History
This regency sprawls over the full length of Bali`s north coast,
hot, dry, fringed with black-sand beaches and coconut palms.
It meets Karangasem in Northeast coast into the untouched jungle
territory of Bali`s National Park in the west end of the island.
The regency has been most exposed to foreign influences in the
past. Buleleng was a port for trading boats coming east on the
route to spice island and where Chinese, Arabic, European and
Bugis merchants came to exchange opium, arm and "Kepeng"
for Balinese rice, fruit, cattle and slaves. Buleleng was ruled
by a "Raja" who took advice from a Dutch controller.
But in 1864 a "Punggawa" Ida Made Rai returned from
his exile and managed to establish independence which made him
once again back to exile. In 1882, the Dutch made Bali and Lombok
into combined Residency and Singaraja became the capital city.
Traditional arts
The colonial influence on Singaraja is also evident in the housing
there of Bali’s largest collection of lontar palm-leaf books,
in the Gedong Kirtya library. It is to here that many a post-colonial
researcher flocks, desperately seeking wisdom in their ongoing
scrutiny of Bali.
Temple-going
The coastal road leading both east and west of Singaraja leads
past dramatic ocean scenes and a number of interesting temples.
The road west, which leads to the low-key, relaxed tourist
resort of Lovina, passes the temples of Pulaki and Dalem Melanting.
The road east passes the elaborately carved Pura Beji at Sangsit
and Pura Maduwe Karang at Kubutambahan, with its famous flower-wheeled
bicycle relief. The Pura Dalam temple at Jagaraga also has
peculiarly modern reliefs, depicting planes and car robberies.
Eco-tours
For visitors who are also nature-lovers, Buleleng provides
joyful relief. Firstly, the district boasts the crisp, misty
highland area which harbours Gitgit Falls. Down by the coast,
east of Singaraja, there are natural springs at both Air Panas
(hot) and Air Saneh (cold). And at Lovina, sightings of dolphins
leaping beyond the black sand beaches are frequent.
Madwe Karang Temple
It is well-known Temple area in Bali. Maduwe Karang has been
visited by tourists since before the Second World War. It
is divided into three courtyards, or levels. Jaba Pura, the
outer court is approached by two steps which are adorned with
a series of thirty-four statues, representing the various
characters from the Ramayana epic. The middle court, Jaba
Tengah, and Jeroan, or interior court, are further on. The
interior courtyard is considered the most sacred place, and
situated here is statue of Kumbakarna being overwhelmed by
a troop of monkey soldiers led by Sugriwa.
Singa Ambara Raja Monument
The Statue of a winged-lion located in the center of Singaraja.
This monument representing a winged lion holding a corncob
in one of its feet. This proud monument stands in front of
thee mayor's house. A real and unique land march of the regency
of Buleleng. The monument has always been a tourists attraction
because of its strategic location.
Brahmavihara - Arama
The biggest Budhist Monastery in Bali. Brahmavihara Arama
or commonly called Wihara Buddha Banjar is the biggest Buddhist
temple in Bali. Situated in the hills of the Banjar Tegeha
village in the district of Banjar, it blends beautifully with
the peaceful environment. This Buddhist temple consists of
five complexes :
Uposatha Gara
This hall is situated at the western top a comfortable and
peaceful hall. On its wall the birth of the Buddha has been
sculpted while a statue Buddha attaining Nirwana a heaven
stands in the center of the hall. In this hall monk are ordained
Dharmasala. A lecture hall situated in the eastern wing. Here
priests give sermons. It also serves as a place for other
spiritual activities.
Stupa
A building with a bell shaped roof lying on south western.
The wall are mode of concrete with beautiful relief's
The Body tree
Close to the north western corner of the building grows a
gigantic body tree. Beautifully carved relies are around the
tree. This tree symbolizes the victory of Buddha when attaining
the eternal perfection or Samia Sang Buddha.
Kuti
Kuti is the having quarters of the monks and the student monks.
This also serves as the practice hall for the monks. Statues
of Buddha decorates every part of the gardens and halls. The
most beautiful being the Parinirwana and the statue of Buddha
attaining sama or moksa in the Hindu religion. Sama or Moksa
means the final earth exit.
The Pura Dalem Complex of Jagaraga
A unique temple of the dead whose humorous relief of western
inspired themes such as dog fights, beer parties, armed robberies
may attract many tourists. Like any Pura Dalem temple (the
temple of the dead) in Bali, the pura Dalem of Jagaraga is
located in the vacantly of a cemetery. Everything a bout this
temple is quiet and withdrawn. Stone carvings of demonic faces.
Peer out from the walls onto the empty court yard. The most
frightening statue being the statue of Batari Durga ( the
goddess of dead) . Yet to enlivens these are some portrayals
of dirtiest , harvest and magical guardians, visitors to this
temple will be amused at the humorous relief's of western
inspired themes as automobile breakdowns, dog fights , armed
robberies, beer parties. These are only examples of playful
secular selupline found not only in the Pura Dalem of Jagaraga
situated in the village of Jagaraga, 11 km to the east of
Singaraja . Jagaraga is also farmed for the "Puputan
Jagaraga" (Fight to the death) against the Dutch colonials
and the Kebyar gamelan orchestra.
Beji Temple
A temple in which we found colorfully carved thorough the
shrine. The temples of north Bali differs from those of the
south. Every crevice of the temple in north Bali is gaily
earned in curves flames and spirals, cascading a light ebullience
everywhere. A five example of this northern style in Pura
Beji (Beji Temple) in the village of Sangsit, the district
of Sawan , Singaraja. Pura Beji , a subak temple dedicated
to Dewi Sri, goddess of agriculture. Naga snake form the balustrade
of splendid gate way fantastic niagmany beasts and devilish
guardians appear from the entangled flora. Rows of stone towers
set maze of pink sandstone. The court yard is spacious and
decorated only by a few frangipani trees.
Ponjok Batu Temple
A temple built on a stone peninsula where between stones grow
frangipani flowers and beautiful bushes. Ponjok Batu temple
is built on a promontory of stone. Frangipani lies and grass
spring out of the stone giving the temple something to look
at. The name Ponjok Batu means story promontory the temple
is situated on the highway to Karangasem that in the reason.
People passing this temple take time to pray for safety in
this temple. The sea breeze and many old tree in the vicinity
of the temple add to the serenity of the place . Nearly mean
springs are found.
Makam Jayaprana
According to Balinese legend, Jayaprana was an orphan
raised by the rulers of Kalianget village.
Singsing Waterfall
Small upward path to the waterfall where you can
do trekking enjoy fully. In getting to this location, the
climb can be steep, but it's wonderful for those who enjoy
trekking. Singsing Waterfall is in Temukus village only about
3 km from Lovina, so it is within reasonable walking distance.
As a result, many visitors make this point of interest a part
if their travel plans.
Banyuwedang Hot Spring
Hot spring where you can have a hot bath that believed can
heal skin disease. This hot spring finds its source in a hot
water spring emerging on the beach at law tide. To avoid the
hot water spring from being contaminated with sea water, a
concrete wall was build around the spring. The hot water being
high in sulfur, is believed to be good against all kind of
skin disease.
