Vihara Amurva Bhumi — Gianyar (near Ubud)

One of the oldest Chinese temples in Bali, Vihara Amurva Bhumi dates back to 1826. Hidden beside a river in Gianyar, only a short drive from Ubud, the temple feels peaceful and intimate compared to busier tourist areas.

The architecture follows traditional southern Chinese temple design — curved roofs, guardian lions, and red-gold ornamentation — yet inside you will also find a Balinese Hindu shrine. This reflects the long interaction between Chinese settlers and Balinese religious life.

Unlike some temples that function mostly as heritage sites, this vihara remains actively used for worship. Devotees come regularly to burn incense, offer flowers, and pray for prosperity and protection.

During Chinese New Year the temple becomes especially lively, filled with candles, fruit offerings, and families performing ancestral prayers.

Why visit
• Oldest Chinese temple in the Ubud region
• Unique Chinese–Balinese religious blend
• Calm atmosphere for prayer and reflection

Vihara Satya Dharma — Benoa Harbor

Located near the Benoa toll entrance, Vihara Satya Dharma is the largest and most visually striking Chinese temple in Bali. The temple follows the tradition of Tri Dharma (San Jiao / 三教 — Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism), the combined religious practice common among Chinese Indonesians.

The complex is famous for its monumental architecture — rows of red lanterns, ornate gates, and a towering statue of Guan Yin (Guanyin / 观音), the bodhisattva of compassion. Many visitors come just to photograph the colorful courtyards.

The temple is also associated with Nezha (哪吒), a protective deity especially popular in maritime communities. Historically this area was connected to traders and sailors arriving in Bali, which explains the strong protective-guardian symbolism.

Unlike smaller neighborhood temples, regular daily worship is limited, but during Chinese New Year the entire complex transforms into a festive pilgrimage site.

Why visit
• Biggest Chinese temple in Bali
• Massive Guan Yin statue
• Spectacular lantern decorations during Imlek

Vihara Dharmayana — Kuta

Situated in the heart of Kuta, Vihara Dharmayana is one of Bali’s most historically significant Chinese temples, established in 1876. Despite the busy tourist surroundings, stepping inside feels like entering another century.

The temple is dedicated primarily to Tan Hu Cin Jin (Chen Fu Zhen Ren / 陈府真人), a revered protective figure among Chinese Indonesian communities. The vihara also practices Tri Dharma worship, with altars representing Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions.

Because of its central location, this temple becomes one of the main gathering places during Chinese New Year. The smell of incense, drums, and chanting create a powerful atmosphere rarely expected in Kuta.

Why visit
• Historic temple in central Kuta
• Living Tri Dharma worship tradition
• Major Chinese New Year celebrations

Why Chinese temples in Indonesia are called “Vihara”?

During the New Order (Orde Baru) era under Suharto, Chinese religions were not officially recognized by the state. To continue operating legally, many klenteng (Chinese temples) were administratively registered as Buddhist houses of worship and therefore labeled "vihara". In practice, these temples did not become purely Buddhist. Rituals continued to follow Tri Dharma (San Jiao / 三教) — the combined traditions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism — along with local customs. Because the classification remained after Reformasi, many Chinese temples in Indonesia are still officially called vihara today, even though their religious practice is broader than Buddhism alone.