Puri Agung Singaraja: A Harmony of Balinese and European Architecture in the Heart of Buleleng
Puri Agung (Puri Gede) Singaraja was once the center of government for the Buleleng Kingdom and a symbol of North Bali’s political and cultural glory. Today, the palace has transformed into a historical site, cultural hub, and educational tourism destination. Its traditional architecture has been carefully preserved and continues to host various cultural activities and traditional ceremonies. These preservation efforts make Puri Agung Singaraja an important symbol of Buleleng’s identity and a living testament to its historical journey.
Puri Gede Buleleng is a palace complex that once served as the center of government for the Buleleng Kingdom. In Balinese tradition, the word “puri” itself means a palace or the residence of nobility. This puri was built as both the seat of power and the royal family’s residence. Today, Puri Gede Buleleng has become one of the most visited historical tourism destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
The palace showcases distinctive Balinese architecture blending aesthetic and symbolic values. Its carvings, candi bentar gates, and neatly arranged layout reflect the cosmological philosophy of Balinese Hinduism.
Gate of Puri Agung Singaraja (photo source: personal collection)
Puri Gede Buleleng is closely associated with an important figure of the Buleleng Kingdom, Ki Gusti Ngurah Panji Sakti, in the 17th century. He was the founder of the Buleleng Kingdom, known as a charismatic and wise leader. After Panji Sakti’s era, the palace continued to be inhabited by the descendants of Buleleng’s kings and served as a center of social, cultural, and administrative activities.
Puri Gede Buleleng is located on Jalan Mayor Metra, Kampung Kajanan, Singaraja, Buleleng Regency, Bali. Situated in the heart of Singaraja, it is easily accessible to tourists. Its strategic location also allows visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of Singaraja’s old town, rich in colonial history and local culture.
Photo of Ki Gusti Ngurah Panji Sakti (photo source: personal collection)
The palace was built in the 17th century, coinciding with the establishment of the Buleleng Kingdom by Ki Gusti Ngurah Panji Sakti. At that time, Buleleng developed into an influential maritime kingdom in North Bali and beyond. Despite experiencing various historical changes, including Dutch colonial influence in the 19th century, Puri Gede Buleleng remained the center of local governance.
Puri Agung Singaraja (photo source: personal collection)
Today, Puri Gede Buleleng no longer functions as the seat of the royal government but has transformed into a historical site, cultural center, and educational tourism destination. Preservation efforts include maintaining the traditional architecture in its original form-from the gates and courtyards to the main buildings; regularly holding Balinese Hindu cultural activities and ceremonies that keep the puri spiritually alive; providing educational and historical tourism facilities so visitors can learn about the Buleleng Kingdom and Bali’s traditional social systems; and involving local communities and regional governments to make this palace a cultural tourism icon of North Bali.
