Things To Do
in Kehen
Kehen is a quiet rural village in Bali's Bangli Regency, perched among terraced fields and volcanic scenery. It is home to Pura Kehen, a centuries-old temple that anchors local life with spiritual rituals and panoramic views. The area blends traditional Balinese crafts, coffee farming, and warm hospitality in a compact, walkable setting.
Visitors use Kehen as a gateway to Bali's northern volcano region while experiencing authentic village life away from the heavier tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive early at Kehen Temple to witness the temple grounds bathed in the soft morning light. Explore the moss-covered stone carvings and attend a traditional blessing with local priests. Feel the serene vibration of ancient rituals resonating through the courtyard.
Wander through the surrounding royal compound to uncover hidden shrines and ornate gateways. Learn about the temple’s history from a knowledgeable local guide who will share legendary stories. Take time for reflection by the large banyan tree at the temple’s heart.
Return to the temple for an evening ceremony as lanterns line the pathways and incense fills the air. Join friendly worshippers in offering prayers and tying symbolic threads around sacred pillars. Savor the tranquil atmosphere as the sunset casts golden hues over the stone structures.
Start the day with a visit to a nearby Banjar village to greet locals at the community meeting hall. Participate in a traditional morning prayer and feel the warmth of communal bonds. Observe villagers as they prepare offerings with fresh flowers and palm leaves.
Join families in their daily routines by helping with rice planting in the paddy fields nearby. Learn age-old farming techniques passed down through generations while watching farmers navigate narrow irrigation channels. Savor a simple lunch of steamed rice, vegetables, and grilled fish by the fields.
Gather around a communal dinner under starlit skies at a farmer’s homestay. Share stories with your hosts over dishes cooked on a wood-fired stove, tasting the essence of rural Balinese life. Listen to the gentle sound of gamelan music drifting from a neighbor’s home.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-4 |
| 🚲Bike or scooter rental (per day) | $5-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and temple architecture
- Access to volcano viewpoints and scenic rice terraces
- Limited nightlife and slower pace in rural areas
- Traffic and road quality can be challenging in some routes
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harga ini?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar mandinya?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Tolong" - Please
- "Maaf, saya alergi ..." - Sorry, I am allergic to ...
- "Bisa turunkan harga?" - Can you lower the price?
Places to Visit in Kehen
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient temple perched on a hill with terraced fields and dramatic staircases; a peaceful sunrise or golden hour location.
Iconic layered rice fields with viewpoints and verdant terraces for landscape shots.
Panoramic views of the caldera and Lake Batur, especially striking at sunrise.
Winding lanes through coconut palms and rice paddies ideal for candid village life photography.
Green plantation plots and processing areas offering close-ups of coffee beans and traditional processing.
Food in Kehen
Kehen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rotisserie pig that's a Balinese ceremonial favorite; available at warungs and larger restaurants during special occasions.
Must-Try!
Traditional mix of chopped meat or vegetables with coconut, green herbs, and spices; commonly served with rice.
Minced seafood or meat skewers wrapped around lemongrass stalks and grilled.
Slow-cooked chicken with spices wrapped in banana leaves.
Rice served with a variety of small portions like vegetables, meat, and sambal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market in Gianyar for fresh produce, snacks, and Balinese ingredients.
Local market in Bangli town offering fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat street food.
Widespread street food stalls across Denpasar, great for trying nasi goreng, sate lilit, and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, wear sarong and sash when visiting temples, and remove shoes where required.
Avoid pointing feet or touching heads; use the right hand for giving or receiving items.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies; some areas may restrict photography.
Offer a small gift or alms at temples during ceremonies and show respect for local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Kehen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave small amounts for guides, drivers, and staff.
Cash is widely used (IDR and coins). Cards are accepted at larger venues; some rural places may be cash-only; mobile wallets are becoming popular in tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny, warm days with low rainfall; ideal for outdoor activities and photography; evenings can be cool in higher elevations.
High humidity and regular afternoon showers; lush green landscapes but carry a light rain jacket; potential for misty mornings.
Kehen at Night
Hiking in Kehen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular volcanic hike to the caldera rim with sunrise views over Lake Batur.
Rolling hills and terraced fields along the Sidemen Valley offering scenic hikes.
Airports
How to reach Kehen by plane.
The main gateway to Bali, located in Denpasar. From DPS you can reach Kehen by car or taxi in about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant local population with temples, ceremonies, and traditional arts.
Villagers engaged in farming, crafts, and small-scale trade.
Increasing number of visitors seeking cultural experiences and natural scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Bali with local leagues and informal games in villages.
Common in homes and community centers; casual games are widely played.
In coastal areas of Bali, surfing is a major activity, though Kehen itself is inland.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kehen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in warungs and cafes; ask for no meat or fish, and request gado-gado or veggie nasi campur.