close for conservation or ceremony.

The temple can be included in a Bangli cultural itinerary. The Penglipuran Village guide offers a separate living-community visit, while the Batur Geopark Museum guide provides a different museum-based interpretation of the region. Treat each site’s access rules and cultural setting separately.

Responsible temple visits

Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for walking, but keep clothing appropriate for a temple. Stay on designated paths, take rubbish away, and do not remove leaves, flowers, stones, or other material. Support stated local arrangements and ask before hiring a guide or photographing residents. The temple is a living religious place first and a visitor destination second.

Festival dates, ceremony schedules, opening hours, fees, and access can change. Check current information locally and do not rely on historical event dates as a present timetable. Local caretakers’ instructions take priority over general travel advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Pura Kehen?

Pura Kehen is in Bangli Regency, in the Bangli area of central Bali.

Is Pura Kehen an active temple?

Yes. It continues to be used by the local Balinese Hindu community, so access can change during ceremonies and preparation.

What can visitors see?

Visitors can observe the ceremonial approach, carved stone details, courtyards, trees, and temple architecture in areas open to them.

What should visitors wear?

Wear modest clothing and follow current requirements for temple attire, including any sarong or sash instruction.

Can visitors photograph ceremonies?

Ask permission first and follow any request not to photograph people, ritual objects, or sacred activity.

Can opening hours and fees change?

Yes. Access, ceremonies, conservation work, facilities, and fees can change, so confirm locally before visiting.

What to See & Do at Pura Kehen

Active temple in Bangli
Historic inscriptional record
Ceremonial staircase and stone guardians
Layered courtyards and sacred trees

What to Know Before You Go

Dress Wear modest clothing and follow temple attire rules.
Access Respect restricted areas and ceremony-related closures.
Photography Ask before photographing people or ritual activity.

What Our Guests Say

Real Guest Reviews

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RussiaKudo90

RussiaKudo90

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5

I’m happy to leave this review because I know Made personally, and I can honestly say he’s one of the best guides and kindest people you’ll meet in Bali. What makes him special isn’t just his deep knowledge of the island – though that alone is impressive. He knows all the hidden gems, the best times to visit popular spots, and always has interesting stories behind every temple and rice terrace. But more than that, he genuinely cares about the people he’s with. He doesn't treat it like a job; he treats it like he's showing his own friends around his home. I’ve seen how he goes out of his way to make sure everything runs smoothly, how he checks in on comfort and safety, and how he handles any little issue with a smile. He's reliable, patient, and incredibly warm-hearted. If you're looking for someone who will not only show you beautiful places but also make you feel welcome and looked after – Made is your guy. I truly hope this comment helps him, because he absolutely deserves more recognition. Thank you, Made, for being the amazing person and guide that you are! 🙏🇮🇩

A month ago
Leah Davidson

Leah Davidson

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5

The Best Tour Guide in Bali! We honestly couldn’t recommend Made enough! From start to finish, he was absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to make our trip around Bali so special. Before we even arrived, Made’s communication was amazing. He helped us plan our whole trip, gave us fantastic advice and recommendations, and really took the time to understand what we wanted to see and do. He made everything so easy and stress-free for us. Throughout our trip, Made looked after us incredibly well. He picked us up, took us to all the different places we wanted to visit, and even showed us some amazing places we probably wouldn’t have found ourselves. His knowledge of Bali is incredible — he knew so much about every place we visited and was always happy to explain things and answer our questions. What really stood out to us was how kind, caring and genuine Made was. He didn’t just feel like a tour guide; we genuinely felt like we were being looked after by a friend. He always made sure we were comfortable, safe and enjoying ourselves, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. Everyone in his team was also absolutely fantastic. They were friendly, professional and made us feel so welcome throughout our trip. Made played such a huge part in making our Bali holiday so memorable. If you’re looking for someone who is reliable, knowledgeable, kind and genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience, we would 100% recommend him. Thank you so much, Made, for looking after us and helping us have such an amazing time in Bali. We’ll definitely be recommending you to anyone visiting Bali — and hopefully we’ll see you again one day! ❤️🇮🇩

A month ago
Max Maxvik

Max Maxvik

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5

Excellent, the driver is responsible, punctual, drives well, knows a lot of places to relax, the sights of Bali, speaks Russian, English and Chinese well.

A month ago
Софья Меркулова

Софья Меркулова

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5

Очень советую Мади в качестве гида. Он организовывал нам тур на Нусу Пениду, у него много друзей, который организуют вам все что угодно за очень выгодную плату. Мади очень дружелюбный и улыбчивый человек, он знает русский язык, поэтому с ним можно разговаривать и узнавать многое про Бали. Я его всем советую в первую очередь, он может показать вам весь остров и организовать туры на другие соседние острова и вулканы. Спасибо ему большое, нам очень понравилось с ним проводить время. Советуем вам выбрать именно его за его труд, старания и доброжелательность Мади, спасибо тебе ❤️

7 months ago
GEDE BMTHAMV

GEDE BMTHAMV

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5

Thanks a lot

8 months ago
Валерия Келейникова

Валерия Келейникова

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5

Thank you for a great day in Ubud, Madi 🙏🏻 We really enjoyed our cozy and interesting trip)

A year ago
Р М

Р М

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5

No written review.

A year ago
Bakhtiyar Azagov

Bakhtiyar Azagov

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5

Thank you for hospitality! We enjoy our travel in Bali with you Excatly Mr Burteh! He is best tour guide and driver in Bali. Mr Murteh is local, thats why he has to much information about Bali Perfect

A year ago
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Elena Toroshniak

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5

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A year ago
Vit Mit

Vit Mit

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5

Путешествие на Бали – это всегда погружение в мир красоты, духовности и уникальной культуры. Но по-настоящему раскрыть душу острова, прочувствовать его магию можно только с опытным и увлеченным проводником. Нам в этом невероятно повезло – мы встретили Маде! Маде – не просто гид, он настоящий хранитель традиций и наследник балийской культуры. Он открыл нам не только знаменитые достопримечательности, но и тайные уголки острова, поделился своими знаниями о древних обычаях и верованиях. Благодаря Маде мы смогли: * Почувствовать энергетику священных храмов: Маде рассказал нам об истории и значении каждого храма, помог правильно провести церемонии и почувствовать связь с духовным миром Бали. * Погрузиться в атмосферу балийской деревни: мы побывали в гостях у местных жителей, познакомились с их бытом, попробовали традиционные блюда и даже приняли участие в мастер-классах по ремеслам. * Насладиться природными красотами: Маде показал нам живописные рисовые террасы, вулканы, водопады и секретные пляжи, где можно было отдохнуть от шума и суеты. Но самое главное – Маде подарил нам незабываемые эмоции, искреннее общение и теплоту. Он отвечал на все наши вопросы, учитывал наши пожелания и создавал атмосферу настоящего приключения. Мы безгранично благодарны Маде за это удивительное путешествие! Он помог нам открыть для себя настоящий Бали – остров Богов, красоты и гармонии. Если вы планируете поездку на Бали, обязательно обратитесь к Маде – он сделает ваше путешествие незабываемым!

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Галина Бардымова

Галина Бардымова

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Мадэ очень классный, дружелюбный и общительный, интересно рассказывает) Ждет когда нужно, в общем, очень приятный) рекомендую Можно обо всем договориться) если будет дождь, он сопровождает с зонтиком)

A year ago
Инна Звездина

Инна Звездина

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5

Спасибо большое, мы объехали за один день все прекрасные пляжи 😍 Остались очень довольны и будем рекомендовать друзьям 🙏🏻✨

A year ago
ЖАННА

ЖАННА

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5

Хотим от всего сердца поблагодарить нашего гида Маде. Наше путешествие по Бали было незабываемо! Благодаря вам мы познакомились с этой чудесной страной! Нас не только возили по районам, но и рассказывали историю Бали❤️ мы чувствовали себя в полной безопасности и полную заботу о нас. Благодарим и до встречи вновь на Бали🫶🏻

A year ago
Карина Ревазян

Карина Ревазян

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5

Veryyyy good

A year ago
Влад Хайбулин

Влад Хайбулин

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5

No written review.

A year ago
細野佳代子

細野佳代子

Google Review

5

No written review.

A year ago
Alex Alex

Alex Alex

Google Review

5

Очень рекомендую этого русскоговорящего балийца! 👍 Экскурсии с ним - это просто супер! 🤩 Он не только рассказывает интересные факты об острове и показывает самые красивые места, но и делится местными фишками, о которых не прочитаешь в путеводителях. 😉 Он очень внимательный и отзывчивый, с ним легко и приятно общаться.

2 years ago
Евгений Ширшин

Евгений Ширшин

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5

Маде добряк!) очень внимательный, и профессиональный гид! Уже много лет дружим с ним! Провез по всем уголкам прекрасного Бали! Хорошо говорит на русском и английском языках! Аккуратно водит машину! Очень адекватные цены на экскурсии!! Знает все вкусные и красивые места! Поможет со всеми вопросами на Бали, такие как аренда скутера, или аренда жилья! Встретит и проводит в аэропорт, если вы с ребенком то у Маде прекрасные дочки которые с удовольствием побуду няней!)) Всем рекомендую это агенство!!

2 years ago
Сергей Милых

Сергей Милых

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5

No written review.

2 years ago
Denise

Denise

Google Review

5

Made did an amazing job as a guide! Comfortable pick-up & drop-off, safe driving, very friendly & helpful, explained a lot while driving & visiting the spots. He knows a lot and is happy to answer any questions! He also brought local fruits for testing! Amazing day, thank you so much! 🙏🏼🫶🏼🧡

2 years ago
Stijn Heerze

Stijn Heerze

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5

Really nice and kind guide. Knows a lot about Bali. Also a very good driver.

2 years ago
Juliette Bos

Juliette Bos

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5

Very nice driver, good communication and good service. Perfect!

2 years ago
Nengah Negare

Nengah Negare

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5

This company is the best, good driver and pofesional guide, i am very enjoy visiting Bali island 👍👍👍

2 years ago
Ni Kadek Kardiasih

Ni Kadek Kardiasih

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5

Sakuraba give me best service treveling in bali. Thakyou very much for guide bali sakuraba

2 years ago

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