Singaraja, the City that Keeps the Rare Manuscripts

Singaraja, whose name means Lion King in Indonesian, is the capital of the Buleleng Regency and still retains its colonial appearance with wide streets and numerous historic Dutch-style buildings that bear witness to a past as an important administrative and commercial centre. It is a multi-ethnic city: the Arab influence is particularly evident in the Kampung district, and also here is the largest Chinese temple in Bali, the Ling Gwan Kiong. Singaraja is also home to Gedong Kirtya, the only library in the world containing distant manuscripts, ancient sacred and literary texts written on palm leaves, used as a support for traditional writing. These manuscripts are of great cultural and historical importance, holding a wide range of knowledge, including religious texts, epics, legends, poetry and medical treatises. The city also has a vibrant neighborhood life and an authentic feel thanks to a lively music scene, with local bands performing traditional gamelan music. Exploring its streets, one can discover traditional markets, local cafés and restaurants serving Balinese culinary delights which, together with the cultural background, make it a must-see destination.