The House of Mask And Puppets, Setia Darma, is one of the most interesting museums on the island.
It deals solely with masks from the local cultures as well as with the leather shadow puppets of the Wayang Kulit performances.
The museum is in a really attractive setting and has amazing collections and a very friendly staff.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to this cultural treasure in Sukawati.
Where Is Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets:?
This part of the island is very easy to get to and you can hire a Grab or Gojek to drop you off and it should be no problem to get a ride-share to pick you up later, either.
If you’re making a big day out of things, you might want to opt for a private car and drive to take you to many other sites, but the truth is that most things in this area are quite close together and you might not save very much compared to using the ride-share apps.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
The museum is open every day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. except for Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence.
There’s no bad time of year to visit as you will find that it’s fully enclosed including the four exhibition spaces and you can stay dry even if it’s raining and cool when the sun is shining.
The busiest days are weekends and it can get quite busy during the middle of the day too.
So, as with most sights in Bali, if you want the place to yourself, you can always get there early.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
There is no entrance fee for Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets. It’s completely free to go in and browse the displays.
Children should be accompanied by an adult inside the venue.
However, you may be asked to make small donations to the garden and upkeep funds.
It’s up to you how much you leave, but around 10,000 IDR per person is just fine (approx. $0.75 USD or $1 AUD).
About Traditional Shadow Puppets
We’ve got a detailed article on Wayang Kulit on this blog but the shadow puppet plays have been deemed of special interest by UNESCO and are considered to be outstanding cultural contributions for all of humanity.
People have been performing these plays for over 1,000 years in Bali and different regions of the Indonesian archipelago.
The shows are so different from those in other countries that they are singled out by global cultural authorities as unique.
Balinese Puppets Vs East And Middle Java Puppets
The puppets used in Indonesia are made of similar materials, however, in Javanese shadow plays there’s an emphasis on education whereas the Balinese puppets are often used to entertain an audience rather than just to tell stories.
What To Expect At Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
You won’t be short of places to eat in this area and some of our favourites include:
Cafe Topeng – a very basic local cafe that serves decent coffee and snacks, it’s right next to the museum which makes it quite handy for visitors seeking to quench their thirst after a tour.
- Waroeng Papacik – a great spot for a delicious Balinese lunch. The owner is very proud of his country and he’s always willing to share interesting tips on the culture and traditions of the area.
- Uptodate Cafe & Eatery Ubud – a very nice cafe that sees few tourists but has great Wi-Fi and excellent coffee and food. It’s a real hidden gem.
- Bebek Tepi Sawah – one of the most popular and best-loved restaurants in the area. The tepi sawah grilled duck is just amazing.
- Coffee’n’Friends – a nice place for a cup of local coffee and a tasty snack.
Where To Stay Near Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
Setia Darma is in an area with plenty of accommodation options and some of the best hotels on the island can be found in Ubud. The closest places to the museum are:
Mayura Ubud Retreat – an opulent 3-star hotel that’s perfect for a family holiday. It’s quiet, the staff are very welcoming and they always have interconnected rooms available.
Angel House Ubud – this eco-villa complex has a lovely pool area and its setting is very conveniently located near hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Griya KCB Villa– a beautiful and quiet place away from the road with awesome rice field views and a lovely pool area.
Bumi Ubud Resort – a nice place for exploring Ubud from and a doorway to the rest of the city. It’s quite basic but very good value for money.
Marayas Villa and Spa – a very nice villa complex with a decent onsite spa and a good place for a night’s peaceful rest.
What To Do Near Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
Setia Darma is also in an area with plenty of other attractions and you won’t need to travel very far to discover:
FAQs
Is Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets Worth Seeing?
Yes! Setia Darma House of Mask And Puppets is very much worth seeing. It’s a place that seeks to preserve a fascinating part of the culture of Indonesia and its collection is unrivalled.
From classic sacred masks and Wayang Kulit puppets from different regions to contemporary specimens, this is one of the most exhaustive collections of art on the island.
You may even decide to take up collecting masks and puppets yourself after visiting.
Final Thoughts On Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets
The Setia Darma House Of Mask And Puppets is one of the more unusual places on the island but if you want to better understand the culture of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago, it’s a must-see
Also if you like masks and puppets, Setia Darma should be top of your Bali bucket list.
We find it’s not just great for the cultural enthusiast though, children love this place too and find it fascinating.
