Quick Answer
Brahma Vihara Arama is Bali's largest Buddhist monastery, set in the hills above Banjar near Lovina. It is a working monastery with terraced gardens, meditation halls, and a small replica of the Borobudur stupa, and it is open to respectful visitors. Most people come for an hour of quiet, often paired with the nearby Banjar hot springs, and the drive up from the Lovina coast takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Brahma Vihara Arama at a Glance
- Where it is: The hills above Banjar Tegeha, near Lovina, north Bali
- What it is: Bali's largest Buddhist monastery (Theravada), with a Borobudur-style stupa
- Founded: (to confirm)
- Vibe: Quiet, contemplative, garden terraces with sea views
- Dress: Sarong and covered shoulders, the same as a Hindu temple
- Entry: Donation / small fee (to confirm)
- How long: About an hour
- Getting there: ~20 to 30 minutes uphill from the Lovina coast
- Pair with: Banjar Hot Springs, 10 minutes away
What It Is
Brahma Vihara Arama is a Buddhist monastery, not a Hindu temple, which makes it unusual on an island that is overwhelmingly Hindu. It is a Theravada monastery, a living place of practice with resident monks, meditation halls, and a school. Visitors are welcome in the public areas as long as the quiet is respected.
The grounds climb the hillside in terraces, planted with frangipani and bougainvillea, with views down toward the Java Sea. Near the top sits the feature most people come to see: a small replica of the great stupa at Borobudur in Java, ringed with bell-shaped stupas and seated Buddha figures. It is not large, and that is part of its charm. The scale invites you to slow down rather than to tick off a monument.
Why a Buddhist Monastery in Hindu Bali
Bali's spiritual history is older and more layered than the Hindu majority suggests. Buddhism and Hinduism have coexisted on the island for centuries, and many Balinese ceremonies carry both threads. The monastery, founded in the twentieth century (to confirm), is a modern expression of that older coexistence rather than a foreign import. For Balinese practitioners it is a place of retreat and study; for visitors it is a window onto the quieter, contemplative side of the island's faith. The Balinese Hinduism explained guide sets the wider religious context.
What to See and Do
The stupa and gardens. The Borobudur replica at the top is the centerpiece, but the walk up through the terraced gardens is the experience. Take it slowly.
Meditation. The monastery has meditation halls and a long association with vipassana practice. Retreats and sessions are sometimes available to visitors (to confirm). Even without a formal session, the grounds are made for sitting quietly.
The views. From the upper terraces the hills fall away toward the coast. Early morning and late afternoon are the calmest and the most beautiful.
Etiquette
Treat it as you would any sacred site in Bali. Wear a sarong and cover your shoulders. Keep your voice low, since this is a working monastery and people are practicing. Do not climb on the stupas or statues, and ask before photographing monks. The full set of customs is in the Bali temple etiquette guide, and it applies here in spirit even though this is a Buddhist rather than Hindu site.
How to Get There and What to Pair It With
The monastery is in the hills above Banjar, a 20 to 30 minute drive up from the Lovina coast. A scooter or a driver both work; the road climbs but is straightforward. The detailed routes are in getting to north Bali.
The natural pairing is the Banjar Hot Springs, about 10 minutes away, where sulphur pools sit in a jungle garden. Monastery in the cool of the morning, hot springs after, lunch back in Lovina makes an easy and varied half-day. To arrange a driver, message Northbound on WhatsApp.
Best Time to Visit
Morning is best, for the cool air, the soft light, and the quiet before any tour traffic. The dry season, April to October, gives the clearest views over the hills. The monastery is peaceful year-round; on Buddhist holy days it is more active and worth checking before you go (to confirm).
Practical Notes
Rates and details change. Confirm locally before you go.
- Entry: Donation or small fee (to confirm)
- Dress: Sarong and covered shoulders required; sarongs sometimes available to borrow (to confirm)
- Time to allow: About an hour, longer if you sit to meditate
- Pair with: Banjar Hot Springs (10 min), Lovina (20 to 30 min)
- Getting there: Scooter or driver up from the coast
- Respect: A working monastery, keep noise low and ask before photographing monks
FAQ
What is Brahma Vihara Arama? It is Bali's largest Buddhist monastery, in the hills above Banjar near Lovina. It is a working Theravada monastery with meditation halls, terraced gardens, and a small replica of the Borobudur stupa, open to respectful visitors.
Why is there a Buddhist monastery in Bali? Buddhism and Hinduism have coexisted in Bali for centuries, and the two threads run through much of Balinese spiritual life. The monastery is a modern expression of that older coexistence, founded in the twentieth century (to confirm).
How do you get to Brahma Vihara Arama? It is a 20 to 30 minute drive uphill from the Lovina coast, above the village of Banjar. A scooter or a private driver both work, and it pairs naturally with the Banjar hot springs nearby.
What should you wear? A sarong and a top that covers your shoulders, the same as visiting a Hindu temple. Keep your voice low, since it is a place of practice.
Can you meditate there? The monastery has meditation halls and a long association with vipassana. Sessions and retreats are sometimes open to visitors (to confirm). Even without a formal session, the gardens are made for quiet sitting.
Is there an entrance fee? A donation or small fee is requested (to confirm). Bring cash, as there are no card facilities up in the hills.
What can you combine it with? The Banjar Hot Springs are about 10 minutes away and make the obvious pairing. Both sit a short drive above Lovina, so monastery, hot springs, and a Lovina lunch make a relaxed half-day.
Planning a quiet morning above Lovina? Message Northbound on WhatsApp. North Bali is the home ground here.