Singaraja — Historical Capital

Singaraja was the capital of Bali until 1953 — a port city that became the administrative center of the island under the Dutch and preserves a fascinating mix of Balinese, Chinese, Arab, and European architecture. Today, Singaraja is Bali's second-largest city with 120,000 inhabitants but is almost completely ignored by tourists. That's what makes it so interesting.

★★ Old Town & Colonial Architecture

The former harbor promenade and the adjacent alleys still house dozens of Dutch colonial buildings from the 19th century — decaying villas with colonnades, a former royal palace, and the old harbor master's building. In between, there are Chinese temples (Ling Gwan Kiong at the old harbor is the most beautiful) and an Arab quarter with a mosque from the 15th century. A walk through the old town (1–2 hours) reveals layer upon layer of history.

★★ Gedong Kirtya — Lontar Library

A unique library with over 3,000 lontar manuscripts worldwide — handwritten texts on dried palm leaves preserving centuries of Balinese literature, medicine, astronomy, and religion. Founded in 1928 under Dutch administration, Gedong Kirtya is now a living archive where scholars study the texts and visitors can admire the fragile manuscripts (behind glass). Free entry.

Monday–Friday 8–15. Jl. Veteran, Singaraja.

★★ Pura Agung Jagatnatha

Singaraja's largest city temple, dedicated to the supreme god Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. The complex is less spectacular than the major temples of South Bali but more authentic — you experience real ceremonies here without tourist staging. Elaborate rituals take place especially on full moon and new moon, attended by hundreds of devotees in traditional attire.

Entry: voluntary donation. Sarong required (rental at the entrance).

★ Pasar Anyar — Central Market

Singaraja's bustling main market is a sensory experience: mountains of tropical fruits (mangosteen, rambutan, salak), fresh fish from the Bali Sea, handmade sweets from sticky rice (Jaja Bali), spices, and everyday goods. Here you buy at real local prices — no tourist markups, no bargaining games. Most lively in the mornings between 6 and 9 am.

Dining in Singaraja

Singaraja has its own culinary tradition, distinct from South Bali:

• Siobak — Chinese-Balinese pork, crispy fried and served with sweet-spicy sauce. Best at "Warung Siobak Candra" (Jl. Erlangga, 25,000 IDR)
• Nasi Jinggo — Tiny rice portions in banana leaves, the "fast food" of North Bali (5,000 IDR / ~0.30€ each!). Available at street stalls everywhere in the evening
• Tipat Cantok — Rice cakes with peanut sauce and vegetables, a regional specialty (15,000 IDR)