The cool, mountainous regency of Bangli was long fought over by rulers from neighboring kingdoms, for here lies Lake Batur, the major source of irrigation water for most of South and East Bali and parts of the north. The ruling house emerged during the early years of the Klungkung kingdom during the 1700s to which it is related.

In the mid 1800s Bangli sought Dutch protection from Klungkung, Karangasem and Buleleng, but by the end to the 19 century it was joining its former enemies against powerful Mengwi to the west Due to its early recognition of the Dutch Bangli was spared during the conquest of South Bali in the early 1900s. The steady ascent through Bangli passes through tidy villages and roads lined with groves of bamboo and coffee.

In Bangli town the ancient Kehen temple is under a huge banyan tree. Celebrations feture ritual basis warrior dances with different weapons, and towering offerings fill the court yards every 3 years. Nearby is the Sasana Budaya art Center with occasional art exhibitions and performances. The view beyond the town Bukit Demulih is breathtaking. An interesting village is Penglipuran, with its neatly terraced street.

Higher up on Mount Batur at Penelokan are spectacular views of the active volcanic cone and peaceful lake below. In the village of Kintamani is Pura Batur, a huge complex of temples for the Lake goddess, perched on the crater rim. Beyond the village in Penulisan is Tegeh Koripan temple, an ancient and mysterious temple often hidden by mist and reached by a long flight of steps. A winding road leads down into the crater to the soothing Toya Bungkah hot springs at the edge of lake Batur.

The Bali Aga people who dwell in the village of Trunyan, located at rim of Batur Lake have a rather unique custom in treating the body of the deceased. They simple leave the body on the ground to decompose naturally. Hiking up the volano is possible. The Balai Seni art Center has spacious gardens and a library. A cross the lake is Trunyan where the dead are lift exposed to the elements. Visitors may see this cemetery but not the hugs statue housed in a towering pagoda in the village. A rarely held festival features then ferriswheeels and masked dancers who whip by standers.