Reintroducing Tourism Objects From The Ex-port of Buleleng

Talking about ports in Bali, tourists will definitely mention the name Gilimanuk Port. However, do you know about the existence of the former Singaraja Buleleng Port? This port is known as a port with high historical value. This port is located in Bugis Village, Buleleng District, Buleleng Regency, Bali. In ancient times, Buleleng Port was the main entrance to Bali and was known as the largest port.

The former Singaraja Buleleng Port can be named as the largest port in Bali because Singaraja was formerly known as the capital of Southeast Nusa. However, in the period 1950, there was a shift in the location of the center of government from North Bali to South Bali. The relocation of the central government location also had a significant impact on the situation in Buleleng Port.

The history of the development of the Buleleng Port area can be divided into three stages of periodization, namely: the royal era, the colonial era and the independence era. During the kingdom era, the Buleleng Port area was an area under the control of the Buleleng Kingdom. In traditional Balinese spatial planning, the port area on the north coast of Buleleng is considered a dirty area. The existence of settlements in the Buleleng Port area began in the 17th century, when Bugis sailors from Makassar came to this place. The good relationship with the Buleleng Kingdom and the indigenous population led to the Bugis people being given land to live on the northern coast of Buleleng, which on its way developed into Buleleng Harbor. Apart from being fishermen, the existence of the Bugis people in this area was also used by the King of Buleleng as a marine fleet because of their expertise at sea.

Subsequent developments when the Dutch East Indies government controlled the island of Bali in 1846 and made Singaraja City the center of government in Bali, various city facilities were built, including the Buleleng Port. During the reign of the Dutch East Indies, Bali Island was the main gate. Various port facilities were built, such as: docks, buildings, terminals, customs offices, bridges that cross the Buleleng River were built in this area. The rapid growth of the port area made the Bugis fishing village shift away from this area, where the port area was prioritized as a warehouse area for the distribution of goods. The busy activities at Buleleng Port have influenced the area around the port which has started to become a trading area. Rows of shops have started to appear in this area, as a means of buying and selling port distribution goods. Most of these shops were owned by ethnic Chinese, who were well known as a nation of merchants.

The next chapter regarding the existence of Buleleng Port is a moment in the history of the struggle for independence, where this area was a battlefield between Dutch troops and the national army. The importance of this port for the Dutch made this area vigorously defended by the Dutch. A major battle took place on August 27, 1945.

During the independence period, Singaraja City was the capital of the Lesser Sunda Islands and the capital of the Province of Bali until 1958. During this period, the Port of Buleleng was the distribution center for goods from Bali to NTB and NTT and vice versa. Then the capital city of Bali Province was moved to Denpasar and was followed by the transfer of the main port to the Benoa area in Denpasar. The relocation of the capital and main port of Bali Province is the beginning of the decline in the function of Buleleng Port. Port loading and unloading activities are no longer taking place in this area, and this has made Buleleng Port not functioning.

The deterioration of the Buleleng Port area at its peak occurred in the 1970s, in addition to this area being no longer functioning, the presence of abrasion and the public's lack of concern for the cleanliness of the port environment made it nicknamed the port of garbage. The environment of Buleleng Port which is near the mouth of the Buleleng River, where the community at that time often dumped garbage into the river which would eventually settle in the port area. It was only in the 1980s that the Regent of Buleleng launched a revitalization program for the Buleleng Port area. Since then, Buleleng Port has begun to receive serious attention and is planned to become a tourist destination. This program has been implemented for a long time, and in the end in 2002 several programs were implemented, including: repairing the edge (making of taluds) of the coast to make it stronger against abrasion and building a floating restaurant that utilizes the port dock. The most recent development of Buleleng Port was carried out in 2010, but unfortunately its development and utilization resulted in the demolition of the warehouse building, which is an old historic building in the area. Until now, the only building that was left was used as the customs office of the Dutch East Indies Government. Currently, this customs office building is used as the office of the Kampung Bugis Village. Seeing the development of the former Buleleng Port area to date, it is necessary to pay attention to its sustainability as the only colonial port in Bali.

Even though it no longer operates as a port, it doesn't mean that this place is just sitting there. In fact, currently the Ex Buleleng Singaraja Port has functioned as one of the interesting tourist attractions in Buleleng. Plus, the existence of ancient buildings built by the Dutch can still be witnessed in this place.

To support tourism activities, the Bali Government also provides various supporting facilities here. These supporting facilities include a playground for children, a restaurant, toilets, sports facilities, and an area that can be used for fishing. Not to forget, here you can also find a unique temple that combines Balinese elements with Chinese ornaments.

To get to this place, the method is quite easy. The distance between the port and the center of Singaraja City is only 2.5 km. In addition, the entrance ticket here is also cheap or free. You only need to pay for parking when you bring a private vehicle. For motorbikes, a parking fee of Rp. 2,000 and for cars, Rp. 5,000

For those of you who are interested in coming to Ex-port of Buleleng, the best moment is in the afternoon. The view of the sunset in this port looks so exotic. So, make sure to bring a camera so you can capture the beautiful scenery moments here.