Singaraja still has some of the feel of an old colonial capital. The streets are wider and grander than elsewhere in Bali and some of the old houses set in large gardens recall days long gone. Singaraja just looks different to other towns and cities in Bali. This is also a multi ethnic city. The muslim influence is especially apparent in the district near the old docks called Kampung Arab and the largest Chinese temple in Bali is here.
How to get in
It takes 2 to 3 hours to drive to Singaraja from the south of Bali. 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 sure to be scenic and interesting.
How to go around
Almost no visitors stay in Singaraja, it is more of a passing through town. Visitors therefore normally explore the city and surrounding areas in the car they arrived in.
What you can see
Gedong Kirtya, Jalan Veteren 20, Singaraja. A library and museum dedicated to the cataloging and preservation of old lontar (paper made from the rontal palm) scripts. Also houses some bronze inscription plates dating from the 10th century. Very much worth a visit.
Gitgit Waterfalls, Gitgit village (10 km south Singaraja on the main road to Bedugul). 8 AM to 5.30 PM. You are on the northen slopes of the central mountain range here and there are 3 spread out waterfalls around the village of Gitgit. When driving south from Singaraja to Bedugul you cannot miss the signs and car parks. The best of the falls is the southernmost which drops about 50 metres. Some opportunities for bathing in the cool and fresh mountain waters. Rp 3,000.
Pura Meduwe Karanguwe Karang, Kubutambahan village (about 10 km east of Singaraja on the coast road). A truly spectacular temple, the most notable in North Bali and the location of the famous original carving of the Dutch cyclist which you see copied all over Bali. donation. edit
Pura Beji, Sangsit village (7 km east of Singaraja on the coast road). A splendid pink sandstone temple with especially dramatic stone carvings.
Air Sanih, Air Sanih Village (about 15 km east of Singaraja on the coast road). A quaint, tiny coastal village with a notable cold spring bathing area set in nice gardens. The spring water here is said to originate from holy Lake Batur. Rp 5,000.
What you can do
Visit local temples, the museum and take in the remaining old colonial grandeur of Singaraja.
Souvenir
Singaraja is a notable production centre of high quality silk and cotton ikat. There are weaving centres on Jalan Dewi Sartika and Jalan Veteren. See the weavers in action and buy direct from the makers.
Find food
Along the front in Jalan Erlangga there are several stilted restaurants with great views out over the water. The most well known of these is Dewi Sitha.
Check in
Due to the proximiy of Lovina virtually no visitors stay in Singaraja. Look for accommodation in or around Lovina and not here.
Sakabindu Hotel, Jl Jend A Yani 104, Banyuasri, Singaraja 81116, ☎ +62 368 21791 (rolly_bagoes@hotmail.com). Simple accommodation in the middle of the city.
Wijaya Hotel, Jl Sudirman 74, Singaraja, ☎ +62 362 21915. Rather uninspiring accommodation but probably the best in the city. Fan-cooled and air con rooms. from Rp 65,000.
Get out
Few visitors stay overnight in this town but pass through on their way west to Lovina, Pemuteran and West Bali National Park, south to Bedugul or east to Amed and Mount Agung.
It is possible to get a bus from Singaraja to Surabaya in East Java. This is an overnight journey that takes about 10 hours and the buses depart from Banyuasri station on Jalan Jendral Sudirman
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