The ethnographic material found in the Bali Museum speaks for the culture and religious makeup of the country. There are prlengkapan art, their religious philosophy, language and other objects that trace the development of Balinese culture. It was the Kings of Indonesia that invested time and money into creating the ultimate museum that represents its people.
The building is actually designed much like a royal castle. The tangerine walls, coconut trees and tiled roof resemble the Balinese royal style. There are 4 pavilions that have been erected at the museum; the first one represents the different districts in Bali. The northern pavilion also known as Tabanan display a collection of colourful costumes, dance equipment, shadow puppets, Balinese swords, masks and ancient statues.
The central pavilion which is Buleleng includes some of the traditional clothing of Balinese people. The Pavilion closest to the main entrance is where the farming equipment is kept. What the ancient people used to hunt and farm during the periods of hunting, gathering, cultivating and the metallic period are exhibited.
The Balinese Museum is well organised as there are sign boards that provide directions to each of the places and in addition all exhibits are accompanied with elaborate descriptions. The courtyard is a stunning masterpiece of art and architecture; there are towers, tall pillars and broad rock steps which give it the aura of royalty. Inside the Balinese Museum you will find some amazing objects that were used by the ancient people in the area. For instance, Hindu and Buddha bronze statues, clay pots which contained herbs and miraculous cures for disease and intricate masks which were worn when performing.
It is easy to locate the Bali Museum in Denpasar city, there is the Jagatnatha Temple in the south and the Catur Muka, four faced statue at the front of the museum. It is around 45 minutes from the Ngurah Rai Airport which is only a 13km ride.
There are several locations you can check out for accommodation in and around Bali. A resort in Kuta would be ideal since it is close to all of the main attractions in the city. A Kuta beach resort will provide you a little more privacy and you will have access to a beautiful beach in Bali when you stay in one of them. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is recommended as it offers great deals on rooms and suites and it has the best Indonesian cuisine in town.
