About Bahal Temple Complex
Bahal Temple Complex is a Vajrayana Buddhist temple complex located in Bahal Village, Portibi, Padang Lawas Utara, North Sumatra. It comprises three main brick temples known as Bahal I, Bahal II and Bahal III, built between the 11th and 13th centuries during the Pannai Kingdom period. Notable for its red-brick architecture, ornate carvings and Buddhist statues, it is the largest and best-preserved temple complex in the Padang Lawas archaeological area.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open archaeological park with three restored red-brick temples set in a flat, grassy area surrounded by palm plantations and rural village landscape. Each temple has a walled courtyard, central main shrine with stair access, and surrounding perwara shrines. Visitors can walk between Bahal I, II and III, view stone statues, makara and kala carvings, and information boards explaining the Buddhist heritage. The site is quiet, uncrowded and suitable for sightseeing and photography.
Key highlights
- 01
Three main temples - Bahal I, Bahal II and Bahal III - within one complex
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11th-13th century Vajrayana Buddhist architecture built of red brick
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Well-preserved stone statues, lion figures and decorative carvings
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Walled courtyards with central shrine and ancillary shrines
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Largest and most intact temple complex in the Padang Lawas archaeological area