"Singaraja is the biggest city in North Bali. Under Dutch occupation, many colonial buildings were left. Besides Surabaya in Java, it may be another community where many Chinese people lived in Bali. There are two Chinese temples near the waterfront. One is a big and well-decorated Ling Gwan Kiong, and the other one is a very small Shing Wang Temple. Inside these two Buddhist temples,you can easily find many tablets, dating back to Ching dynasty, under the rooftops.
During our visit, not even a tourist to be seen. Inside Ling Gwan Kiong, everywhere is calm and solemn. With tortoises swimming in a small pond, and on both sides of the wall, there are many pictures not artistically painted. We prayed to Kwan Yin with joss-sticks for good luck. Besides religious significance, cultural bearing seems to be a key factor. Outside Ling Gwan Kiong is a large parking lot just in front of the pier and Yudha Mandalatama Independence Monument. If you go to the old quarter of Singaraja, close to the Buleleng gate, you'll see a
The temple is very colourful and is close to the old port. Among the locals, this temple is known as Klenteng. This name is often used in Chinese Buddhist temples. It is one of the few Chinese temples on Bali. Ling Gwan Kiong is a colourful and beautifully landscaped Klenteng. To enter the temple, you have to cross a bridge over the water of a pond filled with pink and white lotus flowers. If you look in the water, you'll see a large number of koi fish in the water of this picturesque pond, which leads to the interior of the temple. As usual, the Klenteng is dominated by the lucky colours red and gold. Golden Buddha statues and decorated with textiles, which you will find everywhere in the building.
... Baca Selengkapnya
Indonesia