Best of Bali – Museums in Bali you don’t want to miss

If culture is on your Bali vacation to do list, the Vilondo teams top 4 of museums to visit while in Bali could be a good place to start.

Museum Puri Lukisan

                                       This “Palace of Paintings” showcases modern Balinese paintings and drawings and is mandatory for anyone with an interest in Balinese art. As you walk through the museums three buildings, you will see how Balinese painting styles have developed since the 1930’s up till to day. Even without the paintings Puri Lukasan would be worth a visit just for the tropical garden with its status and lotus flower ponds.
Puri Lukisan is located in the centre of Ubud and is open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Entrance is Rp.10,000 for adults.

Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets

                                      This relatively new Balinese museum has a collection of impressive 1200 masks and 4700 puppets from different regions of Indonesia, other parts of Asia and Africa.  Some of the more colorful items are definitely not for the faint hearted. The museum is located in a rural setting just a few kilometers south of Ubud.
In addition to the many masks the museum includes a tropical garden and is the host of different cultural activities.

Agun Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

                                      The Agun Rai Museum of Art, that also includes a resort and a restaurant, has paintings from almost everyone who have had a major influence on Balinese painting tradition. The museum is the only place where you can see the works of the highly influential German painter Walter Spies.
If you visit the museum between 3:00-5:00 pm on weekdays or between 10:30-12:00 on a Saturday you will get the chance to see local children practice traditional dancing. The ARMA is located in Ubud

Subak Museum

Subak is the name of the water management system used in Balinese rice paddies and that is what the Subak museum is all about.  Inside the museum you find a miniature Subak that will introduce you to all the activities related to a Subak – From the creation and management of the irrigations systems to the harvesting and cleaning of the rice.
The Subak museum is located in the village of Senggulan 2 km east of Tabanan.

For even more museums in Bali, have a look at our complete guide to Bali’s museums.