We thank the Youth Centre for organising this tour for the benefit of many Dhamma learners.

From 3 to 5 June, 36 Nalanda youths and members embarked on a journey of discovery to Bujang Valley in this first study tour organised by Nalanda Youth Centre.  The group which was led by Youth leaders Bro. Yeo Disheng and Bro. Lim Ajit, immersed themselves in the rich Buddhist history in the north of the peninsular dating back to 1st Century BCE.

Exploring several historical sites such as Sungai Batu, Merbok, and Semeling, located in Kuala Muda district of Kedah, they learned about how traders from India who sailed across the Bay of Bengal had built settlements in Bujang Valley.  Proof of their culture and religious practice are found in the numerous ‘candi’ which had been unearthed.  Found in the vicinity are also artefacts such as inscribed stone caskets and tablets, glass beads, ornaments, ceramics, pottery, which are on display at the museum.

At Sungai Batu, one of the main archeological sites at Bujang Valley.

Evening chanting at NEO SP upon their arrival.

Bro. Disheng shared the history of Buddhism in the north of the peninsula.

The group at Semeling Jetty, where they can see Gunung Jerai, a landmark for travellers and traders from India.

Bro. Ajit giving an explanation of what the tour will cover during the journey up north.

Traversing this path has enabled the youths to have a deeper appreciation of the links between trade routes, economic growth, social evolutions and religious ideologies over the last two millennia.  The cultural and social effects of traders who once sailed from India across the Bay of Bengal and built settlements in Bujang Valley can still be felt today.

We thank Nalanda Youth Centre for organising this memorable study tour to bring history alive for so many.  To know more about Bujang Valley, please click here

Dr. Song, Chairman of the Sungai Petani Branch welcoming the group.

Bro. Disheng shared the history of Buddhism in the north of the peninsula.

The kiln at Semeling Jetty for making bricks and charcoal.

A group photo at Sungai Batu.

Bro. Disheng narrating a historical site, the base of a Buddhist ‘candi’ (temple) relocated outside the Bujang Valley Archeological Museum.

Bhante Lim sharing Dhamma to the group.

Group photo at Sammaditthi Meditation Grove.

For more photos, please click here