Bali Museum Guide: Exploring Cultural Treasures Across the Island

Bali Tourism August 26, 2024 4 Min Read

Image by joakimbkk on Canva

Bali, renowned for its exquisite beaches, offers many cultural and historical attractions. Among these are various museums that meticulously preserve and present the island's diverse heritage. These esteemed institutions showcase various artifacts, ranging from ancient relics to contemporary art, offering a captivating experience for locals and international visitors. Each museum in Bali offers a unique narrative, safeguarding the legacy that has shaped the island's identity throughout history, making them essential venues for anyone seeking to explore Bali's vibrant history and culture.

We have carefully curated a list of the top museums in Bali, which you must visit to experience the island's rich historical and cultural heritage.

1. Museum Pasifika

Image from museum-pasifika.com

Located in Nusa Dua, Museum Pasifika’s collection is mainly from the Asia Pacific region, with over 600 collections by 200 artists from 25 countries, including Indonesia. The eleven pavilions include representations of Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Indo-European, Exhibition, Indochina, Polynesian, Pacific, Tapa, and Asian cultures. Although Museum Pasifika is relatively new to the museum scene in Bali, it is a significant showcase for APAC arts on the island.

Aside from painting, the Museum Pasifika also exhibits Balinese paintings, contemporary art, and paintings by European artists inspired by Balinese paintings. The museum's broad collections offer various perspectives on Asian and Pacific arts, making it a must-visit cultural destination in Bali.

2. Agung Rai Museum of Arts

Image from https://www.armabali.com/museum/

Founded in 1996 by Agung Rai, he is a Balinese who devoted himself to preserving and developing Balinese culture and art. Located in the cultural hub of Bali, Ubud, the Agung Rai Museum of Arts is more than just a place to exhibit Balinese art; it also promotes Balinese art. ARMA collections range from traditional to contemporary art, including the pieces of the Kamasan Collection, masterpieces from Batuan artists of the 30s and 40s, and the exclusive collection from the 19th-century Javanese artists Raden Saleh and Syarif Bustaman.

In addition, the Agung Rai Museum of Arts exhibits the collections of legendary Balinese painters: I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Ida Bagus Made, Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, and I Gusti Made Deblog. Agung Rai Museum of Arts is not your regular museum but also a walk-through of Balinese culture, as ARMA hosts theatre performances, seminars, and a library.

3. Le Mayeur Museum

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Image from https://puritempodoeloesanur.com/highlight/museum-la-mayeur/

Located in Sanur, Le Meyeur was home to Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres and his Balinese wife, Ni Pollok. This museum is an example of beautiful Balinese architecture, facing directly to the beautiful Sanur Beach. The house has five rooms that are available to visit. Each room tells a different story about Meyeur’s love for his wife.

The museum brings this love story to life with preserved inanimate objects. Original antique furniture, historical photographs, and an impressive collection of stone and wood carvings add a special touch. It has transformed from a family home into one of the most famous museums in Bali.

The unique point of the Le Meyeur museum is that each room depicts Le Meyeur's dedication to his wife, Ni Pollok, as you walk through each room. Le Meyeur’s paintings are mainly depictions of his daily life in Bali.

4. Bali Museum

Image taken from https://bali.com/places/bali-museum/

For those interested in Balinese culture and history, the Bali Museum is a must-visit destination in Bali. Located in the capital city of Bali, Denpasar, the Bali Museum features a comprehensive artifacts collection that shows the island’s rich heritage since a while ago; exhibits include ancient stone carvings, traditional textiles, ceremonial masks, and archaeological finds.

Bali Museum is a prominent museum in the museum scene in Bali. It was initially built in 1910, but it was wrecked in an earthquake accident in 1917 and managed to be rebuilt three years later.

The collection in the Bali Museum varies from the Mesolithic Age up to the modern age. Bali Museum’s building consists of the temple (puri), divided into three sections: kahyangan, pura, and merajan. The exhibition area is divided into Tabanan, Karangasem, and Buleleng. In those areas, visitors can find various items from the prehistoric phase, such as ancient texts, porcelain statues, ceramics, and agricultural tools.

5. Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppet

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Image taken from https://www.maskandpuppets.com

Established in 2006, Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets keeps various kinds of masks and puppets from different regions in Indonesia and worldwide. Located in Ubud, this museum is located amidst the beautiful rice paddy field view, lush garden, and traditional Balinese village.

Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets has over 1,000 mask collections and over 5,000 puppets, including traditional puppets from Indonesia, Wayang Golek, and Wayang Kulit. The mask collection originates from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan, while the puppets hail from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Every mask carries its own unique story.

The Satria Dharma Mask and Puppet Museum is essential for those who value traditional performance art from Indonesia and the globe.

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Government Reopens Bali Airport for International Flights

Bali Tourism October 08, 2021

Bali airport will be open for international flights starting from October 14.

Tempo.co reported that the Indonesian government will reopen Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport to international arrivals from South Korea, China, Japan, the Emirates, and New Zealand on October 14. The announcement was made during a video conference which was held earlier this Monday, and Minister Luhut added that the airport must implement all terms and conditions regarding quarantine, COVID-19 diagnostic test, and the preparedness of the task force.

The decision comes 2 weeks after the government lifted the ban on non-essential travel into Indonesia but only Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta and Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado were allowed as the point of entry for international flights, causing some confusion. This announcement officially confirmed that international travellers will be able to directly fly to Bali from said countries, starting from mid October.

Travelers must book a hotel for quarantine before arrival

Travelers are required to present their vaccination certificate, valid negative PCR test result, and proof of booking at a hotel for the 8-day quarantine process upon arrival in Indonesia. After that, travelers must be quarantined for 8 days and undergo PCR testing during quarantine before eligible to receive a COVID-free statement letter. All quarantine expenses are paid by the traveler.

Foreigners who hold valid visit visas and temporary stay visas can enter Indonesia, while those who do not have one can apply online. The cost of visa application with an agent ranges between USD 350 to 500 depending on the services provided. Please contact us for more information on this.

The following are additional requirements that visa applicants must meet:

COVID-19 vaccination verification application: Which can be done here.
Flight itinerary
A statement letter: Stating compliance with Indonesian health protocols.
Health insurance and/or travel insurance: If the applicant does not have insurance, they must submit a statement saying all COVID-19 medical expenses while in Indonesia will be covered by the applicant.

Last chance to buy Bali villas before tourism floods in

Those who have been waiting for Bali’s reopening won’t have to wait any longer as the airport will be open shortly. The golden opportunity to buy villas in Bali has reached its peak as well, because there won’t be a better chance than this anytime soon. All that pent up demand for villas and holiday rentals needs to be fulfilled, you can still be the first to welcome eager vacationers by taking advantage of this perfect timing to invest in Bali commercial real estate and set up your own villas for rent in Bali.

If you’re browsing villas for sale in Bali, Bali homes for sale, or Bali properties, feel free to visit our catalog which comprises villas for sale in Bali, land for sale in Bali, and other properties for sale in Bali. For more information on Bali real estate or if you want to sell villas in Bali, please do not hesitate to find us at Bali Home Immo as we are the best property agency in Bali.

Bahasa Indonesia 101

Living in Bali December 20, 2023

Bahasa Indonesia 101 for Travelers: Essential Phrases to Connect with Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language that acts as a unifying force for this archipelagic wonder. For travelers and expatriates, diving into the linguistic depths of Bahasa Indonesia is not just a practical necessity but an enriching cultural experience.

The Essence of Bahasa Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia, often simply referred to as Bahasa, serves as the linguistic glue that binds this expansive nation. While English is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist hotspots, delving into the local language opens doors to authentic cultural exchanges, especially in more rural and traditional settings.

Learning the Basics: Greetings

Selamat Pagi/Siang/Sore/Malam pu-gee/see-young/so-re/mu-lahm (Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening/Night):

Mastering these basic greetings is like tuning into the rhythm of daily life. Whether you're starting your day or bidding it farewell, these phrases ensure you're seamlessly woven into the local fabric.

Apa Kabar? uh-pa-ka-ba-r (How are you?):

This ubiquitous phrase opens the door to friendly conversations. Respond with a cheerful "Kabar baik" (I'm fine) to keep the dialogue flowing.

Terima Kasih tu-ree-maa ka-see-h (Thank You):

A phrase that transcends borders, expressing gratitude in Bahasa Indonesia goes a long way. A simple "Terima Kasih" is a bridge between cultures.

Navigating Everyday Scenarios

1. Silakan see-luh-kahn (Please):

Whether you're requesting a service or inviting someone, "Silakan" is your go-to word for politeness. It's a versatile phrase that finds its place in various situations.

2. Maaf maa-a-f (Sorry):

Social graces transcend language barriers. "Maaf" is your tool for acknowledging mistakes or seeking forgiveness, an essential phrase in any language.

Embracing Pronunciation and Nuances

One of the charms of Bahasa Indonesia lies in its straightforward pronunciation. Unlike many other Asian languages, Bahasa is not tonal, making it more accessible for learners. The alphabet, romanized for convenience, further eases the learning curve.

Dive Deeper: Extended Phrases

While these basic phrases serve as a welcoming introduction to Bahasa Indonesia, exploring a bit more can add depth to your linguistic repertoire:

Selamat Jalan su-lah-mat-ja-lawn (Goodbye/Have a good journey):

An essential phrase when bidding farewell, expressing good wishes for someone's journey ahead.

Tolong to-long(Help):

When in need, "Tolong" is your SOS signal. It's a valuable phrase that can be a lifesaver in unforeseen situations.

Saya Tidak Mengerti suh-yaa tee-duck me-nge-rti (I don’t understand):

An honest admission when faced with linguistic confusion. Locals appreciate the effort, and they often respond with patience and assistance.

Cultural Etiquette: Using Bahasa Indonesia with Respect

Learning Bahasa Indonesia is not just about the words; it's about embracing the cultural nuances that accompany the language. Indonesians are generally warm and welcoming, and attempting to communicate in their language is often met with smiles and encouragement.

Language Learning Resources

For those eager to delve deeper into Bahasa Indonesia, numerous language learning resources are available. Online courses, language exchange programs, and local language schools offer immersive experiences to hone your linguistic skills.

Remember, a smile and friendly gestures go a long way in Indonesian communication. Don't be afraid to speak slowly and be patient with yourself. Locals appreciate your effort to engage with their language, and their helpfulness will shine through.

Bonus Tip: Learn the numbers 1-10! They'll come in handy when bargaining, ordering food, or simply navigating public transportation.

Resources for Further Exploration

Bahasa Indonesia Language Courses: Online platforms like Duolingo and Memrise offer interactive lessons to kickstart your learning.

Mobile Apps: Download free apps like "Learn Indonesian - Easy Language" or "HelloTalk" to practice with native speakers.

Indonesian Media: Watch movies, listen to music, or read Indonesian news to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Speaking Bahasa Indonesia opens doors to a world of rich cultural experiences and genuine connections. By starting small and embracing the journey, you'll discover the beauty and warmth that lies within the heart of this captivating language. So, take a deep breath, say "Halo!", and prepare to be swept away by the magic of Bahasa Indonesia!

To sum up, in the kaleidoscope of Indonesia's cultural diversity, Bahasa Indonesia acts as a bridge, connecting people across vast landscapes. As you embark on your journey to master this language, remember that every phrase you learn is a step into the heart of Indonesia's rich heritage. So, Selamat Belajar (Happy learning), and may your linguistic exploration be as rewarding as the cultural tapestry that surrounds you.

Measuring the Impact of Airport Reopening on Bali Villa Rentals

Bali Property Market Trends June 22, 2022

Reopening International Travel Boosted Bali’s Villa Rental Market

Ever since Bali reopened its doors to foreign travelers, the hospitality sector experienced a surge of bookings which significantly affected villa rentals as well. In case you missed it, the airport is now open to international flights and fully vaccinated travelers can come to Bali without quarantine. Relaxed travel restrictions including the reinstatement of Visa on Arrival attracted travelers from all around the world to visit Bali again after more than two years, contributing to the recovery of its vacation rental market which is now making a comeback to a trend that was last seen before COVID lockdowns took place.

We are excited to share the positive development that occurred in the last few months that signifies the return of Bali villa rentals into its former glory.

International tourist arrivals spiked since Bali’s reopening

According to the report published by Statistics of Bali Province (BPS), the number of foreign travelers that arrived in March 2022 via air travel was 14.617 visitors, which is 11 times more than in February when travel restrictions began to ease. This number grew exponentially again in April, reaching 58.315 visitors in just one month. The official figures for May and the subsequent months weren’t released yet at the time of this writing, but it’s apparent that Bali is welcoming more and more visitors considering the recent development in the vacation home rental market which we’ll discuss below.

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Digital nomads will be able to work from Bali for 5 years using a special visa

Photo by Peter Olexa

In addition, the government has announced the plan to issue a special visa for digital nomads soon. This visa will be a huge advantage for remote workers in Bali because it has a 5-year validity and the visa holder’s foreign-sourced income won’t be taxed. The plan was meant to be launched back in 2021 but had to be put on hold due to worldwide travel restrictions, and now is just the right time to put it back in motion again.

Also read: Top 5 Places in Bali For Villa Investment

Villa rental revenue & occupancy rate increases significantly

The average monthly revenue of vacation home rentals continues to increase every month since Bali reopened, yielding double the amount generated in February within 3 months. Occupancy rate experienced a steady increase as well, with an average of over 60% from February to April and reached 80% in May. Villas in the 75th percentile performed remarkably better, yielding almost triple the revenue in February alone while the occupancy rate remained steady at over 90% from February to May.

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Monthly revenue & occupancy rate of vacation home rentals in February - May 2022

Source: AirDNA

The opening brought back the trend that was last seen in 2019, when the vacation rental market enjoys good returns and continues to grow each year. Despite still in the early phase, the data proves that Bali’s short term rental industry can rebound quickly provided that the number of international visitors continues to skyrocket. At Bali Home immo, we also noticed that many villas for long term rental that were frequently available are now difficult to book due to overwhelming demand, which is a good indicator of increasing occupancy rate not only in short term rental but also in yearly and monthly rental villas.

Also read: How to Start an Airbnb Rental in Bali as a Foreigner

Market trend is shifting to pre-COVID statistics

After a long hiatus, the trend has shifted to pre-COVID times in such a short time span. Market revenue in May 2022 nearly matches the historical data of December 2019 and January 2020, yielding almost 120 billion IDR in just 3 months. Before COVID, the market was at an all time high with demand and revenue constantly increasing over the years. This development might mark the return of Bali’s lucrative vacation rental industry, presenting a golden opportunity for real estate investors to welcome a new wave of travelers eager to spend their holidays or settle on the island.

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Villa rentals in Bali are thriving since the border reopened

Photo by Bali Home Immo

Looking to buy or rent a villa in Bali? Our selection of villas for sale and rent covers the best areas including Canggu, Seminyak, Pererenan, Sanur, Uluwatu, and more. Interested in buying land suitable for residential or investment development? We also have an extensive selection of land for sale and lease that you might be interested in. No matter what your goal is, we aim to help find the right property that suits you perfectly so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Also read: How to Earn Passive Income from Property Investment in Bali

Disclaimer: The content of this publication is provided as general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or other professional advice from Bali Home Immo. Some of the information provided on this publication is obtained from a third-party source and we do not guarantee that the content of this publication is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Past performance is not indicative of future performance and should not be relied upon as a basis for an investment decision.

Established in 2009, Bali Home Immo is the first real estate agency in Canggu with more than 7000 Bali properties listed in its database. Bali Home Immo (PT. Bali Properti Kontruksi) is a licensed property agency (SIUP-P4 certified) located in Bali, Indonesia and have been successfully operating as a trustworthy and reputable real estate agency with more than 13 years of experience. Long-standing partnerships and a committed, dedicated team are the driving force behind the work that takes place every day at Bali Home Immo.

As a member of the Real Estate Broker Association of Indonesia (AREBI), Bali Home Immo Property offers luxury real estate across the region to a local and international client base. Catering to a wide range of property requests, the team will ensure they can find a property, land or residential listing, to match each client’s personal requirements.

We have curated a wide selection of properties ranging from the land for sale, villas for sale and rent, as well as commercial space rental in Bali's most in-demand areas including Canggu, Seminyak, Pererenan, Umalas, and Uluwatu. Not only Bali, but our connection also reaches other popular destinations in Indonesia including Gili Islands, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and more.

We also provide professional marketing services that will showcase the best of your Bali properties to more than +160k social media followers and maximise the potential to find buyers looking at villas for sale in Bali. With a thorough knowledge of the Bali property market inside-out, we deliver the most professional and data-driven valuation of your property at the most competitive price for your Bali properties.

Our expertise in the local market and extensive network affiliated with 93 local and international partners including Goplaceit.com, Rumah123, Kangaloo, Luxury Estate, and many more will also help you bring global exposure to your real estate investment and find your dream Bali property. Looking to buy villas for sale in Bali? Check out our online catalogue of Bali real estate and follow us on social media for updates.