Bali has many names like the ‘island of the gods’, The ‘last paradise’, and the ‘centre of the universe’ are yet more names for this truly beautiful tropical island inhabited with artistic people and a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies.

Bali has got the name of living museum. The name was given by those experts and people visiting Bali confirmed this statement. This was due to the fact that historical heritages and ancient way of life are preserved well mixed and adopted in the daily life of the society.

One of positive attitude among Balinese is that when they found any ancient artifacts or any ancient remains they will preserve it in relation with religious ritual.

As of the nature of religious ritual related to any material, it is considered sacred object and no one will risk to touch it without special ceremony to be carried out before. That was, when archaeologist made a research to read the inscriptions of ancient king, the people had to make religious ritual before the reading, and will be escorted by religious figures. Almost bigger part of movable ancient heritages such as stone sculptures, bronze objects, inscriptions are preserved in the temple.

They have made a good concept of preservation so until now we have historical heritages still preserved well, but at the other hand the historical facts are not in-site anymore, and this gives special difficulty in developing the research. It is lucky also that the people become more and more aware about the modern technique of preservation and they one by one trust the government in preserving the heritages.

With this new awareness, many ancient heritages have been preserved in the museum. Started by Dutch scholars some real museum were built to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bali. Below are some museums so far have been built in Bali. There are many museums of this nature. To mention a few of them, at least there are 3 museums worth to note here.

Neka Museums Open daily 8 AM – 5 PM. Campuhan Raya Street, Ubud, Tel. 975074. Located in Ubud, preserve and exhibit special various painting style of Bali so far have been invented. This museum is owned privately by Mr. Sutedja Neka, a Ubud artist. This museum is famous among painters, anthropologist, and researcher of arts of the world.

Arma Museum Open daily 9 AM – 6 PM. Pengosekan Street, Ubud, Tel. 974228. Known also as Agung Rai fine art Museum. Located in Ubud exhibiting not only Balinese paintings styles but various painting from other areas and even modern painting. It is owned by Mr. Anak Agung Rai, an artist from Ubud.

Gunarsa Museum Located in Klungkung city, exhibiting Kamasan painting style, which some of them has been painted already 400 years ago. An abstract painting by Mr. Gunarsa are also on display. Mr. Gunarsa is an artist by education.

Museum Gedung Kirtya : Located at Singaraja - Bali

Museum Antonio Blanco : Campuhan Raya Street, Ubud, Tel. 975502.

Museum Le Mayeur : Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM. Hang Tuah Street, Sanur, Tel. 286201.

Museum of Bali : Location Letkol Wisnu Street, Denpasar, Tel. 227 7271.

Museum Pasifika : Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM. Kawasan Pariwisata BTDC Block P, Nusa Dua, Tel. 774935.

Museum Puri Lukisan : Open daily 8 AM – 4 PM. Ubud Gianyar Raya Street, Tel. 975136.

Museum Rudana : Rudana Fine Art Gallery, 44 Cok Rai Pudak Street, Ubud, Tel. 975779.

Museum Sidik Jari : 175 Hayam Wuruk Street, Denpasar, Tel. 235115.