Bangli by Scooter: Penglipuran Village, Kehen Temple & Bukit Jambul

Bangli is the only regency in Bali without a coastline, but it's home to Penglipuran, a beautifully kept traditional village named one of UN Tourism's (UNWTO) Best Tourism Villages in 2023. Nearby is Kehen Temple, an old terraced temple in Bangli town, and a little further south is Bukit Jambul with its panorama of valley rice fields. The three can be linked into a half-day to full-day scooter loop from Ubud or Sanur. This guide sets out the order, distances, estimated tickets and visiting etiquette.

Overview of the Bangli loop

This route climbs from the Gianyar lowlands up to Bangli at around 500–700 m above sea level, then heads south past Bukit Jambul and Semarapura before returning to Ubud or Sanur. It's mostly well-paved regency and provincial roads with gentle climbs and a few bends. Traffic is much lighter than in South Bali, so the route suits riders who have only been riding in Bali for a few days.

Distances and times are map estimates without traffic. From Sanur, add about 15 km and 20–30 minutes at the start; the fastest way back to Sanur is via Semarapura and then the Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass.

Penglipuran Village: what to see

Penglipuran is a traditional village in Kubu, Bangli. Its houses line both sides of the village's sloping main street in neat rows, with identical angkul-angkul gateways, clean courtyards and the village temple at the top. The core area is free of motor vehicles, so you park your scooter in the car park outside the village and walk in.

• The main village street: walk slowly from the bottom to the top; the view towards the temple at the end of the street is the most iconic photo.
• Bamboo forest: beside the village is a bamboo forest protected by the villagers. Its paths are shady and cool, perfect after walking around the village.
• Villagers' homes: some families open their courtyards to visitors and sell drinks or crafts. Only enter if invited.
• Loloh cemcem: Penglipuran's signature herbal drink made from cemcem leaves, sold by villagers in small bottles.

The latest prices reported by the management: about Rp25,000 for domestic adults and Rp50,000 for foreign adults, with cheaper rates for children. Prices can change, especially during holidays or festivals, so check at the ticket office. Scooter parking is charged separately, usually a few thousand rupiah.

The busiest times are school holidays, Lebaran (Eid) and New Year, when thousands of people come in a day. If your dates coincide, arrive right when the ticket office opens or pick a weekday.

Etiquette in a traditional village

• Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Penglipuran is where people live, not a theme park.
• Don't enter house courtyards or temple areas without permission; sacred areas are for prayer only.
• Don't step over or on the offerings (canang) in the street and in front of houses.
• Take your rubbish with you or use the bins provided. Cleanliness is this village's pride.
• Ask before photographing villagers up close, especially the elderly and children.

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple is Bangli Regency's main state temple (kahyangan jagat), on the north side of town. Its courtyards are terraced up the hillside, with stone stairs lined with statues and a huge banyan tree in the first courtyard. Chinese ceramic plates are set into the temple walls as decoration, a detail many visitors miss. The highest courtyard has an eleven-tiered meru shrine.

Kehen Temple is a ticketed attraction managed by the Bangli regency government. Bring cash for the ticket, estimated at a few tens of thousands of rupiah, and wear the sarong and sash usually lent at the entrance. Respect people who are praying and don't climb on walls or sacred structures.

Bukit Jambul

Bukit Jambul is in Pesaban, Rendang district, Karangasem, near the Klungkung border, right on the main Semarapura–Besakih road. From the roadside you look over a valley of terraced rice fields and green hills, with several restaurants facing the view. It's the perfect place for lunch or coffee after Kehen Temple.

From Bangli, the easiest way is to ride down to Semarapura and then about 8 km north to Bukit Jambul. There's also a shorter village road east of Bangli, but it's narrow and winding. If you don't know the terrain, stick to the main road.

Route variations

Penglipuran and Kintamani are often combined in one day. If that's your plan, see the Ubud–Kintamani scooter route and fit Penglipuran in on the way back. If you're more interested in rice fields and weaving culture, continue on the scooter route to Sidemen.

Scooter and gear

The climb to Bangli is gentle, so a 110 cc bike like the Honda Scoopy is still comfortable for one person. If you're riding two-up, the Honda Vario 125 or NMAX gives you better spare power. Estimated market prices: Scoopy approx. Rp70–90k per day, Vario approx. Rp75–100k per day. Bring a thin jacket because Bangli is cooler than Ubud, and a raincoat in the rainy season (roughly November–March).

Conclusion

The Bangli loop is a relaxed cultural route: Penglipuran village in the morning, Kehen Temple towards midday, and lunch with a valley view at Bukit Jambul. The roads are friendly for riders who haven't been in Bali long. Check estimated Bali scooter rental prices, or book from scooter rental Sanur if you're staying on the east coast.