Kehen Temple: The Beauty and History of Ancient Temples in Bali

One of the must-visit cultural destinations in Bali is Kehen Temple, an ancient temple located in Kehen Temple Village, in the Bangli Regency area. The temple is not only interesting for its architectural beauty, but it also holds a long history that is closely related to Balinese culture and spirituality.

The Impressive History of Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bali, thought to have been built in the 11th century AD. The name “Kehen” itself comes from the Balinese language, which means “smoky,” referring to the incense smoke that always bills during ceremonies at this temple. This illustrates how important this temple is as a ritual and spiritual center of Balinese society.

Historically, Kehen Temple was not only a place of worship, but also the center of government of the Bangli kingdom. The kings used to use this temple as a center of royal ceremonies, and to this day, some traditions are still well preserved by the local people. This temple is a spiritual and cultural symbol that is rooted in the life of the Bangli and Balinese people in general.

Kehen Temple is designed in a distinctive Balinese architectural style, with many intricate stone and wood carving elements and a steep stone staircase leading to the main temple. One of the main attractions is the large banyan tree that is lush, providing a mystical feel as well as tranquility for visitors.

Architectural Beauty and Spiritual Atmosphere

Visiting Kehen Temple is not only about seeing ancient buildings, but also feeling a strong spiritual atmosphere. The temple consists of several levels with steep stone staircases, each section decorated with detailed and stunning Balinese carvings. Visitors can walk through the shady temple grounds with old trees and listen to the sound of gurgling water and birds that add to the tranquility of the atmosphere.

On certain days, especially during traditional ceremonies and major Hindu celebrations, Kehen Temple comes alive with traditional dances, gamelan music, and solemn offering rituals. This is the best opportunity to see authentic and sacred Balinese culture.

Great Location in Kehen Temple Village, Kintamani

Kehen Temple is located in a village known as Kehen Temple Village, one of the villages in the Kintamani area, Bangli Regency. Kintamani itself is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Bali which is famous for its spectacular natural scenery, such as Mount Batur and Lake Batur.

From the center of Denpasar, the journey to Kehen Temple takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The distance is about 45 kilometers, with a travel route that passes through very beautiful mountainous and rural areas, suitable for those of you who want to enjoy the natural scenery of Bali that is still beautiful and natural. Although this trail is a bit challenging, many tourists actually like this trip because of the scenery presented along the way.

Close Ties to Tan’s Estate: Complete Tours in Kintamani

For those of you who want to make a visit to Kehen Temple part of a more complete sightseeing trip, Tan’s Estate is the right choice. Tan’s Estate is a tourist area located not far from Kehen Temple, about a 45-minute drive away. Here, you can enjoy a variety of exciting activities that combine natural beauty and adventure experiences.

Tan’s Estate offers:

Cruise on Lake Batur: Enjoy the beauty of Lake Batur on a comfortable cruise ship, providing an exotic view of Mount Batur from a water perspective.

Jeep Tour: An exciting adventure along the off-road trails around Kintamani and the mountains of Bali, witnessing spectacular natural landscapes.

Glamping (Glamorous Camping): An outdoor stay experience with luxurious facilities, bringing comfort while enjoying a cool and beautiful natural atmosphere.

With a very short distance between Kehen Temple and Tan’s Estate, you can arrange an efficient and enjoyable itinerary, from cultural and spiritual tours at ancient temples to nature experiences and adventures at Tan’s Estate.

Tips for Visiting Kehen Temple

Come Early or Late: To avoid the heat and crowds, the best time to visit Kehen Temple is in the morning or evening.

Modest Attire: Since it is a sacred place, visitors are required to wear sarongs and sashes, which are usually available to borrow on site.

Follow Temple Rules: Respect the customs and rules that apply, such as not interfering with the ceremony and not using flashes when taking photos.

Combine it with Kintamani Tourism: Don’t forget to visit other interesting places in Kintamani such as Lake Batur, Trunyan Village, and activities at Tan’s Estate.

Conclusion

Kehen Temple is a must-visit cultural and spiritual destination in Bali, especially if you love ancient history and architecture. Located in Kehen Temple Village in Kintamani, the temple presents a different experience that connects visitors with the rich roots of Balinese culture.

Kehen Temple’s strategic location close to Tan’s Estate makes it even more attractive as a complete tour package in Kintamani, combining visits to ancient temples with nature adventures and fun outdoor activities.

The journey from Denpasar to Kehen Temple may take about two hours, but the views and experiences are definitely worth it. Don’t forget to add Kehen Temple and Tan’s Estate to your list of destinations when you visit Bali for an unforgettable experience.