Satya Dharma Temple: Modern Chinese Temple To Visit In Benoa Port

Satya Dharma Temple is a unique Chinese Buddhist temple in South Bali, often unfairly overlooked by tourists in favour of more popular Hindu temples. If you are interested in global cultures and customs, this is a perfect place to visit!

With our guide, you will be able to explore the lesser-known Bali and enjoy the beauty of ancient architecture and culture without the crowds.

Quick Summary For Satya Dharma Temple Visitors

• Satya Dharma Temple is a beautiful Chinese temple in Benoa, Bali, best known for its stunning red colour, ornate gates and altar, and colourful Chinese New Year celebrations. It is one of the three meaningful temples for the Chinese population of the island, alongside Vihara Dharmayana.
• The main deity is Tian Shang Sheng Mu, protector of sailors and fishermen, guiding them through bad weather.
• No parking fees or tickets required to visit Satya Dharma Temple.
• There are no crowds here, but the best time to visit is just before sunset, during the golden hour and during the month of the Chinese New Year (the best decorations).
• The dress code here is more relaxed compared to most temples in Bali as it is not a Balinese Hindu temple. You don’t need to wear a sarong, but it’s still a good idea to dress modestly, just something simple that covers shoulders and knees.

Where Is Satya Dharma Temple?

Satya Dharma Temple is located in Tanjung Benoa, a coastal area in South Bali that’s mostly known for water sports and beach activities.

It sits close to the Benoa Port, however, you won’t get the dramatic cliff views like at Uluwatu Temple or the iconic ocean setting of Tanah Lot.

Address: 76H7+HQP, Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

How To Get To Satya Dharma Chinese Temple?

Getting to the Satya Dharma temple is straightforward.

The roads around Tanjung Benoa are generally in good condition, and the area is easy to navigate compared to busier parts of Bali.

From Kuta or Seminyak, the trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re coming from Ubud, it’s closer to 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

From Ubud, you will get here in about 2 hours through a scenic ride and crossing of the Bali Mandara Toll.

You’ve got a few simple options:

• Scooter – good if you’re comfortable riding and have your international driver’s license on you. Traffic in this area is usually manageable but getting here from Canggu or Ubud is challenging.
• Gojek or Grab – easy and convenient, especially for short trips. You will be able to book a ride to the temple and back with no problems and bike or car taxis are very affordable in Bali.
• Private driver – useful if you’re planning to visit a few places in one day. Private driver is also a treasure trove of local knowledge: best snacks, routes, hidden beaches and tourist attractions, plus, they are often familiar with people at the beach or your next site and can handle payments and talking in Indonesian for you.

There’s no complicated access point as the temple is right near the road, and parking is easy to find and is very spacious.

Is There An Entrance Fee To Satya Dharma Temple?

There’s no official entrance fee nor parking fees to visit Satya Dharma Temple. You can walk in freely without buying a ticket.

You might see a donation box inside the temple area. It’s optional, but leaving a small contribution is always appreciated.

Vihara Satya Dharma Temple History 

Bali’s Satya Dharma temple is actually a vihara, a Chinese-style Buddhist temple, and it’s dedicated to Mazu (Tian Shang Sheng Mu) deity, also known as the Heavenly Mother, and welcomes worshippers of the Three Teachings: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Its Chinese name is Bao An Gong which literally translates to A Palace to Maintain Security. Local name, though, Satya Dharma, comes from Sanskrit and usually means “true order” or “true path.”

Mazu is believed to protect fishermen and sailors, which is why you’ll usually find temples for her near the sea, and which is why the temple is just steps away from the port.

The legend has it that Mazu was a real person named Lin Mo, who lived in China around the 10th century. She had special abilities from a young age, like sensing danger or helping people from afar. Over time, more and more stories about her spread locally, especially in coastal communities around the globe.

One of the more well-known ones says she would stand by the shore and guide boats back to safety during storms. There are also stories about her healing people or preventing disasters. As time passed, she became widely loved and seen as a guardian figure.

After she passed away at a young age, people started worshipping her as a goddess. Her influence didn’t stay in China either. It spread to other places in Southeast Asia, especially in areas by the sea.

As for the temple in Bali, it was only built recently. It was completed in 2012 after six years of construction and finally inaugurated during a big celebration, which even Bali’s deputy governor attended.

It was built by the local Chinese-Indonesian community, with help from donors and believers from different Asian countries like Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand.

What To Expect At Satya Dharma Temple?

The highlight of the Satya Dharma Temple visit is, hands down, stunning Chinese architecture.

One of the first things you will notice is the colourful design, intricate carvings, statues of Buddha and other gods.

The temple uses a lot of red and gold, with detailed decorations that give away its Chinese roots. It definitely feels quite different from the usual stone temples you see around Bali and nevertheless is filled with sacred spirit, and a sensation of peace and inner calm.

Around the grounds, you’ll find large statues, a dozen smaller altars, a small pagoda, and the main building with extraordinary paintings, carvings, and decor. One of the main attractions is the statue of Guanyin in the courtyard – the goddess of compassion. Once you enter, the main altar is dedicated to the deified form of Mazu herself.

There are also statues of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, try and find yours!

While it is built in Bali, a predominantly Hindu island, there is a special altar for worshipping Hindu deities in the outdoor yard.

Most people spend around 30 to 60 minutes here, so it’s an easy stop to add to your day trip to Nusa Dua or Sanur.

What To Do Near Satya Dharma Temple?

If you’re already in the area, there are a few different things you can add to your plan. From water activities to small attractions and a cultural stop, it’s easy to mix and match depending on what you feel like doing.

Water Sports @ Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa beach is the closest location, a few minutes from the temple. You’ll find calm waters, a popular beach and all kinds of water activities and sports for all ages, from jet skiing and parasailing to ocean walking.

Where Is It? Jl. Segara Kidul No.3x, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Turtle Island (Serangan Island)

Turtle Island, or Pulau Penyu, is about a 10 to 15-minute boat ride from Tanjung Benoa. It’s a small conservation spot where you can see turtles up close at the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre.

Where Is It? Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80229, Indonesia

Bali Exotic Marine Park

This one is around 20 to 25 minutes away by car from Benoa with no traffic.

It is a great spot for interacting with dolphins: you can swim, feed, and play with these smart and beautiful creatures, and take plenty of photos.

Tickets are about 60 AUD per person.

Where Is It? Jl. Bali Eksotik No.8, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80222, Indonesia

Bali Wake Park

If you feel like doing something active, this 5-hectare wake park is about 20 to 30 minutes from the temple.

You can try wakeboarding, while kids can enjoy the whole Aqualand all to themselves – a big floating inflatable playground!

Note, that it is currently undergoing some renovation, so check their website to see if they are open to the public yet.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa No.7X, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80222, Indonesia

Bajhra Sandi Monument

Bajhra Sandi monument is a bit further out, around 30 to 40 minutes away, but it is worth it.

It’s a large and absolutely stunning monument dedicated to Balinese history, with exhibitions inside and surrounded by a wide park.

Where Is It? 86HJ+9X5, Jl. Raya Puputan No.142, Renon, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia

Where To Eat Near Satya Dharma Temple?

You won’t find many spots right next to the temple, but once you head out toward Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Seminyak, there are some really good options.

• Wong Fei Hung, Hong Kong Cuisine. More of a casual Chinese food stop, about 30–40 minutes away. Roast duck, char siu, and dim sum are the usual go-to here.
• Warung Saro. If you want something more local, this warung is known for nasi campur, ayam betutu, and other simple Balinese dishes. 
• Naughty Nuri’s Warung. Most people come for the pork ribs and BBQ, plus their cocktails. It’s around 40 to 50 minutes from the temple, depending on traffic, but it is an iconic eatery.
• Massimo Italian Restaurant. A popular spot in Sanur, about 25–30 minutes away, and usually quite busy. Most people come for the pizza, pasta, and especially Italian gelato. We highly recommend booking a table in advance.

Final Thoughts On Satya Dharma Temple

Satya Dharma temple is the perfect testament to the rich cultural blend Bali represents and how vibrant all the local communities are.

No matter your personal beliefs, you will be able to enjoy the architecture and art at this temple for free and get to visit sacred sites off the beaten path!