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The main gate of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, Bali. Photo by Okkisafire –

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Vihara Dharmayana

A vihara usually refers to a Buddhist monastery that is inhabited by Buddhist monks. However, the term can have different meanings.

 For instance, in other religious texts, such as Hindu, Ajivika, and Jain, a vihara refers to a temporary dwelling place for wandering monks seeking refuge or rest during the rainy season.

1. Vihara Dharmayana Temple is one of the five Buddhist temples in Bali

The Chinese dragon statue at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta. Photo by Okkisafire –

Vihara Dharmayana Temple is one of the five Buddhist temples in Bali and the only one in Kuta. Though Kuta is known for its vibrant nightlife and traffic frenzy, at this temple you鈥檒l find absolute serenity.

2. It is the Old Chinese Buddhist Temple, dating back nearly 200 years

A pond is full of Brazilian tortoises at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta. Photo by Okkisafire –

Vihara Dharmayana Temple is the Old Chinese Buddhist Temple, dating back nearly 200 years. Stands majestically as one of the very few cultural landmarks Hidden amid Kuta鈥檚 traffic frenzy and surfing paradise glamour.

This age-old Chinese Buddhist temple was one of the various Buddhist sites in Bali visited by Tibet鈥檚 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on his international tour in 1982 so it certainly has pedigree.

3. It is located only a kilometer east of Kuta鈥檚 main coastal strip

The front side of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta’s main building. Photo by Okkisafire –

Vihara Dharmayana Temple is located only a kilometer east of Kuta鈥檚 main coastal strip. Often referred to by the locals as 鈥楰ongco Leeng Gwan Kuta鈥�, or simply 鈥楰ongco Kuta鈥�.

Slightly inconspicuous due to its location on a corner of Jalan Blambangan, a one-way route usually congested with traffic, the temple鈥檚 bright red walls and murals can easily be spotted by taking a stroll around the area.

4. The Temple dates back to 1876

A Temple. Photo by Sukhpreet Lotey on

Vihara Dharmayana Temple Kuta dates back to 1876 and serves as a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the rich history of Kuta. Despite its age, the temple is very well-maintained thanks to the generations of local devotees.

It is mostly of Chinese descent, who regularly visit the temple for prayers and communal activities, especially around the Lunar New Year. Its main structures feature intricate far eastern-style architecture, creating a vivid and striking sight with no apparent sign of aging.

Escaping the hectic traffic scene and stepping into the temple鈥檚 courtyard offers a calming sense of peace and tranquillity, with constant wafts of incense smoke from the altars further adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

5. Kuta oasis is comprised of the main structure, known as the Baktisala

A Temple is planted in the middle of a sea. Photo by Mg Cthu on

 This Kuta oasis is comprised of the main structure, known as the Baktisala, which features large round lanterns hanging from the rims of its roof supported by giant red pillars wrapped by menacing dragons.

Next to the Baktisala is a smaller structure, the Dharmasala, where family prayers take place in front of smaller relics, various Chinese deity figurines, and a mural of the Borobuder temple.

Opposite the Baktisala and under a banyan tree is a unique place of worship where prayers are made to the 鈥楩our Faced Buddha鈥�. This spot is surrounded by a small moat where a collection of turtles swim around or bask on the stones, offering quite a peculiar sight.

6. The rule for outside visitors include proper attire and no flash photography in the praying rooms

Meenakshi Hindu Temple Madurai India. Photo by Raimond Klavins on

Outside visitors are welcome to Vihara Dharmayana Temple. Still, basic rules to follow include proper attire (no shorts or singlets) and no flash photography in the praying rooms (picture taking of certain relics is forbidden).

 A friendly senior temple keeper usually stands near the outside altar, either folding joss paper for offerings or arranging incense sticks, and they can provide some useful insights into the temple and its history (in Indonesian and broken English).

7. The Temple is an oasis of peace and quiet

Aerial photograph of a temple with a Big Buddha sitting on top of it. Photo by Jason Cooper on

The Vihara Dharmayana Temple is an oasis of peace and quiet, in the otherwise bustling city. The temple is drenched in a deep vermilion hue and it is always illuminated with lanterns.

It isn’t difficult to locate the Vihara Dharmayana, simply follow the aromatic trail of essence along Jalan Blambangan and you are sure to be in the footsteps of this spiritual home. After offering prayers, you can sit by the small pond and watch turtles play while contemplating the grace of this place.

8. The main colors in the Temple are red and yellow, making for a very colorful worship place

A structure of a temple. Photo by Timothy Chan on

 Just as any other Chinese Buddhist temple, the main colors are red and yellow, making for a very colorful worship place, one that was visited by the 14th Dalai Lama on his visit to Bali in 1982.

9. The 鈥渂aktisala鈥� is the main building of the temple

A unique structure of a temple. Photo by sk on

The main building of the temple, the 鈥渂aktisala鈥�, features many rows of colorful lanterns, hanging from the ceiling that is supported by bright red pillars, wrapped by dragons.

 Other popular Chinese characters, such as lions and dragons, can be found throughout the temple.

10. Family prayers take place in a smaller building called the 鈥淒harmasala鈥�

People are pictured outside a brown concrete Temple. Photo by rizki rama28 on

 In the smaller building, the 鈥淒harmasala鈥�, family prayers take place, and this is also where you鈥檒l find a large wall painting of the largest Buddhist temple in the world; the Borobudur, on the neighboring island of Java.

When visiting the temple, please don鈥檛 wear your Bintang shirt, but follow Bali鈥檚 proper temple etiquette. You can take photos, but flashlights are not allowed.