Pura Kehen Temple in Central Bali, Indonesia: An Ancient Hindu Fire Temple in Bangli
By David and Intan, September 25, 2023

Pura Kehen Temple is an ancient Hindu monument located in the Bangli region of Bali, Indonesia.

This temple lies off the usual tourist routes, but it boasts the most exquisite stone carvings and architecture among any temple in Bali, along with a massive banyan tree.

It's a great place to stop and explore during your visit to Bangli, especially if you happen to be passing through Kintamani, Sidemen, or Amed.

This travel guide will explain how to get there and everything you need to know before departure!

Pura Kehen Temple (Pura Kehen) is mentioned in Bali's inscriptions dating back to the 9th century.

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It was the main temple of the former Bangli Kingdom, which ruled over the area of present-day Bangli Regency in northeastern Bali.

The name "Kehen" comes from the Balinese language, meaning "fire," as this temple was originally dedicated to Agni, the Hindu god of fire.

Today, due to its distance from Bali's tourist areas, Pura Kehen remains unknown to most visitors.

Pura Kehen Temple in Bangli, Bali

Bali Stone Gateway Bali Split Gate

Pura Kehen Temple – What to Expect
Pura Kehen is a hilltop temple accessible via stairs alongside the road. You might be harassed by some vendors or sarong sellers at the entrance.

In my case, a temple guard (an elderly man who spoke excellent English) followed me, explaining all the details and history of the temple before asking for a donation in addition to the entrance fee.

I didn't mind tipping him because he was very helpful and explained some amazing features to me. But it's not mandatory. You can donate a small amount if you wish.

Golden Gate with Indian-Balinese Carvings
Detailed Figures on the Gate

Like other temples in Bali, Pura Kehen is divided into three courtyards (outer, middle, and inner), each with varying degrees of sanctity according to Hindu beliefs.

The outer courtyard of Pura Kehen features a banyan tree known to be at least 400 years old, with a small treehouse pagoda atop it for monks to ascend for prayer.

It's one of the largest banyan trees I've seen in Bali, with thousands of branches.

Pura Kehen Banyan Tree House
A small temple on the banyan tree. How did they get up there?

You'll notice some unusual porcelain plates embedded in several walls of the temple. I don't know of any other temple in Bali that has such decorative plates. They might be leftovers from the Dutch colonial period.

In my opinion, the best parts of Pura Kehen are the impressive carvings on the main gate and the 11-tiered black and gold pagoda in the inner courtyard.

This is the finest Balinese architecture!