Indonesia has several important museums that depict the country’s rich and colorful history; from political to religious to cultural, various exhibits give guests a better look at how the country’s past has shaped what Indonesia is today.
One such museum is the Bali National Museum, an ethnography museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the country.
Location
Bali National Museum in Bali – Indonesia is located in the city of Denpasar along Jl Mayor Wisnu on the eastern corner of Puputan Square.
Getting There
The main local transport around Denpasar is the bemo. You can get a bemo ride from any of the terminals located within Denpasar to get to the sight where Bali National Museum in Bali – Indonesia stands.
You may also take a taxi, which is a more comfortable means of traveling, to get to the museum site. Finally, one other option is to rent a motorbike and ride down to the museum yourself.
What to See
The Bali National Museum in Bali – Indonesia is divided into four sections: Tabanan, Karangasem, Buleleng and Timur. These are housed in their own separate buildings inside the museum complex.
Inside the Tabanan section, you can view various traditional masks used in theatrical plays plus a number of musical instruments. Karangasem on the other hand, has exhibits displaying various sculptures and paintings mostly in relation to Panca Yadnya religious ceremonies; while the Buleleng section has traditional textiles on display.
Finally, within the Timur section are a good number of relics discovered during archeological expeditions around the country.
Brief History
The Bali National Museum in Bali – Indonesia was founded in the year 1931. The buildings which house the various exhibits were designed by P.J. Moojen. The complex is situated close to the former location of the Denpasar Royal Palace.
The palace was completely burned down in 1906 during the Dutch Intervention in Bali. The architect saw inspiration from the palace however, and used it as inspiration for the walls and courtyards surrounding what is now the Bali National Museum complex.
The original building however was actually built some time in the year 1910 but it was completely destroyed during the 1917 earthquake that shook the city. The present museum is the one designed by said architect and established in 1931.
Cost
The cost to enter the Bali National Museum in Bali – Indonesia is around 3,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
The cost to ride down one of the bemo services to reach the museum is roughly around 7,000 Rupiah.
Other Information
The museum is open from 8 in the morning up to 3:30 in the afternoon from Saturday thru Thursday. Fridays, the museum is open from 8 in the morning up to 11 in the morning only.
