Brahma Vihara Arama, Bali Overview

Located about 20kms from Singaraja in Banjar, Buleleng, Brahma Vihara is a Buddhist monastery featuring libraries, mini gardens and meditation rooms. Lined with pine trees and flower gardens, the complex is famous for its replica of the Borobudur. Some of the rooms have Gautama Buddha's trials depicted on their walls, and the complex exudes an aura of serenity and peace.

Brahma Vihara Arama, also referred to as Banjar Buddhist Temple was opened in 1970 and is the largest monastery in Bali. It covers a hectare of hillside and is considered a mini replica of the largest Buddhist archaeological site, Borobudur. Influenced by Hindu, Balinese as well as Nepalese culture and architecture, Brahma Vihara Arama is one of the holiest places of Buddhist pilgrimage, which takes place on the holy day of Vesak or Asada.

The name “Brahma Vihara Arama” translates to the words “a place for self-cultivation,'' referring to self-training, peace and glory, forging noble behaviour, and this monastery holds great significance for Buddhists as well as Hindus in Bali. This building is one of the special tourists' attractions in this area and is definitely worth a visit.

Things to Do

There a plethora of things to see in this monastery. To begin with, there is a bell tower housing a metal bell instead of a wooden kul-kul. At the entrance office, visitors can see a number of posters, Buddhist calendars and printed shirts that depict the landmark and visitors can purchase these in exchange for donations. There is also a flight of stairs that are lined with Buddha’s “eightfold path of enlightenment”.

Visitors can have a look at the plantation area as well as paddy fields, flower gardens and trimmed lawns. In addition to being a temple, this place is also a meditation centre for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is a meditation room where visitors can spend some peaceful and quiet time. It is the main area called Uposatha Gara, where the walls depict the Gautam Buddha’s birth and his statue representing the state of Nirvana.

The rooms also serve as the new Bhikhu or Buddhist monk initiations. What’s more, visitors can take a look at the Dharamshala, located towards the east of this temple, where Bhikus conduct solemn activities such as prayers and lectures. The architecture of this temple signifies Buddha’s teachings of self-training, peace and noble behaviour.

Tips

This is the largest Buddhist monastery, hence, it is best to spare a few hours to see this place entirely.
There isn’t a dedicated for parking near this temple. Hence, it is best to take a cab, taxi or the bus in order to save time and effort.
Entry to Brahma Vihara Arama is donation based. Hence, visitors can decide how much they would like to donate. However, they are recommended to give a minimum of IDR 15-20K.
Visitors are requested to cover their legs and shoulders. They will be provided with a sarong to do this.
For those who want a peaceful experience, it is best to visit this place either early in the morning or right before closing time.

How To Reach Brahma Vihara Arama

Brahma Vihara Arama is located in Banjar Tegeha in North of Bali, around 20 kilometres away from Singaraja and it would take around 36 minutes via JI Singaraja-Gilimanuk.
It is also a15 to 20-minute drive West from Lovina. The closest airport to this attraction is Ngurah International Airport (DPS) in South Bali which is around 94.5 kilometres away and it would take around 3 hours and 10 minutes via JI. Denpasar-Singaraja.
Visitors can take a cab, taxi or a bus from the airport, Lovina as well as from Singaraja.