SINGARAJA
The important and historic realm of Buleleng is a narrow strip of land running the entire length of the island. Bounded to the north by the Bali Sea, it shares borders with Karangasem to the east and with Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung and Bangli to the south. The spectacular chain of volcanoes that stretches right across the island for a distance of some 150 kms forms a natural frontier between Buleleng and all of the southern regencies.
These mountains often appear as a distant backdrop, while at other times they seem to gently unfold right down to the coast. Lying between the mountains and the sea, Buleleng is a region of exquisite natural beauty.
In former times, the mountain range hampered contact with the rest of Bali, which in turn gave rise to Buleleng’s discrete culture. Buleleng also differs geographically from south Bali: its climate is drier and wet rice cultivation is not as widespread. In the western portion of Buleleng much of Bali’s fruit is produced, while the area is also renowned for the cultivation of coffee and cloves.
The modern administrative unit of Buleleng consists of nine kecamatan (sub-districts) - It covers almost a third of Bali’s total surface area, is more than half again as large as a other kabupaten, and has the largest population — with some 546,000 inhabitants.
In former times, Buleleng was the site of Bali’s major port, and was therefore the island’s traditional point of contact with the outside world. Even today, there are many Muslims and Chinese here (though there at now many more in Denpasar), and the main city of Singaraja has a feeling that is quite diferent from any other town in Bali.
Since the main harbor was relocated to Benoa in south Bali and especialiy since the removal of many government offices from Buleleng to the south in recent years, there has been quite an exodus of government employees and skilled workers and as a result, a corresponding diminution of the region’s influence within Bali. But do not let this situation mislead you — Buleleng was never a sleeping giant, as its vibrant history and rich cultural legacy attest.
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