BANGLI

The regency of Bangli covers two distinct geographical areas, the volcanic uplands of the Batur and Kintamani area, stretching down towards the sea near Tianyar and Tejakula, and the upper part of the rice growing area of southern Bali, overlooking Gianyar and Klungkung. 

Geographically, Bangli is home to the mountain lakes and water sources that make Bali so fertile. Numerous villages are scattered across a landscape of rice terraces, lush valleys and forests. This mountainous region is a strikingly different site of Bali Aga traditional communities. 

Bangli was the capital city of Gelgel dynasty kingdom. The largest and most sanctified temple of the district is Pura Kehen, a mountain haven and state temple of Bangli.

As the state temple of the Bali Kingdom, Pura Kehen occupies the site of an earlier temple, which dates back to the 9th Century. It owes much of its appeal to its unique ambience, set majestically on a number of level against the background of a hill forest, large trees shade the shrines and gates of its courtyards.

A flight of 38 stairs leads to the meru-shaped gate between rows of wayang statues. Overlooking the gate is the threatening head of Kala, guardian of the netherworld. There is a magnificent shrine with eleven roofs dedicated to the God of Fire, the resident temple God.