Visiting Ling Gwan Kiong temple, you’ll feel like going back to the 1800, the Ching Dynasty era. This temple is indeed the silent witness of the town’s past. Ling Gwan Kiong is a Chinese temple styled with oriental-architectures, located in Singaraja, North Bali. It’s only a few minutes away from Pura Segara, 15-minute drive from Lovina Beach, and not far from the ex port Buleleng.

The admirable mini gardens and vivid murals on the outside of the temple will definitely stun you. In addition, you’ll also be able to enjoy the beauty of an ornate bridge over lotus ponds. This bridge leads you to the main building of Ling Gwan Kiong, with a carved, hand-painted Chinese wooden gates. If you’re interested in visiting the temple, you don’t need to pay the entry fee. But you can donate some money, and drop it into a box inside the temple. When entering the temple, be sure to take off your shoes and remain silent. There will be some people who conduct prayers in front of the beautiful altar inside the temple. One of the temple uniqueness is, you can see some old turtles who are roaming freely on the floor.

This temple has become one of the main tourist attraction in Bali. There are many domestic and foreign tourists come to visit. Ling Gwan Kiong is founded in 1873. You can read the history of the temple in the inscription mounted inside the temple, located above the statue of Toa Kong Co. In the sculpture, you’ll see that this temple is established in the 12th year of Qing Dynasty. But even so, the temple is very well-maintained until today.

In every 15th of the month of 7th Lunar year, there’s a celebration of Zhong Yuan. At this time, it is believed that the gates of hell are widely open. So, the devils will roam the human realm to find food. That’s why, you’ll find offerings in almost every corner, such as rice, vegetables, wine, and many more, to prevent the devils from disturbing humans.

You can also try your luck in this temple by asking the Tjiam Si permission to shuffle the bamboo. When the bamboo has been shaken and drop to the ground, the number listed on the wood should be matched with a piece of paper in the forecast box. Every piece of paper has different verses and prophecies, like career, love, or future in general. So, do you want to try your luck?