Bali has quite a distinct history and traditional foundation when compared to the rest of Indonesia. Its history can be traced back to the Mesolithic period of human evolution, and ever since then several conquerors have visited and settled in these bejewelled islands. The most prominent of these settlements were those made by the ancient Indo-Dravidian kings, who left behind a unique culture of Hindu worship and art, along with several ancient temples, monuments and palaces. Well, did these facts interest you? You can find so much more by visiting the best museums in Bali – don’t worry, we have got it covered.
Immerse Yourself In Indonesian Culture and Heritage by Exploring the Museums of Bali For Kids and Adults
1. Bali Museum
Located in the capital city of Denpasar, this is one of the most popular heritage buildings in this region of Indonesia. Being one of the most visited museums in Bali, which is loaded with ancient and modern sculptures, and local artwork. It has evolved through the ages and architecture of bygone days in the form of walls, gates, towers, fences etc. Bali Museum was built in 1931 by the talented architect P.J. Moojen and was inspired by the Royal Palace of Denpasar which had been burnt down in 1906. Artefacts from the Austronesian migrations, the bronze age, Indianised Hindu kingdoms, and present-day architectural advances are the main foundation of this museum.
Entry Fee: 50,000 IDR
Opening and Closing Timings: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 2 hours
2. Buleleng Museum
One of the most educational museums in Bali and this is a must-visit if you are going with children. Buleleng Museum is located in the city of Singaraja, the historical capital of Bali. This is a small but spread-out building with gardens, stone statues and flower beds all around. You can see the influence of Chinese architecture and design in the creation of the older buildings inside the campus. The halls include collections of weapons, sarcophagi, traditional tools, total relics and paintings dating back to the 8th century. Not many people visit this museum which is why it is believed to be an underrated gem in Bali.
Entry Fee: No Entry Cost
Opening and Closing Timings: 8:00 am to 4 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 1 hour
3. Museum Pasifika
A relatively new edition to the top best museums in Bali, this exhibit only came into being in the year 2006. The beautiful interior design of this Art Museum was done by Popo Danes and its existence was founded by the two friends Moetaryanto P and Philippe Augier. They approached many artists who identify themselves as people belonging to the Asian Pacific region. In total 200 practising and retired artists from 25 different countries have contributed their artworks (600 of them in total) for display at this amazing location. There are a total of 11 rooms inside this building with each dedicated to artists of different ethnicities including Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Tahiti, Laos and Indonesia.
Entry Fee: 100,000 IDR
Opening and Closing Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 2 to 3 hours
4. Setia Darma House Of Mask and Puppets
As the name suggests, this place is dedicated to the history and cultural variation in Balinese masks and puppets. The building contains a collection of 1300 marks and 5700 puppets that have been here since 2006. Not only that, their collection also includes hand-pick masks from other parts of Indonesia and even from around the world. It is not just a museum and also includes performance buildings and exhibition rooms that are frequently booked by individuals who want to hold a meeting or other corporate event here. It also has a well-equipped theatre room and wedding venue as a part of the institution.
Entry Fee: No Entry Cost
Opening and Closing Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 2 to 3 hours
5. Museum Geopark
Bali is after all the land of volcanoes. Now get a better idea of how the existence of these sleeping, lava-breathing giants has influenced the local culture and history of this region. At the same time, this is also a scientific park located near Mount Batur that talks about the geological complications of volcanoes and displays a large collection of igneous rocks within the park premises. This is a UNESCO site project and is maintained free of cost by the Bali government. Apart from that it has several small and big pockets of greenery, interactive geological displays and models composed by local artists. A working volcanic structure has also been brought to life here that kids will love to see!
Entry Fee: 20,000 IDR for adults and 15,000 IDR for children
Opening and Closing Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 1 hour
6. Agung Rai Museum of Art
This is one of the oldest and most respectable museums in Bali which is dedicated to local art and culture in the whole of Indonesia. This fascinating Museum in Bali has existed since 1996 and was founded by the great personality Agung Rai. The complex comprises majestic buildings with tall ceilings and colonially inspired architecture that shows a unique blend with the royal needs of the time. Inside there are countless paintings, sculptures, old furniture etc. But even better than that is the awesome walk through the secluded rock gardens with ancient sculptures fencing the paths. You will find ancient monumental towers here too. Agung Rai Museum is also famous for its delicious cafeteria and Kecak Fire Dance performances.
Entry Fee: 60,000 IDR
Opening and Closing Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 2 to 3 hours
7. The Blanco Renaissance Museum
This is one of the most fun destinations among the museums in Bali and is suitable for children. The colourful decorations of shrubs, umbrellas and rock fountains in the exterior of this Museum are perfectly completed by the lithographic artworks, traditional poetry and contemporary abstract collages that line the interior. The garden is love in which you can walk for hours thinking about the complex truths that art has always grappled with. The building is cool, floral and photogenic. This Museum was initially dedicated to the artwork of Antonio Blanco who made paintings of his Balinese dancer wife Ni Ronji. The building once used to be his own home and now has over 300 collections of paintings from all over the world.
Entry Fee: 100,000 IDR
Opening and Closing Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Time Taken To Visit: 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Bali Museum is a haven for history enthusiasts who want to see art, sculpture and architectural specimens from the prehistoric period to today, focusing on the archipelago of Bali but also including artefacts from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia etc
A. Most of the popular museums in Bali are dedicated to art – Agung Rai Museum of Art, Blanco Renaissance Museum, Museum Pasifika and Neka Museum are some of many.
A. The Bali Museum in Denpasar focuses on upholding local history and traditions through its amazing collection of ancient artefacts.
Final Thought!!
Bali Travel Packages for Family are incomplete without museums and moments that display the next of Balinese culture alongside its signified history. These revelations mean a lot, especially to Indian travellers, who are more often than not delighted by the similarities that exist between the two cultures. Bali is also an amazing destination for those who love art and want to discover artists from underrepresented cultures of the Asian, South East Asian and Pacific regions.
