lokasibali logo

Quiet Stone and Banyan Shade at Pura Kehen

Ancient calm above Bangli

Up a wooded hill north of Bangli, Pura Kehen rises in terraces of stone, carvings and shrines. Visitors describe climbing the grand staircase of 38 steps and arriving in a space that feels both monumental and surprisingly quiet compared with Bali’s busier coastal temples.

Thirteenth‑century stone and living tree

This state temple of the former Bangli kingdom traces its roots to the 13th century, and people notice how different it feels from other Balinese sites. Chinese porcelain plates embedded in the walls hint at old trading links, while an ancient banyan tree grows straight out of the temple compound, often singled out as majestic and very photogenic. Several reviewers talk about being humbled and stilled by the atmosphere during their visit.

Architecture, artwork and atmosphere

Carvings, statues and the elaborate entrance gate draw most of the cameras. One visitor called it one of the most tranquil temples they had seen in Bali; another appreciated the chance to explore almost alone because there were so few tourists on site. When ceremonies are underway, the spiritual energy and connection of local worshippers become part of the experience, though access for visitors can then be restricted.

Entry fees, sarongs and on‑site etiquette

Opening hours are generally 09h00 to 17h00, with variations on ceremony days. Entry is payant, with reports of tickets around 30 000–50 000 IDR, and some say this can include the loan of a sarong; others mention separate small fees. Modest clothing is expected and a kamen (sarong) is required before entering. Several reviewers warn that sarongs are actually available at the entrance for free or a small fee, despite very insistent sellers outside claiming otherwise.

Pushy touts and donation confusion

The main friction point appears at the street and gate. Multiple visitors describe people demanding 50 000 IDR per person for a “ticket”, plus pressure to hire unofficial guides or make extra “donations” even when they had already paid. Others simply call the touts “incredibly pushy”. Toilets near the parking area are mentioned and not always positively, especially regarding cleanliness.

Who will appreciate Pura Kehen

Pura Kehen suits travellers who value calm, layered history and stonework over spectacle: those willing to climb some steps, navigate a few awkward moments at the entrance, and then linger under the banyan tree will likely come away with powerful photos and a strong sense of Bali’s spiritual heritage.

Opening Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Similar Cultural & Heritage Experiences (30)

Discover more Cultural & Heritage Experiences in Bali

Penglipuran Village

4.8(30039 reviews)

Penglipuran Village, Jl. Penglipuran, Kubu, Bangli, Bangli Regency, Bali 80611, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Uluwatu Temple

4.6(51093 reviews)

Uluwatu Temple, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

4.6(50219 reviews)

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Melanting

4.9(1905 reviews)

Pura Melanting, Seririt, Jl. Raya Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Puncak Mangu

5(467 reviews)

P6J9+2W4 Pura Puncak Mangu, Br. Tinggan Pelaga Petang, Pelaga, Kec. Petang, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 82191, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Ar-Rahmat Mosque

4.8(4230 reviews)

Ar-Rahmat Mosque, Jl. Raya Kuta Abian Base No.75, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Tirta Empul

4.6(29149 reviews)

Pura Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Desa Potato Head

4.7(8775 reviews)

Desa Potato Head, Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

4.5(70451 reviews)

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

GWK Cultural Park

4.7(8029 reviews)

GWK Cultural Park, Jl. Kw. Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Brahmavihara-Arama

4.8(2746 reviews)

Brahmavihara-Arama, Banjar Dinas Tangeb, Banjar Tegeha, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81152, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Luhur Batukaru

4.8(2422 reviews)

Pura Luhur Batukaru, Jl. Penatahan - Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali 85125, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre

4.8(2359 reviews)

Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, Komplek, Jl. ITDC Nusa Dua, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80363, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Satya Dharma Temple

4.8(2347 reviews)

76H7+HQP Satya Dharma Temple, Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Penataran Ped

4.8(1702 reviews)

8GC9+V86, Ped, Nusa Penida, Ped, Kec. Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonésie

· Today: Check business

Pura Dalem Puri

4.8(1460 reviews)

Pura Dalem Puri, Jl. Raya Menanga No.11, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Samsara Living Museum Bali

4.9(542 reviews)

Samsara Living Museum Bali, Jl. Telaga Tista, Jungutan, Kec. Bebandem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80861, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Kecak Dance at Melasti Beach

4.8(1381 reviews)

5527+P5G Kecak Dance at Melasti Beach, Jl. Melasti, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Puja Mandala

4.7(3597 reviews)

Puja Mandala, Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Mayong Cultural Walk

5(188 reviews)

Mayong Cultural Walk, Jl. Kiskinda, Mayong, Kec. Busung Biu, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81153, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Taman Ayun Temple

4.6(9720 reviews)

Taman Ayun Temple, Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Kecak Uluwatu

4.6(9120 reviews)

Kecak Uluwatu, Kawasan parkir Pura Uluwatu, Jl. Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu

4.7(3218 reviews)

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Al-Mubarok Grand Mosque

4.8(1218 reviews)

RCHP+68M Al-Mubarok Grand Mosque, Gilimanuk, Melaya, Jembrana Regency, Bali 82252, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Dharmayana Temple

4.8(1084 reviews)

75GH+F52 Dharmayana Temple, Jl. Blambangan, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Besakih Great Temple

4.5(18070 reviews)

Besakih Great Temple, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Ardha Candra Open Theater

4.7(2393 reviews)

86VM+QG5 Ardha Candra Open Theater, Werdi Budaya Art Centre, Jl. Nusa Indah, Sumerta Kelod, East Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali 80236, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

Goa Lawah Temple

4.6(6264 reviews)

CFX9+9GG Goa Lawah Temple, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Dawan, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80761, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

EBC - Experience Bali Culture Workshop

5(142 reviews)

EBC - Experience Bali Culture Workshop, Jl. Majapahit, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

· Today: Check business

PURA DASAR BUANA GELGEL

4.8(889 reviews)

PURA DASAR BUANA GELGEL, Jl. Waturenggong, Gelgel, Klungkung, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80716, Indonesia

· Today: Check business