Bali is best known as a majority Balinese Hindu island, but within Balinese culture, both Hinduism and Buddhism are closely intertwined.
While almost all temples tourists will see in Bali are dedicated to Hindu deities, there are a few very special Buddhist temples that are waiting to be explored.
The Ling Gwan Kiong Buddhist Temple in Singaraja in North Bali is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples on the island. It has now fully opened to worshippers and the wider public after undergoing a complete restoration. The process took over one year and saw an investment of IDR 3.4 billion.
The Ling Gwan Kiong Buddhist Temple, also known as the Tri Dharma Place of Worship (TITD), has been restored only once before in 1972. The Chairman of the Ling Gwan Kiong Buddhist Temple, Wirasanjaya, told reporters that the restoration work started in March 2024 and is more than 90% complete. Only a few finishing touches are left.
@nanihandajani Klenteng Ling Gwan Kiong Singaraja Bali #rumahibadah #klenteng #klentenglinggwankiong #klentengdibali #wisatareligi #singaraja #singarajabali #singarajabulelengbali #bali #baloindonesia #balitrip #balitrip2023 ♬ 等到下辈子我也愿意 – 冷锦秀
Wirasanjaya told reporters, “The project will take 72 weeks, with a total budget of Rp3.4 billion. Twelve percent of this budget will come from TITD cash. The remainder will come from donations and self-help from TITD members, both in Buleleng Regency and those living away from home.”
He explained, “The project will take 72 weeks, with a total budget of IDR 3.4 billion. Twelve percent of this budget will come from TITD cash. The remainder will come from donations and self-help from TITD members, both in Buleleng Regency and those living away from home.”
@blijultv Tempat Ibadah Tri Dharma ling gwan kiong singaraja Bali.. #blijulpande #nakbalisulawesi #mulihkebali #malali ♬ suara asli – Blijul
Wirasanjaya revealed that the whole temple complex has been re-roofed using Merbau wood from Papua, which was used in the original construction of the temple. He noted that some of the pillars have also been replaced due to termite damage. Unlike in the restoration during the 1970s, this restoration will leave the walls intact.
Wirasanjaya told reporters, “We restored some of the ornaments. Some that had been eaten by termites were restored to their original state.” He confirmed that the murals and frescoes on the walls have been restored, too. He added, “It’s a painting of the Samkok story (The Tale of the Three Kingdoms). While we have the data from the congregation, we’re digitizing it and then printing it on ceramic tiles. So, this activity includes restoration and renovation.”
The remainder of the restoration work will mostly be carried out in the West Hall of the temple complex. On Friday, 8th August, a thanksgiving event was held at the temple with a wayang potehi performance and communal prayers.
The many members of the Tri Suci organization were in attendance, who hail from around 1,100 families.
The Regent of Buleleng, Nyoman Sutijdra, told reporters that he hopes the newly restored temple will become a tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors exploring North Bali.
He confirmed that plans are underway to improve the Buleleng Port area to make it easier for tourist boats, ranging from fast boats to ferries to cruise ships, to dock. There is an ongoing push to encourage more tourists to explore North Bali and Buleleng Regency.
Regent Sutijdra noted that construction work on the port will begin in February 2025. The port area will be redesigned to help make it safer, easier, and more comfortable for tourists to navigate. There will be a big focus on improving security in the area, with widespread installation of CCTV cameras.
For now, the easiest way to visit the Ling Gwan Kiong Buddhist Temple in Singaraja is as part of a day trip on a vacation based out of North Bali.
Staying in a coastal retreat like Lovina, tourists have a plethora of natural and cultural attractions to enjoy. Must-visit areas of Buleleng Regency include the jungles and waterfalls of Munduk and the underwater paradises off the coast of Pemuteran.
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