Buleleng was founded as a kingdom by Gusti Panji Sakti; who ruled c. 1660-c. 1700. He is commemorated as a heroic ancestor-figure who expanded the power of Buleleng to Blambangan on East Java. The kingdom was weakened during his successors; and fell under the suzerainty of the neighbouring Karangasem kingdom in the second half of the 18th century.

In 1849 the Dutch landed in Buleleng and marched on Singaraja; meeting with Balinese resistance at Jagaraga. When they saw their situation was desperate; the Balinese committed the first puputan; or mass-suicide; the Dutch would be given to witness in their conflicts with Bali. In this encounter; the Dutch lost 34 men; and the Balinese thousands.

Buleleng was incorporated in the Dutch colonial system and lost its autonomy in 1882. In 1949-50 Buleleng; like the rest of Bali; was incorporated in the unitary republic of Indonesia. Pictures From History