Brahma Vihara Arama
Bali's largest Buddhist monastery and meditation gardens · North Bali, Buleleng
Brahma Vihara Arama is the largest Buddhist temple and monastery on the island of Bali — a serene, beautifully maintained complex of stupas, shrines and meditation gardens in the cool hills above Lovina, complete with a small-scale replica of Java's iconic Borobudur. A quiet, deeply contemplative half-day from north Bali's beaches.
About Brahma Vihara Arama
Founded in 1969 and substantially expanded after the 1976 earthquake, Brahma Vihara Arama (also called the Banjar Buddhist Monastery) blends Theravada Buddhist tradition with distinctly Balinese architectural touches — split gates, tiered roofs and ornate stone carving.
The complex is laid out across several terraces climbing the hillside, with a main temple, a meditation hall, a giant gold Buddha image, dharma classrooms and beautifully maintained gardens. The highlight for many visitors is a faithful smaller-scale replica of Borobudur — the great Javanese Buddhist temple — at the upper terrace.
Despite its scale and beauty, the monastery sees few tourists compared to Bali's Hindu temples. It remains an active place of worship and meditation; visitors are welcome to walk the grounds quietly, and 10-day silent meditation retreats are open to the public on request.
Highlights
- Mini Borobudur. A faithful small-scale replica of Java's UNESCO-listed Borobudur, complete with bell-shaped stupas and seated Buddha images.
- Main meditation hall & gold Buddha. A tiered hall houses a serene golden Buddha — the spiritual heart of the monastery and a quiet spot to sit.
- Tiered terrace gardens. Manicured tropical gardens climb the hillside, dotted with frangipani, ponds and stone Buddha figures — beautiful for a slow walk.
- Mountain & ocean views. From the upper terraces, panoramic views over rice fields and out to the Bali Sea on the north coast.
- Silent meditation retreats. The monastery hosts 10-day silent Vipassana-style retreats year-round — open to visitors by application.
Practical Information
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: Donation entry (suggested IDR 30,000); sarong rental free
- Suggested duration: 60–90 minutes is ideal
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and the coolest temperatures
- Sarongs and sashes provided free at the entrance
- Quiet voices please — this is an active monastery
- Photography allowed but be respectful of meditators
Address: Banjar Tegeha, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81152, Indonesia — view on Google Maps
Visitor Tips
- Combine with the Banjar Hot Springs (10 minutes away) for a relaxing half-day from Lovina.
- Wear modest clothing — shoulders and knees covered, even with a sarong over.
- Visit early in the morning for the quietest, most contemplative experience.
- Bring a small donation in cash — there are no card facilities.
- Speak quietly inside the meditation hall and around the Borobudur replica.
Getting There
- From Lovina: 25 minutes by scooter or driver.
- From Banjar Hot Springs: 10 minutes — natural combination.
- From Munduk: 60 minutes via the scenic mountain road.
- From Ubud: 2.5 hours over the central highlands.
- Easiest as part of a north-Bali day tour with Banjar Hot Springs.
Nearby Attractions
- Banjar Hot Springs (3 km • 10 min drive) — Three sacred sulphur pools surrounded by jungle gardens — the perfect post-temple soak.
- Lovina Beach (12 km • 25 min drive) — North Bali's calm black-sand coast and sunrise dolphin watching.
- Gitgit Waterfall (30 km • 50 min drive) — Bali's classic 35-metre cascade in a lush jungle gorge.
- Lovina Dolphin Trip (North Bali) — Dawn boat trip to see wild dolphins off Lovina.