Brahma Vihara Arama is the largest Buddhist temple in Bali. Over a two-hour drive from Ubud and Denpasar, this monastery is a secluded site in the hills of Banjar Village. With the lush green slopes on one side and a view of the North Bali Sea on the other, it’s no wonder that locals and tourists choose this spot for some peaceful meditation.
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Admission Price at Brahma Vihara Arama
The ticket price to Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is Rp. 20,000. They call it a “donation,” but you don’t really have a choice in paying. Admission includes a free sarong to cover up your legs if you need it.
Opening Hours of Brahma Vihara Arama
The monastery is open every day, from 8 am to 6 pm.
What to See at Brahma Vihara Arama
Once through the main gate, there is a peaceful standing Buddha in the middle of a small fountain to greet you. The Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is a colourful place with many vibrant paintings and structures.
Most of the interesting things to see are up the stairs. Keep your voice down while walking around. Many people come to Brahma Vihara Arama for meditation, and sound travels easily in this open space.
The large hall is where most guests at the monastery meditate. Along the walls are paintings of what I assume are the teachings of Buddha. Take note of the carvings just below the ceiling that run all along the room.
Near the meditation hall are a golden stupa and an orange pagoda with bright blue dragons guarding its door. There is a lovely watercolour landscape behind the altar inside the pagoda.
Past the Brahma Vihara Arama’s gardens, there is a dais at the edge of the grounds. Hovering atop a lily pad moat is an imposing mini replica of the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur in Central Java, carved out of stone.
There is a nice overlook of the monastery next to a split gateway. There is a great picture from the other side of these gates with four glowing white seated Buddhas and all of the potted plants.
Facilities at Brahma Vihara Arama
There is a toilet for guests near the pagoda with the blue dragons. I didn’t need to go, so I didn’t check it out. I didn’t see any groundskeepers, so I wouldn’t expect there to be toilet paper, soap or pristine cleanliness.
When to Visit Brahma Vihara Arama
Any time should be fine to visit the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, assuming it’s a regular day and not a religious holiday. We went at what should be peak times, at 1 pm, and we didn’t see a single other tourist wandering around.
Saturday Worthy?
Brahma Vihara Arama is a quiet attraction that was visually quite nice. The monastery doesn’t have any archetypical Instagram spots, which is what usually draws in flocks of visitors these days. It’s also far away from tourist hubs like Ubud or Denpasar. Most people come here with a purpose – to meditate – and anyone just checking the place out doesn’t stay very long. If you have no desire in meditation, you can skip the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist temple. It’s not worth the travel time unless you’re staying someplace in north Bali, such as Lovina or Munduk.
