Klenteng Darma Yasa: Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Nusa Dua was one place I had never had a yearning to visit and probably because I dislike ostentatiousness. When I went there with Candika I found the best way is to drive straight through it and up to the old port area.

The area around the port has character. Old men fish off the tiny wooden wharfs and children play amongst the seafaring paraphernalia along the shores. One place I found whilst exploring Tanjung Benoa was a beautifully constructed Chinese temple, or Klenteng.

Klenteng Darma Yasa is located to the east of the northern most point of the peninsula. At fist glance, it is striking in its bright red colour although you will find this to be the case when you visit most of the few Chinese temples on the island of Bali.

Three separate areas contain the Chinese deities. Candika was extremely pleased at finding this place with me. The resident monk explained in which order to pray. I just thought that any Bhuddist naturally knew how to do this in every temple but it seems there are different deities in each temple across the archipelago of Indonesia. After praying, Candika burnt some paper in the Tungku. This was, as I was informed, asking for good luck from the Gods.

I was aware of the Chinese temple in Kuta but unaware of the others on the island. Subsequent to finding the temple at Benoa, I have since found many more across the island.
If you have an hour or two to spare then head over to Tanjung Benoa but stay away from the pricey area of Nusa Dua. There are excellent warungs in the port area and at extremely good prices for all the tucker.