thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login

Singaraja

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Singaraja

The port town situated in the northern region of Bali, Singaraja serves as the seat for the Buleleng Regency. The name literally translates into Lion King in Indonesian. Singaraja also served as the Dutch capital of Bali between the years 1849 and 1953.

The second largest city in Bali, Singaraja, is home to a population of over 120,000 people. This charming destination is adorned with lush greenery lining its streets and well-preserved Dutch colonial buildings, creating a picturesque setting. While exploring the city with Bali tour packages, don't miss the enchanting waterfront area located in the north of Jl Erlangga, where visitors can spend hours immersed in the soothing atmosphere.

Adding to Singaraja's allure is Lovina, a chief attraction situated just a few miles away from the city. Experience the tranquility of Lovina's coastal charm and dolphin-filled waters, making it a must-visit destination in Bali.

Singaraja held great importance during the time of Dutch rule as the city helped the latter to remain in administrative dominance in the whole of Bali. In fact, Singaraja now remains to be among those few places that consists of minutely visible traces of the Dutch, Chinese and the Islamic influence. After years of revolving and re-emerging, Singaraja is today recognized as one of the most important centres for education and culture.

There are only two airports in the whole of Bali. The other one is being debated to be built in the Kubutambahan region of Bali which lies east of Singaraja – making it extremely convenient for travellers to visit this place.

Read More

Singaraja FAQ's

Travel Advice:

  • Avoid the crowd: Due to the given popularity of this destination, the place can sometimes be quite crowded. After all, Bali isn’t exactly an untouched, unseen, unexplored paradise on Earth. Check for the peak period and avoid staying in clichéd regions of the city. Instead opt for central mountains or the western coasts that are more chilled out.

  • Be wise while choosing your hotel/resort: The streets of Singaraja may not necessarily be full all the time but are usually filled with chaotic traffic. Like mentioned previously, the place can get quite crowded too. Thus, it becomes essential for one to choose the right type of hotel or resort that you will be staying in. Find your perfect spot in the perfect destination for the right kind of experience in this beautiful city.

  • Dress according to the occasion: Be well aware of the fact that even the high-end bars, restaurants and resorts in Bali have a dress code without which entry isn’t permitted. It is better to prevent unwanted embarrassment by ensuring that your outfits are well to do and especially according to what is required in the particular location.

  • Do not disrespect the religious or traditional values: While this may not come across as a surprise to you that Bali is known to the world as the hub for great spirituality, it is important to respect the religious rules that roost in the place as well. Enjoy Singaraja for the true essence that it represents without insulting or offending the sentiments of its lovely people.

  • Enjoy the local market for the its true essence: Shopping certainly is one those to-do things in Singaraja city or any other city for that matter. This is especially true given how colourful, vibrant and resourceful the markets of the destination are. However, be prepared for a mixed bag of price tags as it truly just depends on your bargaining skills when it comes to appropriate pricing on any product.

  • Drinking laws: Bali as a whole doesn’t consist of an established minimum drinking age as such. However, they do expect the crazy night-life lovers to be in control. Alcohol is easily obtainable from super markets and convenience stores, so no worries there.

Things to do in Singaraja city:

  • Visit the harbour district of Singaraja: The harbouring district of Singaraja is referred to as the centre of the town which consists of numerous exciting experiences for its visitors. This place is scattered with old, warehouses that were once built during the time of the Dutch. This place served as the main entrance port for tourists into the city before the international airport was essentially established.

  • Enjoy the Dutch heritage: Dutch ruled from the city of Singaraja for a long period of time. Quite naturally, they left behind their culture and heritage which exists even today for people to explore. In addition to the Dutch heritage, one can even find remnants of the Chinese and the Muslim heritage that lived in Kampong Arab and Kampng Bugis districts of the city.

  • Visit Ling Gwan Kion: Ling Gwan Kion is the Chinese temple situated just off the Jalan Erlangga district of the city of Singaraja. This temple is one of those rare Chinese temples in the whole of Bali. The temple is simply accessible through a bridge that goes over the lotus pond. The temple consists of magnificent Buddha statues making it a true wonder.

What will you like in Singaraja city:

  • Visit the city’s museum annex library: The city’s museum annex library also known as the Gedong Kirtya consists of collections and copies of dozens od different manuscripts made from palm leafto metal plates. These manuscripts deal with various walks of life and are written in languages such as Dutch, English and German. Make it an interesting visit by going to this beautiful museum. Gain lovely experiences in Singaraja.

  • Visit the night market of Singaraja: The night market of Singaraja or the Pasar Anyar II is located at the Jalan Gajah Mada district of the town and has two different floors wherein hundreds of local people visit and shop for vegetables, fruits, fishes, meats, flowers, clothings and so much more. This market makes up for one of those worthy visits especially during the cool breezy mornings when the sun has just risen.

Recommended reads for destination

Government website: 

Indonesia Tourism Website


Others: 

Bali Tourism


Books on Singaraja city: 

Living in Singaraja, The Dutch rule in Singaraja.


Singaraja Reviews

review-img
Sahil Sahil
Reviewed: 10 Oct 2019
4.0/5
The whole family enjoyed exploring the beautiful naturescape of Bali. Thrillophilia provided easy transfers to the Sekumpul waterfalls. The guide was experienced and gave us very insightful knowledge of the falls.
review-img
Shishir Pandey
Reviewed: 18 Feb 2019
5.0/5
As an adventure lover, this trek to the Sekumpul Waterfall was nothing short of a great experience for me. Surrounded by the forests, and near the Ulun Danu temple, this package by Thrillophilia also included a visit to a coffee plantation nearby. All in all, I would recommend everyone to go for thi... Read More
review-img
Jyoti Prakash
Reviewed: 11 Feb 2019
4.0/5
Our day started with a visit to the lovely floating temple in Beratan lake, after which we went for the trek to Sekumpul. Never thought Bali would be this resourceful in terms of trekking, but we were blown away by the beauty of the route.

Why Choose Thrillophilia