SINGARAJA AREA
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. more..
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