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Vihara Dharmayana Kuta Temple in Bali Indonesia

Vihara Dharmayana Kuta Temple

After having lunch at Plengkung Restaurant in Kuta area, I decided to walk around and found this interesting and colorful structure.

Vihara Dharmayana Temple Entrance
Vihara Dharmayana Entrance in Kuta Bali Indonesia

This Old Chinese Buddhist Temple in Kuta is one of the many cultural landmarks in Indonesia that can be found in Bali’s own Chinatown. Vihara Dharmayana Kuta temple is located a kilometer east from Kuta’s main coastal strip.

Another Temple surrounded by a fish pond
Another Temple surrounded by a fish pond

Vihara Dharmayana Kuta is often called by the locals “Kongco Leeng Gwan Kuta” or simply “Kongco Kuta”. It’s route is usually congested with traffic because of its one-way route and its best to reach this place by walking.

Dharmasala Temple
Dharmasala Temple

This old age Chinese Buddhist temple was one of the Buddhist sites in Bali that is visited by Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama on his tour in 1982.

Front of the main temple
Front of the main temple

Vihara Dharmayana Kuta gives us a glimpse into the rich history of Kuta. The temple is very well maintained by the local devotees, mostly of Chinese descent, who regularly visit for prayers and communal activities, especially during the Lunar New Year.

In front of the main temple
In front of the main temple

The main structure of the temple features intricate far eastern-style architecture that creates a vivid and striking sight that gives us a view that it does not age.

Main Gate of the Old Buddhist Temple in Bali
Main Gate of the Old Buddhist Temple in Bali

Stepping into the temple’s courtyard gives the visitors a calming sense of peace and tranquility, with its insenses smoke from the altars that adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Kuta oasis is comprised of a main structure, known as the Baktisala, which features large round lanterns hanging from the rims of its roof that is supported by giant red pillars wraped by the menacing dragons.

Menacing Dragon Sculpture
Menacing Dragon Sculpture

Next to it is a smaller structure, where family prays infront of a smaller relic this place is called Dharmasala. More over at the opposite of Baktisala is a unique place for worship where prayers are made to the “Four Faced-Buddha”, it is surrounded by small moat where collection of tutles swim or bask on the stones that gives a pleasant sight.

Main Gate of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta Temple
Main Gate of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta Temple

Visitors are welcome but there are rules to be followed, which includes the proper attire no shorts or singlets in particular, no picture taking in the prayer room, taking picture of certain relic is forbidden.

Various Buddha Statues inside the temple
Various Buddha Statues inside the temple

Walls outside the temple
Walls outside the temple

A friendly temple keeper usually stands outside the altar that gives useful insights of the temple and history, more of a tourist guide.

Vihara Dharmayana Temple
Buddhist Temple
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:00
Location: Jalan Blambangan, Kuta
Telephone: +62 361 762362

Cebu Pacific Air flies direct between Manila and Denpasar (Bali) every Tuesday and Saturday. For the latest seat sales and bookings, go to www.cebupacificair.com, call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020888 or (032) 2308888 or follow Cebu Pacific Air’s official Facebook and Twitter pages.

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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