Bangli
Bangli at a Glance
Known For: Kehen Temple and Kintamani - Historic Hindu temple and nearby highland villages.
Best Months: Apr-Oct - Dry season, good hiking and temple visits.
Gateway City: Denpasar - Main airport in Bali; ~1-1.5 hour drive.
Why Visit Bangli?
Climb Mount Batur for a sunrise trek from Kintamani and watch the caldera fill with morning light; local guides make the two-hour ascent manageable. The viewpoint at Penelokan gives one of Bali’s clearest volcanic panoramas, and many tours include a coffee stop with views over Lake Batur and the steaming fumaroles.
Take a traditional boat across Lake Batur to Trunyan, one of Bali’s Bali Aga villages with unusual ancestral burial customs and an ancient banyan grove. It’s a rare chance to see islander life largely unchanged by tourism; guides explain local etiquette and the village’s silent, slow-paced rhythms.
Spend time around Lake Batur’s shoreline-hotels and public hot springs at Toya Devasya warm you after a trek and give superb caldera views. Boat rides, sunrise reflections, and local fish-and-rice roadside warungs make the lake an easy, atmospheric place to stretch out for a couple of days.
Visit Pura Kehen in Bangli town for one of Bali’s most atmospheric temple compounds, with a massive banyan tree and tiered pagodas. Its 17th-century stone stairways and relief work feel more intimate than the island’s busier temples; go early to avoid crowds and catch morning offerings.
Taste the famous Kintamani oranges and local coffee at roadside stalls scattered around the highland’s lookouts. These small fruit farms supply local markets and make for refreshing snacks between viewpoints-try a freshly squeezed orange after a trek for an instant lift.
Who's Bangli For?
Couples
Kintamani and Lake Batur offer sunrise views and hot-spring retreats perfect for quiet romantic mornings. Charming Penglipuran village provides picture-perfect walks and traditional homestays for intimate offbeat stays.
Families
Penglipuran village is tidy and stroller-friendly, while Kintamani viewpoints and Toya Devasya hot springs offer easy family-friendly activities. Expect slower transport but plenty of cultural experiences for kids.
Backpackers
Budget trekkers can join affordable sunrise hikes up Mount Batur and sleep in guesthouses around Kintamani. Daytime attractions are popular, so book homestays ahead during high season.
Digital Nomads
Rural Bangli has scenic work spots but limited co-working and patchy internet outside central towns. Short-term stays work in Kintamani or Bangli town, but don’t expect Ubud-level infrastructure.
Foodies
Kintamani coffee estates and local warungs serve strong Balinese coffee and simple mountain fare. Try local cakes and bambu-simmered dishes at markets near Bangli town for an authentic taste.
Adventure Seekers
Mount Batur sunrise treks, biking down the caldera rim, and hot-spring swims provide real adventure. Trails are busy in season but offer volcanic scenery and volcanic rock scrambling.
Party Animals
Bangli is low-key at night; think temple ceremonies and quiet guesthouses rather than bars. Late-night nightlife is practically non-existent outside nearby Denpasar or Ubud after dark.
Nature Buffs
The caldera around Lake Batur, terraced hills, and Penglipuran’s conserved village landscapes reward explorers. Birding along the Ayung tributaries and quiet rice paddies make Bangli a nature-rich stay.
About Bangli
Bangli is a quiet regency town in the highlands of eastern Bali, set between the coast and the volcanic heights of Mount Batur. Away from the island’s beach resorts, it is an old royal seat with a reputation for unusual temples, and it makes an easy, uncrowded stop for travelers exploring central Bali.
The town’s landmark is Pura Kehen, the “Temple of the Treasury,” an eleventh-century terraced sanctuary that is one of the largest and finest on the island. Its tiered courtyards climb a wooded hillside, decorated with carved stonework and studded with old Chinese porcelain. Bangli is also known for its temples of the dead, such as Pura Dalem Penunggekan on the road toward Gianyar, whose reliefs vividly depict the punishments of the underworld.
Nature frames the town on every side. A short climb up Bukit Demulih rewards walkers with wide views over the rice fields and, on clear days, the volcanoes to the north. The local market is the best place to pause for a plate of fresh Balinese food before moving on toward Batur or the temples of the central hills.
Best Things to Do in Bangli
Building
Tanah Lot
Sea temple perched on offshore volcanic rock
Building
Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop Balinese sea temple famed for sunset performances
Park
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Forest shrine area housing free-roaming macaques
Area
Tirta Empul
Hindu water temple complex with ritual purification springs
Agricultural Facility
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Extensive UNESCO-listed rice terraces showcasing subak irrigation
Island
Nusa Penida
Rugged island with dramatic cliffs and beaches
Temple
Pura Lempuyang
Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall
Bangli Bucket List
Don't Miss
Mount Batur sunrise trek - Pre-dawn hike to Mount Batur’s crater for sunrise views over Lake Batur and its caldera.
Lake Batur and Penelokan viewpoint - Drive to Penelokan for expansive Lake Batur panoramas and traditional Kintamani village scenery.
Pura Kehen - 14th-century Kehen Temple in Bangli town, notable for its towering banyan tree and carved shrines.
Toya Devasya hot springs - Toya Devasya hot springs on Lake Batur’s shore offer soaking pools with lake and mountain views.
Hidden Gems
Trunyan Village - Remote Trunyan on Lake Batur preserves unique open-air ancestral burial traditions and traditional bamboo houses.
Penglipuran Village - Well-preserved Penglipuran Village showcases traditional Balinese layout, tidy lanes, and strict cultural preservation.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall - Tucked near Tembuku, Tukad Cepung drops through a cave, framing sunlight-beam photo opportunities.
Small Kintamani coffee farms - Family-run coffee plots near Kintamani offer tastings and insight into local Arabica processing methods.
Road Trips
Ubud-Kintamani-Trunyan loop - Half-day loop from Ubud to Mount Batur, Lake Batur viewpoints, then ferry to Trunyan village; 60-80 km.
Bangli highland scenic circuit - Penelokan-Toya Devasya-Tukad Cepung circuit is an easy day drive past hot springs and highland vistas, about 40-70 km.
Bangli village-to-volcano day trip - Combine Kehen Temple, Kintamani viewpoints and a short trek or soak at nearby hot springs in one day.
Bangli cultural walk and coffee route - Short driving route connecting local coffee plantations, Penelokan viewpoints and traditional Bangli villages for tastings and visits.
More to See in Bangli
Bangli town rewards travellers who like their temples a little unusual. Several shrines here are dedicated to the underworld, a striking contrast to the surrounding area.
Pura Dalem Cungkub is one of Bangli’s five underworld temples, set apart by its fascinatingly macabre statuary. Pura Dalem Penunggekan, on the road south toward Gianyar, is famed for its finely carved reliefs. For nature over stonework, climb Demulih Hill for sweeping views across the regency.
When it’s time to refuel, the market is the tastiest stop. It spills along several streets of the town centre and, like many Balinese markets, follows a three-day cycle, so it is liveliest on its main market day; go early in the morning for the best of it.
Best Time to Visit Bangli
Bangli is an inland (higher-elevation) part of central Bali, so it is slightly cooler than the coastal lowlands and follows Bali’s monsoon pattern. The dry season (June-September) is the most reliable for outdoor activities, while November-March brings heavier rain, higher humidity, and lush scenery.
High Season
The dry season brings sunny days, lower humidity, and peak tourism; ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. Expect larger crowds and higher prices during July-August.
Shoulder Season
Fewer tourists and generally good weather as the island transitions between wet and dry seasons; a good balance of lower prices and pleasant conditions. Mornings are often best for sightseeing.
Low Season
Wet-season conditions with frequent afternoon/evening showers, higher humidity, and greener landscapes. Cultural events like Nyepi fall in this period and can close the island for a day.
Bangli's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2559 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 16° - 23° | 19° | 442 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 16° - 23° | 19° | 383 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 364 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 210 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 132 mm | some cloud | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 89 mm | some cloud | 80% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 22° | 18° | 75 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Excellent | 14° - 23° | 19° | 55 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Excellent | 15° - 24° | 19° | 81 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 2.8 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 16° - 25° | 20° | 120 mm | some cloud | 75% | 2.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 229 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 16° - 23° | 20° | 379 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
January
19-26°C / 66-79°F · Warm and rainy · Low Season
January is in Bali’s wet season with frequent afternoon and evening showers, high humidity, and lush countryside. Travel can be wet but daytime temperatures remain warm and outdoor mornings can be pleasant.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day (observed planning) - National preparations and local ceremonies ramp up in August; January has routine local markets and community life.
February
19-27°C / 66-81°F · Humid and wet · Low Season
February is typically one of the wettest months in central Bali, with heavy showers and occasional storms. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas; cultural sites remain accessible but some rural roads may be muddy.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day (observed planning) - National preparations and local ceremonies ramp up in August; February sees normal community activity.
March
19-28°C / 66-82°F · Warm with showers · Low Season
March is still in the wet season but begins transitioning toward drier months; expect regular rain and high humidity. Nyepi makes March unique - expect island-wide closures on the Nyepi day and colorful Ogoh-ogoh processions the evening before.
Events
- Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) - Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence observed island-wide; exact date follows the Balinese calendar (usually in March).
April
20-29°C / 68-84°F · Warming, less rain · Shoulder Season
April is a shoulder month with rainfall tapering off and skies clearing more often, making it a good time for outdoor activities. Temperatures rise slightly and mornings are pleasant for temple visits and rice-terrace walks.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (preparations) - Preparations and early performances for the island-wide arts festival typically intensify in late April and May ahead of the June start.
May
20-30°C / 68-86°F · Warm and drier · Shoulder Season
May sees steadily drier weather and comfortable temperatures, with fewer heavy storms than earlier in the year. This is a good month for sightseeing before the busiest tourist season.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (preparations) - Cultural shows and rehearsals increase ahead of the official festival month in June.
June
20-31°C / 68-88°F · Dry and warm · High Season
June marks the start of the dry season and the high season for tourism - expect sunny days and lower humidity. Cultural events like the Bali Arts Festival make it lively, and beaches and attractions are busy.
Events
-
Bali Arts Festival - A month-long festival in Denpasar and around Bali showcasing dance, music, and crafts (usually runs through June into July).
-
Indonesian Independence Day (planning) - National events occur in August; June is focused on tourism and the arts festival.
July
20-31°C / 68-88°F · Sunny and warm · High Season
July is in the heart of Bali’s dry season with reliable sunshine and warm days, ideal for beaches and outdoor sightseeing. Expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices in central Bali and tourist hubs.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (ongoing in some years) - Performances and exhibitions continue around the island during the festival period when scheduled.
August
20-31°C / 68-88°F · Sunny and warm · High Season
August remains dry and warm with minimal rainfall, making it a peak travel month. Central and cultural areas are busy; book ahead for accommodations and tours.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day - August 17 is celebrated across Indonesia with flag ceremonies and community events; local observances in towns and villages.
September
20-30°C / 68-86°F · Warm and mostly dry · High Season
September is still part of the dry season but less crowded than July-August, offering good weather and slightly quieter attractions. It’s a favorable month for trekking, temple visits, and exploring inland areas.
Events
- Local temple festivals - Smaller local temple ceremonies and cultural performances commonly occur as families hold ritual events after the dry season.
October
20-30°C / 68-86°F · Transitional, occasional showers · Shoulder Season
October is a shoulder month with increasing chances of rain toward the end of the month, though many days remain dry. Tourist numbers decline and prices often fall, while landscapes stay green from the earlier rains.
Events
- Rainy-season transition events - Some local rituals and harvest-related ceremonies take place as the weather shifts toward the wet season.
November
19-28°C / 66-82°F · Rain returns · Low Season
November marks the return of the wet season with more frequent showers and higher humidity. Afternoon storms become common and some outdoor plans may be affected.
Events
- Wet-season community ceremonies - Local temple events continue; expect normal village religious activity.
December
19-28°C / 66-82°F · Warm and rainy · Low Season
December is wet with short, heavy rains and warm temperatures; travel demand increases around the Christmas/New Year period. Some rural roads can be muddy after heavy downpours.
Events
- Holiday travel season - December sees increased tourism around year-end holidays, especially in the first half of the month and over the New Year period.
Where to Stay in Bangli
Accommodation in Bangli Regency clusters around Kintamani, Penelokan and Bangli town. Travelers will find mountain-view resorts for sunrise over Batur, simple homestays for trekkers, and a scattering of private villas. Options increase during dry-season trekking months.
Hotels & Resorts
$45-160 mid-range to upscale
Kintamani and Penelokan offer many mid-range hotels and small resorts with crater or lake views, ideal for sunrise watching and relaxation after treks. Most have breakfast and parking; book ahead for weekend sunrise tours.
Homestays & Guesthouses
$10-35 / night
Toya Bungkah, Penelokan and Bangli town have family-run homestays serving trekkers and budget travelers. Expect simple rooms, hearty breakfasts and easy access to Mount Batur trailheads and local markets.
Vacation Rentals & Villas
$60-250 / night
Private villas and holiday rentals on Bangli’s outskirts suit groups or families wanting quieter stays with kitchens and views. Many are rented from Kintamani to the regency fringe and work well for multi-night Batur excursions.
Mountain Huts & Trekker Basecamps
$8-25 / night
Simple floor-mat dorms and basic lodges near the Batur rim provide early-morning access for summit hikes. Facilities are spartan-book through local guides and carry warm layers and headlamps for pre-dawn departures.
Camping & Glamping
$20-120 / night
Small private campsites and a few glamping options appear near the caldera and lake for mountain views and starry nights. These are seasonal and best arranged through tour operators or your hotel in Kintamani.
Planning Your Trip to Bangli
Weekend Bangli Itinerary
Spend a focused weekend in Bangli: sunrise Mount Batur trek, soak at Toya Bungkah hot springs, boat to Trunyan village, enjoy Penelokan views and historic Pura Kehen temple.
- Day 1 - Arrive Kintamani, Pura Kehen visit and Bangli market stroll.
- Day 2 - Pre-dawn Mount Batur sunrise trek; soak at Toya Bungkah hot springs; boat to Trunyan.
1 Week Bangli Itinerary
Spend a week in Bangli exploring Mount Batur treks, Lake Batur boat trips to Trunyan, daily hot-spring dips, Penelokan viewpoints, village walks and historic Pura Kehen ceremonies.
- Day 1 - Arrive Kintamani, Penelokan viewpoint and lakeside walk.
- Day 2 - Sunrise Mount Batur trek; relax at hot springs.
- Day 3 - Boat trip to Trunyan village; learn local customs.
- Day 4 - Village walks and coffee tasting around Kintamani.
- Day 5 - Explore Bangli temples and Bangli traditional market.
- Day 6 - Optional cycling around the Batur caldera and rice terraces.
- Day 7 - Relax and depart to Denpasar or Ubud.
2 Weeks Bangli Itinerary
Two weeks in Bangli lets you hike multiple volcanoes, stay in Trunyan, master local crafts, relax at Toya Bungkah hot springs, and take slow village and market explorations.
- Day 1 - Arrive and settle in Bangli town; evening market visit.
- Day 2 - Mount Batur sunrise trek and full-day rest.
- Day 3 - Boat to Trunyan; overnight village stay option.
- Day 4 - Return to Kintamani; village craft demonstrations.
- Day 5 - Day exploring lesser-known local temples and markets.
- Day 6 - Long cycle or hike around the caldera rim.
- Day 7 - Relaxation day with hot-spring dips at Toya Bungkah.
- Day 8 - Cultural exchange in nearby village; attend ritual if available.
- Day 9 - Day trip to Ubud for galleries and markets.
- Day 10 - Free day for crafts, cooking class or rest.
- Day 11 - Second volcano trek or guided nature walk.
- Day 12 - Return to Trunyan for deeper cultural time.
- Day 13 - Last-minute market shopping and temple visits.
- Day 14 - Pack, relax and depart via Denpasar.
Getting to & Around Bangli
Bangli sits in Bali’s central highlands and has more steep, winding roads and higher elevations than the island’s coastal zones. Expect slower travel times between towns, narrower village lanes, and frequent tourist traffic around Kintamani and Mount Batur.
Most visitors reach Bangli via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar and then travel by road through Gianyar/Ubud toward Kintamani; the drive from Denpasar takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. Overland crossings from Java arrive at Gilimanuk ferry terminal on Bali’s west coast, followed by a multi-hour drive across the island to central Bangli.
Rental Car
Renting a car or hiring a private driver is the most practical way to explore Bangli’s dispersed sites; roads climb into the central highlands so allow extra time for winding sections toward Kintamani and Mount Batur.
Scooters / Motorbikes
Motorbikes are common for short hops between villages and viewpoints - useful for narrow lanes around Kintamani - but be cautious on steep, winding roads and in wet conditions.
Local Buses & Bemos
Fixed-route public transport is limited: local bemos and minibuses connect Bangli town with Denpasar, Ubud and nearby villages, but services are infrequent compared with southern Bali.
Ferries
If arriving by sea from Java use the Gilimanuk ferry terminal in West Bali and then drive across the island; allow several hours for the crossing plus the inland drive to Bangli.