The Origins of Buleleng and Singaraja: A Journey to Greatness

In the northern region of Bali, there lived a wise king named Sri Bagening. He was a just leader and loved by his people. Together with his queen, Ni Luh Pasek, they led the kingdom with wisdom. Even though King Sri Bagening was a strong ruler, he always listened to the voices of his people and ensured their welfare. From this marriage, a boy was born who was named I Gede Pasekan.

I Gede Pasekan grew into a handsome and wise young man. Since childhood, he showed great love for his people. I Gede Pasekan often spends time touring the village, listening to the complaints of his people, and helping them with all his ability. Because of his friendly and caring nature, he was very loved by people throughout the kingdom.

When I Gede Pasekan was 20 years old, Raja Sri Bagening felt it was time to give greater responsibility to his son. He summoned I Gede Pasekan and gave an important order. “My son, you are now an adult. It's time for you to know your ancestral roots. Go to Panji Village, where your mother was born. There, you will find guidance for your future,” said King Sri Bagening.

Before I Gede Pasekan left, King Sri Bagening gave him two sacred heirlooms: a keris named Ki Baru Semang and a spear named Ki Tunjung Tutur. These two heirlooms were not only as a symbol of strength, but also as a protector on his journey. With great respect, I Gede Pasekan accepted the heirloom and prepared to begin his journey.

I Gede Pasekan began his journey alone, taking a long journey from his kingdom to Panji Village. He passed through dense forests, fast-flowing rivers, and steep mountains. Every step he took was filled with determination and courage, even though he was aware that this journey was full of unexpected dangers.

One day, after days of walking, I Gede Pasekan felt very tired. He decided to rest for a moment under a large tree in the middle of the forest. The gentle breeze that blew made him fall asleep soundly under the shade of the tree. However, as he fell asleep, there was a large figure watching from a distance. The figure was a giant, who quickly approached I Gede Pasekan and lifted him easily.

When I Gede Pasekan woke up, he was surprised to find himself on the shoulders of a giant. However, he didn't feel afraid. Calmly, I Gede Pasekan asked the giant, "Who are you? Why did you take me?”

The Giant and I Gede Pasekan (Source: Personal Collection)

The giant did not answer, but continued walking carrying I Gede Pasekan. They crossed dense forests and steep hills. After some time, they arrived at the top of a high hill. From the top of the hill, I Gede Pasekan can see an extraordinarily beautiful view. To the south, you can see towering mountains, while to the north, you can see the vast blue sea.

Finally, the giant spoke in a deep and resounding voice, "O I Gede Pasekan, know that the area you see from the top of this hill, from north to south, will one day become your territory. You will be the ruler of this area, and your name will be remembered by many people.”

After saying that, the giant simply disappeared, leaving I Gede Pasekan alone on the hilltop. Although he felt confused about what had just happened, I Gede Pasekan felt that the meeting was not a coincidence. He was sure that what the giant said was destiny. that he had to go through.

With renewed enthusiasm, I Gede Pasekan continued his journey to Panji Village. Upon arrival there, he was greeted warmly by the villagers who knew that he was the son of King Sri Bagening. I Gede Pasekan then settled in Panji Village and began to organize the life of the community there, applying the teachings and wisdom he had learned from his father.

After arriving in Panji Village, I Gede Pasekan walked to the beach and saw a ship stranded among the rocks. Not long after, a ship captain came to ask for help. The ship was full of trapped passengers, and the captain had tried to ask for help, but no one was able to help him. He then offered half of his wealth to I Gede Pasekan if he could free the ship.

I Gede Pasekan finds a stranded ship (Source: Personal Collection)

I Gede Pasekan accepted the offer. With the confidence and ability he had, he sat cross-legged on the beach, staring at the ship trapped among the rocks. Not long after, a strong wind blew, and large waves came crashing against the ship. With the power of nature beyond expectation, the ship finally broke free from the rocks and floated back in the sea.

As promised, the captain gave half of his wealth to I Gede Pasekan. From that moment, I Gede Pasekan became a very rich man and received a new title, namely I Gusti Panji Sakti. His power grew wider, and he was increasingly respected as a strong leader.

Over the years, I Gede Pasekan built a strong relationship with his people. He succeeded in developing the area into a prosperous and prosperous area. Over time, I Gede Pasekan realized that the giant's message on the hilltop had indeed come true. The area that was once just a small village had now grown into a vast kingdom, stretching from north to south, as had been prophesied.

I Gede Pasekan as a ruler (Source: Personal Collection)

The kingdom led by I Gede Pasekan was later known as Buleleng, which was taken from the name of a fertile area full of abundant water. Meanwhile, the center of government in the northern region, which was close to the sea, was named Singaraja, which means "Lion King,” as a tribute to the courage and wisdom of I Gede Pasekan.

This story continues to be remembered by the Balinese people as the origin of the Buleleng and Singaraja regions, which until now remain important cultural and historical centers in North Bali. This story also teaches about destiny, courage, and how wise leadership can bring prosperity to a nation.