Temples and Local Life around Singaraja

Gede lives in his native village in Northern Bali. He spent several years working on American ferries discovering numerous different landscapes and cultures despite an exhausting work environment.

Yearning to be closer to his loved-ones, he returned to live in Bali with an idea in mind: to help others discover the beauty and authenticity of his region, while improving his family’s daily quality of life.

Polite and enthusiastic, Gede will make your day an unforgettable one.

Vehicle and on-board services: Toyota Avanza or Innova with air conditioning, fresh water bottles, fresh towels and sarongs for the visits.

Singaraja is the second largest city of Bali. The local market deserves to be visited for its authenticity. You will not find any products intended for tourists since the city is hardly on the travellers’ route. It is then a wonderful open window into the daily life of the Balinese.

You will mingle with the locals and stroll around this maze of stalls where, each morning, thousands of Balinese commute to get their supplies in fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and so on. It is also possible to find flowers and everything needed to make offerings. Don’t miss the chance to bring back home typical souvenirs!

Recommended visit duration: 60 minutes.

Ling Gwan Kiong temple was founded in 1873, and contrasts with the Balinese temples architecture with its colours and atmosphere. It is part of the few temples founded by the Chinese community living in Bali.

You will be charmed and disoriented by the beauty if this place which consists in beautiful golden statues of Buddha, splendid handmade paintings covering the gates and the walls as well as the turtles, strolling there in partial captivity.

Recommended visit duration: 20 to 30 minutes.

On the waterfront, facing the former Dutch warehouses, stands the Yudha Mandala Tama monument which represents a man brandishing the Indonesian flag and pointing at the horizon. It was erected in memory of a combatant of liberty, killed under the firing of a Dutch warship at the beginning of the struggle for independence.

Only a few meters away you will find some warungs (small Balinese restaurants) built on stilts and especially photogenic. Some offer real bargain rates while other slightly higher rates. The place is perfect to have a break in a charming and atypical setting.

Recommended visit duration: 60 to 90 minutes.

This temple, erected in the 15th century made of sandstone with slight tones of pink, is the most representative example of the colourful architecture of the northern Bali temples. It is dedicated to Dewi Sri, who is committed to the protection of the irrigated rice fields. Being unfortunately rarely on the itinerary of travellers, it is a true haven of peace.

You will have the time to serenely contemplate the fairly numerous and meticulous fine carvings: nâga, evil beasts, Leyaks but also an amusing duo of Dutch musicians added after the colonisation of the region in the 19th century.

Recommended visit duration: 30 to 45 minutes.

Maduwe Karang is a temple that celebrates the dry crops - rice included- as well as the growers. Its realistic and especially well made carvings make the reputation of this temple and include a dancing girl or smartly-dressed princes.

You will admire, on the façade of the main temple, its most famous carving: a man on a bicycle having a lotus flower as back wheel. According to some sayings, it represents the Dutch painter Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp (1874-1950) who was the first occidental to travel across Bali on a bicycle in 1904.

Recommended visit duration: 30 to 45 minutes.