Located on the northern coast of Bali, Singaraja is a destination for discovering Indonesian culture. Most visitors spend only a few hours here, yet it remains a fascinating and charming city with tree-lined streets and a strong historical imprint left by the colonial era. Home to numerous attractions, Singaraja is an unmissable destination during an Indonesian getaway.

History

Singaraja was once the capital of the Buleleng kingdom. Due to its strategic location, this city was long coveted by the colonial empire. For many years, it successfully resisted numerous Dutch invasion attempts before finally succumbing in 1855. It then became Bali's regional capital and the Dutch administrative center, a role it maintained until the government transferred administrative powers to Denpasar. During its heyday, Singaraja was Bali's first point of contact with the outside world, particularly with India, China, and neighboring Java and Lombok. It was also where merchants, soldiers, and the island's first tourists arrived.

Today

Singaraja, whose name means "Distant King" in Indonesian, is Bali's second-largest city, with a population of over 120,000. It is now the capital of Buleleng regency, which covers much of the island's north. Today, the city ranks among the country's most important educational and cultural centers, hosting two university campuses. Several urban development projects are also underway, including the construction of a toll road and a new international airport.

On the tourism front, the colonial-era remnants preserved through historic buildings and tree-lined streets are well worth exploring. Along Jalan Erlangga, the road leading to Singaraja's port, you'll find the magnificent Ling Gwan Kion temple, one of Bali's rare Chinese structures. Founded in 1873, this sanctuary houses beautiful golden Buddha statues. To reach it, you must cross a bridge spanning a lotus pond.

Strolling along Veterans Road near the city center, you'll also discover a library and museum housing an extensive collection of manuscripts on the humanities, translated into several languages. Visiting these institutions offers insight into local culture. The museum and library are open to the public Monday through Friday but closed on weekends and public holidays.

Beyond these two cultural hubs, Singaraja is home to other monuments such as Puri Agung Singaraja, the former residence of the Buleleng royal family, and Roemah Soenda Ketjil, the residence of Bali's first governor. The Pura Agung Jagatnatha is Singaraja's largest and most important temple. Don't miss the monument erected during the Yudha Mandalatama independence celebration. To explore these sites, why not travel by dokar—a horse-drawn carriage used as transport? You'll find them at Singaraja's center near Pasar Anyar II market on Jalan Gajah Mada.

If you're based in South Bali, plan for two to three hours to reach Singaraja. You have three route options. The first, to the east, crosses the Kintamani region, passing through volcanoes and mountains. The second, central route, goes through Bedugul, famous for its large market and botanical gardens. The final western route travels through the charming village of Pupuan and its spectacular rice terraces.

What to see and do?

• Visit historic monuments including:
• Ling Gwan Kion temple
• The royal palace
• Buleleng museum
• The Gedong Kirtya library
• The residence of Bali's first governor
• The Pura Agung Jagatnatha, Singaraja's largest temple
• Masjid Nur, one of the city's oldest mosques, and more
• Take a stroll through the old Singaraja port
• Shop for fresh produce at Singaraja's market