BALI BEJI TEMPLE

Bali Beji Temple is located at Sangsit Village, Buleleng Regency, Only 8 km kilometer east of Singaraja, you will see an excellent example of the colorful architectural style of northern Bali. Beji Temple is a Subak temple, dedicated to the spirit that looks after the irrigation and rice fields. It’s about half a km from main road toward the coast. It was built in the 15th century on the site of a well. The temple is famous for its Barong architecture and virtuoso relief carvings. With its courtyards of clipped grass and old frangipani trees, it is a tranquil and refreshing place.

The grand gate separating the forecourt from the inner courtyard spreads almost the entire length of the wall and is wonderfully carved on both the inner and outer sides. The principal shrines have staircases and turrets, and one gets feeling here that worship has something to do with the sheer pleasure of building things. The temple is picturesque and full of ornamental carvings mostly in the form of rambling plants and floral motives as is the typical style of Buleleng. The most significant thing in this temple is that every surface has a carving so it is extremely artistic.

Moreover all of the carvings are painted thus making this colorful temple very unique. There is no clear evidence as to when this temple was built, but historians state that in was in the XV century during the Majapahit Kingdom period - centered in Java. As with other temples on Bali it is divided into three courtyards, the outer courtyard then the middle and inner courtyards. At the outer courtyard you will find two dragon statues that symbolize the temple guards and upon entering the temple you are advised to wear sarong and sash. Facilities at the temple are limited by way of parking and refreshments but it is usually always included in a tour-operators itinerary because of its uniqueness.