Monumen Bajra Sandhi is a monument located in the city of Denpasar. It is located right in the center of the city. This monument is shaped like a bajra, or vajra (bell), which is why it is named Bajra Sandhi monument. The monument is very large, with plenty of beautiful ornaments and carvings on it. So, what does the monument stand for? When was it erected? How do you reach the place? Let’s have a look!
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Origin of the monument
The idea of constructing the monument was begun in 1981, arranged by Professor Ida Bagus Mantra. He was the Governor of the Province of Bali. However, the construction began six years later in 1987, since there was a lack of funds. The construction of the monument, unfortunately, progressed slowly, ended on June 14, 2003. President Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated it. The slow pace of the construction is caused by the intense details of the carving and the ornaments around the monument.
The purpose of the monument
The monument was built in order to commemorate the efforts of the independence fighters in Indonesia, especially Bali. Its design combines Hindu philosophy with the symbolizing of Independence day of Indonesia. Also, the Bajra Sandhi Monument is constructed in order to “keep our flames of fighting spirit ablaze”. It is clearly shown by the display of the monument.
The design of the monument
The monument is designed with the style of Hindu and Balinese architecture. Because of that, it is often mistaken for a Hindu temple by people who have no idea about the monument. Even tourists overseas, especially those from Asia, at first glance, would mistake it that it was some kind of Pagoda. But after entering it, turns out it is a monument! You will meet a line of stairs in order to enter the monument. Try to count the amount of the stairs! Don’t worry, it’s not that many. Only 17 stairs, to be exact. Now, look to your left and right and count the number of the pillars. You will find that there are eight pillars. Another thing to do is to ask the local guide about the total height of the monument. 45 meters will be the answer. So, what do the numbers mean? Well, 17 means the date of Indonesian independence, 8 is the month, and 45 is the year (1945). The result is 17-8-45! Inside, there is a gallery and diorama regarding the history of the War of Independence and the history of Balinese Kingdom.
Location and how to reach the monument
Monumen Braja Sandhi located at Puputan Main Road no. 142, Denpasar City. You will not find any difficulties to find the area because it is located in the center of the city. It is situated on a very large field, with no tall buildings around it. To enter it, there is an entrance ticket, costs IDR 25,000 for adults, IDR 2,000 for kids, and IDR 5,000 for teenagers. You can reach the monument from the Ngurah Rai airport at around 30-40 minutes, depends on the traffic. Also, do not worry about transportation, you can find several buses and online transportation here! Taxi is also easy to find.
Accommodations and tourist attraction
You can find several cheap accommodations around the monument, some of them are :
- Wisma Bhinneka Bali, located at Buana Kubu Street no. 30, Denpasar. Cost : IDR 130,000/night
- RedDoorz Plus, located at Cokroaminota Street no. 56, Denpasar. Cost : IDR 145,000/night
- Warna Kedaton Hotel and Meetings, located at Jayagiri Utara Street no. 1, Denpasar. Cost : IDR 170,000/night
- Wisata Indah Hotel, located at Bedugul Street, Pesanggrahan. Cost : IDR 170,000/night
Near the monument, you can find Renon field. Every year, there is a national ceremony held at it. Also, you can go river rafting at a waterfall near it. The guide is very friendly. You can also find a 3D museum next to the Monumen Braja Sandhi.
