Bali is an Indonesian island paradise known for its breathtaking landscapes, serene ambience, and rich cultural heritage. From alluring museums and art galleries to majestic temples, the place offers various landmarks providing insights into Balinese traditions. If you are interested in the rich culture and history of Bali and other regions, Setia Darma could be an excellent place to explore. Curious to learn more about it? Please read the article to learn all about the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets in Bali.
Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets: Your Doorway To Balinese Art
It attracts a constant flow of artist enthusiasts and visitors who come to see its vast collection of masks and puppets. The museum has been collecting and showcasing a variety of masks and puppets from different regions in Indonesia and around the world since 2006.
House of Mask and Puppets Setia Darma covers an area of over 10,000 square metres. It has a special home in four traditional Javanese antique houses called Joglos. These Joglos are mostly from East and Middle Java and are made of strong teak wood to keep them in good shape.
The artefact collection houses more than 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets, including leather shadow puppets, sacred masks, traditional shadow puppets, contemporary specimens, and Balinese puppets and masks. In addition to the exhibition areas, you will find a spacious open field, a lush Balinese garden, and even a stage for performances.
Must Read: Museums In Bali
Immersing In The History Of Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
The inception of the museum in Bali traces back to the encounter between Mr. Agustinus Prayitno, an artist-curator, and Mr. Hadi Sunyoto, a cultural enthusiast and businessman. Both bonded over their shared passion for collecting masks and puppets from across Indonesia and even around the globe. Their fascination with these cultural artefacts led to the accumulation of thousands of items over time. Mr. Agustinus Prayitno and Mr. Sunyoto decided to share the treasures they gathered with the world and established a museum. That is how House of Mask and Puppets Setia Darma emerged on a picturesque quarter-hectare plot in Bali.
Today, the museum is home to over 7,000 masks, puppets, sculptures, and other items from Indonesia and several countries. From India to Africa and Malaysia to Mexico, it has a blend of objects that present how different cultures make masks and puppets.
Location Of The Museum In Bali
The Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets is in the serene village of Tegal Bingin, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia. It is about 2 km northeast of the Mas crossroads and 25 km from the bustling capital of Bali, Denpasar. In addition, the journey to the destination is thrilling in itself.
Suggested Read: Neka Art Museum
Things To Do In Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
It consists of small, single-story buildings amidst a beautifully landscaped garden. The place offers various activities and experiences to savour.
1. Explore The Impressive Exhibits
Image Credit: Anandajoti for Wikimedia Commons
It takes you on a captivating journey through Indonesian culture. Its appealing layout allows for easy exploration of each artefact. Here is a breakdown of the multiple sections spanning the museum:
- Masks: Witness traditional Balinese masks used in cultural and religious ceremonies, such as the iconic Barong and Rangda masks featured in the Barong dance.
- Puppets: Immerse yourself in the world of Balinese Puppetsry with a collection of shadow Puppets and three-dimensional Puppets used in traditional performances.
- Textiles: Marvel at the intricate beauty of traditional Balinese textiles, including batik and ikat fabrics.
- Ethnography: Explore Balinese society and culture through exhibits featuring relics such as antique weapons, musical instruments, and agricultural tools.
Suggested Read: Handara Gate
2. Attend The Workshops And Events
Image Credit: Thelmadatter for Wikimedia Commons
The museum offers a workshop where you can participate in traditional Balinese activities such as Puppets-making and mask-carving. These hands-on experiences give a deeper understanding of Balinese culture.It also regularly hosts cultural events, including traditional dance performances and musical concerts.
3. Stroll Through The Javanese Joglo House And Gardens
Image Credit: drew~commonswiki for Wikimedia Commons
It is nestled within a stunning Javanese Joglo house, a traditional wooden structure. This architectural gem offers a unique experience with its intricate carvings and spacious open-air layout. Lush tropical gardens surround the museum, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. These gardens feature customary Balinese sculptures and statues and various exotic plants and flowers.
Suggested Read: Museum Puri Lukisan
Best Time To Visit Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
Image Source: Shutterstock
The museum is open all year round. However, the best time to visit it is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October. The weather is sunny and dry during this time, allowing you to explore the outdoor spaces easily. Also, if you prefer a less crowded environment, you can also enjoy the workshops and exhibits during the wet season.
Suggested Read: Museum Puri Lukisan
How To Reach
Image Source: Shutterstock
The museum in Bali is located close to Ubud and is renowned for its wood carving. It is on the outskirts of Mas Village; therefore, most travellers hire a private driver or take an organised tour. The journey from Denpasar typically spans around 30 minutes, though it may vary depending on the traffic.
Alternatively, you can also use public transport. Take a bus from Denpasar to Sukawati and alight at the Tegal Bingin intersection. A short walk will lead you to the House of Mask and Puppets Setia Darma.
Further Read: Places to Visit in Ubud
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets in Bali aims to preserve, educate, and entertain. The term house signifies the space’s role as a venue for activities, akin to how you use a house. It has hosted numerous exhibitions and activities regularly to foster cultural engagement and exchange within the community. Whether seeking a tranquil retreat or a glimpse into traditional Balinese life, this museum is a must-visit destination. A trip to Bali will never be complete without a sightseeing tour of this cultural site. Engage in traditional activities at the workshops and cultural events to learn more about Balinese culture.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Setia Darma House Of Masks And Puppets
What are the facilities in Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets?
The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets boasts four exhibition spaces, an expansive open field, a lush tropical Balinese garden, and a versatile performance stage. The area is available for performances, training sessions, family or school outings, group gatherings, and film projects.
Why visit Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets?
The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets offers a unique and enlightening experience in Bali. Visitors can delve into the displays and gain insights into the significance and history of each artefact.
How much time does it take to explore Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets?
It can take anywhere between one and a half hours to three hours to experience the museum.
What are the nearest attractions to Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets?
Mas Village, Elephant Cave, and Agung Rai Museum of Art are a few notable must-visit destinations near Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets in Bali.
What are the times and fees to visit the museum?
The House of Mask and Puppets Setia Darma welcomes tourists daily from 8 AM to 4 PM without any fee. However, it remains closed on Nyepi Day, a Balinese Hindu holiday. The date is flexible and can vary each year.
People Also Read:
Museums in Yogyakarta The Museum of Selfie Museums in Bulgaria
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
