Situated on the large and lush island of Bali, the town of Bangli is an interesting place to visit for those who enjoy exploring unusual temples.
There are a number of interesting temples located both in and around the town, several of which are dedicated to the underworld, providing an interesting contrast to other temples in the surrounding area. Bangli is also surrounded by nature, and a great way to see the area is by climbing to the top of Demulih hill.
Getting around is particularly easy as there is plenty of local transport to choose from. When it comes to eating, perhaps the best place to refuel is at the local market place, where there is a wide range of fresh and tasty dishes to choose from.
Where to Go
- pura-kehen: also known as the Temple of the Treasury, this 11th century temple is one of the largest and finest in Bali.
- pura-dalem-cungkub: this is one of Bangli’s five temples of the underworld, featuring fascinatingly macabre statues.
Side Trips
- pura-dalem-penunggekan: located on the road to Gianyar to the south of the town, this magnificent temple is notable for its finely carved reliefs.
Getting There
Perhaps the easiest way to get to Bangli is by flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located outside the city of Denpasar. There is a large bus station near the airport, with several buses each day traveling to Bangli (4 hours). It is also possible to catch a bus from Denpasar (40 minutes) and along the coast from Amlapura.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Only if you are exploring the area and have a little time to spare
- What to do: temple hopping, climb the hill for spectacular views of the area, eat at the local market place.
- Best time to go: during the dry season between May and September.
- How long? A day or less is enough time to see Bangli.
- Trivia: the bronze tables inside the Pura Kehen date back to 1204 AD, which is the year that Bangli was founded.