An Old Port and a New
Resort
Both the beauty and the cultural uniqueness of Buleleng make it
rewarding to visit, and tourism continues to increase each year.
If you like the sea and are looking for a place that is scenic,
quiet, clean and culturally distinctive, include Buleleng on your
itinerary.
The following information on the sights of Buleleng is divided
into two sections. The first treats sights in and around the capital
of Singaraja, located in the central part of Buleleng, and the
region to the west. The following section concerns sights in the
area to the east of the capital.
Tour of Singaraja
The sights of Singaraja reflect the city's successive historical
incarnations first as a royal court center, then as the center
of Dutch commerce and administration on Bali, and now as a modern
district capital.
Starting in the western end of the city visit Pantai Lingga, just
before the Banyusari bus station. The road to Pantai Lingga ends
at Bukit Suci ("sacred hill") an old Chinese cemetery
bordering on the sea. Some of the graves are most unusual, such
as that of an illustrious member of the Chinese community. Surrounded
by a rail, it is guarded by lions and two life-sized black guards
swathed in white turbans and bearing lance. Walk through the cemetery
to Pantai Lingga, a swimming spot much favored Locals
From Pantai Lingga head east to JI. Dewi Sartika 42. This is the
Pertenunan Berdikari Hand Woven Cloth Factory, specializing in
beautiful replicas of antique Buleleng textiles, many in silk
and all highly-priced. Watch thread being spun, cloth being woven
and buy direct from the manufacturer.
East of the main crossroads of town lies Singaraja's main Shopping
District. A few shops sell tourist souvenir items, though generally-speaking
the shopping is much better in south Bali. Interestingly, however,
basic items tend to be cheaper here. The Buleleng Market (pasar)
is down a narrow lane runs behind a northeast group of building.
Around dusk this area turns into an animated night market - not
to be missed.
From the main shopping district it is just a short drive to the
Old Harbor. The few old buildings lining the port date from the
Dutch colonial period. Have a look at the gigantic Yuddha Mandalatama
independence monument with an Indonesian fighter bearing the flag.
An unusual sight in the same vicinity is the Chinese Temple or
klenteng, one of the few on Bali and evidence of this community's
long presence in the town. While one may not enter the temple,
a good view can be gained from within the compound. It houses
many exquisite antique pots and cloths.
At the southern end of Singaraja, overlooking the junction of
JI. Ngurah Rai and JI. Veteran, stands the imposing statue of
Singambararaja. A winged lion who gazes imperiously over the city.
The name "Singaraia" means "Lion King."
Heading east from here along JI. Veteran , stop in at No. 22 on
the fight-hand side. Ibis is the Gedong Kertya, a library founded
by the Dutch in 1928 for the preservation of lontar (palm-leaf)
texts collected in Bali and Lombok. A glass display case in the
second room contains these traditional manuscripts, as well as
several Prasasti (ancient copper plate indiscretions). You may
be fortunate to witness one of the employees copying an old lontar
onto new Palm-leaves, or even see the now rare art of making prasi
(drawings on palm-leaf).
Directly behind the Gedong Kertya (entry on the left) is Puri
Kawan (the "Western Court") - part of the former palace
of the king of Singaraja. It is currently the location of Perusahaan
Puri Sinar Nadiputra, a textile mill where sarung are woven.
A few meters to the east is a major crossroads with a market on
the southeast corner. To the southwest is the Sasana Budaya (the
Buleleng Arts Center), and to the northeast lies Puri Kanginan
(the "Eastern Palace'), formerly part of the Singaraja court
and now a private residence.
Two sites to the south of Singaraja, Bratan and Gitgit, are well
worth a visit. The village of Bratan a few kms away is a center
for silversmith. They make religious items and, less frequently,
jewelry. You can watch the craftsmen at work and buy directly
from them, or purchase their wares at shops located on the left-hand
side of the main road.
If you have private transport, a visit to Gitgit is a must. Ten
kin south of Singaraja, this is the site of Bali's most dramatic
waterfall. The road to Gitgit climbs steeply, offering fine views
along the way. The waterfall, located about 500 in from the main
road, is surrounded by lush vegetation. A fine, cooling mist hangs
in the air, providing a refreshing welcome after the walk down.
Dip your feet in the rushing river below. A rest area suitable
for picnics has been built near the base of the falls.
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