Singaraja is a town in northern Bali, Indonesia,
Capital of Buleleng Regency. The name in Indonesian means for "Lion
King" (from Sanskrit simha and raja). It is on the north
coast just east of Lovina. It has an area of 27.98 km² and population of
100.000. Singaraja was the Dutch colonial administrative centre for Bali and
the Lesser Sunda Islands from 1849 until 1953, and was the port of arrival for
most visitors until development of the Bukit Peninsula has finished in the
south of Bali. Singaraja was also an administrative center for the Japanese
during their World War II occupation. Gedong Kirtya, just south of the town
centre, is the only library of lontar manuscripts (ancient and sacred texts on
leaves of the rontal palm) in the world.
LOCATION
Singaraja is located in northern part of Bali, it
takes 2 to 3 hours to drive to Singaraja from Denpasar. There are
three main routes: east via Kintamani, taking in the stunning active volcano
and mountain vistas, west via Pupuan, through beautiful rice-paddies, spice and
coffee plantations; and central, via Bedugul with its famous market and
botanical gardens. Whichever route you take, the journey is certainly to be
scenic and interesting. It takes about 2 hours from Ubud. From Kuta, Legian, Seminyak takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. And takes 3 hours 15 minutes from Nusa Dua.
INTERESTING POINT
Formerly Singaraja is an old harbor town,
centrally located at the north coast of Bali. It is the second largest town of
Bali (approx. 100,000 inhabitants). It was once of the former colonial's
capital of Bali and now the capital of Buleleng regency. The Dutch colonial
formerly strongly influenced Singaraja as it is still apparent by the
architecture of many buildings, especially those are located in the old harbor
district. White plastered warehouses still breath the atmosphere of the old
days when the harbor was still busy and trade in spices, vanilla and tobacco
flourished.
