The 7 Largest Museum in Bali

Indonesia, a vast and diverse country, is home to numerous museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and historical significance. Among the most notable are the following five largest museums in Indonesia, each boasting unique collections and captivating exhibits that attract visitors from around the world:

• National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta

Often considered the largest and most comprehensive museum in Indonesia, the National Museum of Indonesia is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Jakarta. Founded in 1778, it harbors an extensive collection of artifacts and specimens that chronicle the country’s history, culture, and natural history. From intricate prehistoric fossils to ancient relics from various civilizations, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Indonesia’s diverse heritage.

• Museum Gajah, Jakarta

Also known as the Elephant Museum, Museum Gajah is another significant museum in Jakarta. It showcases a remarkable collection of sculptures, statues, and artifacts from across Indonesia, particularly from the Hindu-Buddhist era. Visitors can marvel at exquisite stone carvings, bronze statues, and intricately designed temple reliefs, gaining insights into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Indonesian kingdoms.

• Museum Angkut, Malang

Located in the city of Malang, East Java, Museum Angkut is a unique transportation museum that houses an impressive collection of various vehicles from around the world. From vintage cars and motorcycles to antique airplanes and trains, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of transportation. Visitors can explore different exhibits highlighting the evolution of automotive technology and admire the beauty of classic vehicles from different eras.

• Museum of Natural History, Bogor

Situated in the Bogor Botanical Gardens, Museum of Natural History offers an intriguing display of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. It features a vast collection of preserved animal specimens, including stuffed mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Visitors can learn about the diverse ecosystems of Indonesia, from tropical rainforests to coral reefs, and gain insights into the intricate relationships between organisms and their natural habitats.

• Bali Museum, Denpasar

Located in the heart of Denpasar, Bali Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Bali. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including traditional Balinese textiles, intricate woodcarvings, ancient manuscripts, and ceremonial masks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique artistic traditions, religious beliefs, and historical events that have shaped the identity of the Balinese people.

The 7 Biggest Museum near Bali

Bali Museum

• Address: Jl. Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (2761)
• Phone: +62 361 222680
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  Friday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

  Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Vijaya kumar telegi✭✭✭

  a month ago

  National museum of Bali, showcasing the art, history and culture of the Island kingdom established by Hindu rulers. Exhibits are arranged in a chronological order and you will get a glimse of history within the limited period of time available to you. An audio guide would have helped the visitors better understanding of the exhibits, but there seems to be a lack of interest in showcasing the museum. We were only three visitors, visiting the place on the day and the place requires a better maintainance and proper lighting. In INDIA I hvae seen people thronging such places with lot of enthusiasm and guides making a good earnings. In most museums and places of tourist interests, you will generally get audio guides. Such places also are a source of income for the archeological agencies.

  Cstuff✭✭✭

  a week ago

  Maybe the museum could do more to make the experience good for visitors. We went interested to learn more about Balinese culture but we were disappointed. The information was minimal for exhibits e.g. no dates or explanations. The QR scan signs didn’t work either. It was very hot and the only room that was comfortable was the air conditioned archeology section. I learned more from reading my guidebook before going. Maybe there’s a vicious circle of low visitor numbers so lack of maintenance and development. A shop might also generate some revenues if done well. The buildings and gardens are beautiful and we certainly didn’t regret going. Don’t miss seeing it but be prepared for the heat.

  Jane Ward✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  Good cultural and historical information on Bali. Our Guide Made was friendly attentive and knowledgeable

  Improvements would be better lighting on all displays and the installation of some fans to get the air moving as it is very hot and stuffy inside the buildings

  Apart from that it was definitely worth doing if you want to know more about the history and true culture of Bali

  Comfy Potato Pig✭✭

  3 months ago

  Tickets are Rp 50,000 per person. I go to a lot of museums in different countries, and I am sad to say this is one of the worst ones I’ve been to. They have a great variety and very cool items on display, but I can’t recommend due to the following:

  1. The museum is made up of 4 separate buildings. There is no AC except in one building (which barely worked on the second floor). The lack of AC makes the other buildings unbearable to walk around in and difficult to enjoy. Even with the windows open it was hotter inside than outside.

  2. The museum is poorly maintained inside. Outside the buildings and landscape are stunning. Many of of the exhibits lightbulbs were broken, so we couldn’t see the object inside the display. All the display glass were dirty making everything kinda fuzzy to see.

  3. The items’ information cards do not contain any useful information except the name, catalog number, what it is made out of, and the basic function. Usually musems will include approx. year and details about what the item is about and where it was found. If it had a poster containing such useful info, some were a bit faded.

  4. Where do I start with the guides. You have to pay them extra if you want a guided tour. There is no set rate, just whatever you and the guide bargin. Our first guide was understanding when we said no (I personally don’t like guided tours because I like to go my own pace and not someone else’s). Once we walked into the first building, a different guide came in and would not take no for an answer. They tried guilting us and begging. They only left after another group came in, and we were able to escape by following them.

  Overall, I don’t know who owns this museum, but you need to go see other museums and model after them, and actually take care of this one. If you’re going to have guides, actually give them a wage and better training, so guests don’t get harassed.

  Darren Boman✭✭✭✭✭

  6 months ago

  An amazing museum! We got a guide to take us through the 5 small buildings and it was totally worth it. It’s a walk through time and history for sure. Highly recommend this for anyone staying in town. If you’re a scholar of religions or have an interest in Buddhism ?️ or Hindu history of the region, this is for you!

Museum of Art Jero Bang Pinatih

• Address: Jl. Tampaksiring, Manukaya, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 1 (1)
• Phone: +62 857-3766-9553
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: Open 24 hours

  Tuesday: Open 24 hours

  Wednesday: Open 24 hours

  Thursday: Open 24 hours

  Friday: Open 24 hours

  Saturday: Open 24 hours

  Sunday: Open 24 hours
• Reviews:
  
  Wisnu Putra✭

  4 years ago

Museum Bung Karno

• Address: Jl. Raya Puputan No.80, Dangin Puri Klod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (1383)

Museum Pasifika Bali

• Address: Complex Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) Area Block P, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.5 (539)

The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum

• Address: JI.Ayodya No.1 Taman Ayun., Desa Mengwi, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (139)

Museum of Space Available

• Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan No: 33a, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (23)

Museum Le Mayeur

• Address: 87G7+2FV, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.2 (588)

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Top Museum Alternatives in Bali

While Bali is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, it also offers a variety of museum alternatives that are worth exploring. Here are three popular alternatives to traditional museums in Bali:

• Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets: Located in the village of Mas, this unique museum showcases an extensive collection of masks and puppets from various cultures around Indonesia and the world. The museum aims to preserve and promote the art of mask and puppetry, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history and cultural significance of these art forms. The collection includes over 7000 masks and 4500 puppets, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.
• Agung Rai Museum of Art: Situated in the outskirts of Ubud, the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum features a comprehensive collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese art, including paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings. In addition to its permanent collection, ARMA also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural performances, providing a vibrant and immersive artistic experience.
• Bali Shell Museum: Located in the village of Serangan, the Bali Shell Museum offers a unique insight into the fascinating world of seashells. The museum houses a diverse collection of shells from around the world, including rare and exotic specimens. Visitors can learn about the different types of shells, their biology, and their cultural significance. The museum also provides educational programs and workshops for those interested in further exploring the world of shells.

These three museum alternatives offer an engaging and educational experience while highlighting different aspects of art and culture in Bali. Whether you are interested in traditional Balinese art, mask and puppetry, or the beauty of seashells, these museums provide a unique perspective on the rich cultural heritage of the island.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Museum spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.