Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre was born from a vision one governor had for Bali’s cultural revival, and he succeeded.

Not only Bali Arts Festival, held annually is the most famous and longest-running art event in Indonesia dedicated to traditional arts, but itis also one of the most fantastic places to learn about the culture and crafts of the island.

Immerse yourself in Balinese arts with our quick guide for Taman Werdhi Budaya art centre visitors.

Summary: Key Points Upfront

• The best time to visit Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is during the month of Bali Arts Festival (mid-June to Mid-July)
• If you’re coming in June, the best day to catch the festival is the opening parade – it has a big procession but also a few performances.
• If you’re coming to Bali in any other month, visit the art centre to check out the whole park, gardens, the main stage, and the library to learn about classic Balinese architecture and some history.
• The festival and art centre visits are usually free.

Taman Werdhi Budaya (Bali Art Centre) – One Of The Main Tourist Attractions

Commissioned in 1973 by Governor Ida Bagus Mantra, Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is the cultural gem of Denpasar city.

Park, creek, gardens, extraordinary Balinese buildings – this Bali art centre can compete with any nearby attraction.

Every summer, it houses the biggest art festival in Bali – Bali Arts Festival.

But you can visit it any time of the year. Although there won’t be many performances or shows, you can still visit the library, the gardens, and see the temple. Every once in a while, there will be shows, too, so don’t get discouraged if you missed the festival!

Balinese Architecture Buildings

The expansive complex of Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre spans almost 5 hectares. Amidst meticulously designed gardens, you will find more than 15 locations that the yearly Art festival uses.

The territory is divided into public (crowded and semi-crowded) areas on the south side of the river and a quiet and sacred complex on the north side of the river.

• The sacred area is on the right side of the open theatre and is mostly used for worship and includes Bale Selonding, Bale Pepaosan, and Pura Taman Beji temple.
• The quite complex is next to the sacred one and has only one building – Widya Kusuma Library with an amazing collection of books on the history of Bali.
• Semi-crowded complex is quite large, almost half of the territory and mostly covers the exhibition spaces like the main big exhibition hall and small studios (sculpture studio, painting studio, etc).
• The crowded complex is connected by river bridges to semi-crowded and sacred zones. This is where the main stage Ardha Candra, for up to 6,000 spectators, is under the open sky, and the Ksirarnawa indoor hall with the stage.

Bali’s commitment to make this art centre a real testament to the incredible cultural and spiritual heritage isn’t only in the annual festival. Even the architecture has meaning.

For instance, the Ardha Candra open theatre, which will remind you of a Greek amphitheatre, is actually a symbol of a sacred mountain, Mandara Giri, from the Hindu epics that was used to churn a whole ocean of milk. It is believed to symbolise the dynamics of the Balinese culture.

Where Is Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre?

Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is located in the capital of Bali, Denpasar.

It is just 15 minutes away from Sanur by car or bike, and about 1.5-2 hrs drive from Canggu.

Address: Jalan Nusa Indah No.1, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236, Indonesia

Online: Instagram

Is There An Entrance Fee At Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre?

Usually, the art festival and performances at Taman Werdhi Budhay are free for all visitors; however, special shows may require a ticket.

It will usually be very affordable – between 5,000 to 15,000 Indonesian Rupiahs (0.5 to 1.5 AUD).

Bali Arts Festival – Pesta Kesenian Bali

Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) or Bali Arts Festival was created in 1979 by the late Prof. Dr Ida Bagus Mantra, who was also the governor at the time and was determined to preserve Balinese arts and pass them down through generations.

It is a month-long festival happening mid-June to mid-July showcasing Indonesian arts and the rich artistic heritage of the archipelago, from East Java to Papua and beyond. Some years, they even invite talents from other Asian countries.

The shows and exhibitions are in Indonesian or even Balinese language, so you should bring a local friend or a guide if you want to get in-depth explanations about what’s going on on the main stage.

Otherwise, the performances will be spectacular enough, even if you don’t speak the language!

What To Expect At Bali Arts Festival?

It is usually opened by a special guest, for example, in 2019, it was President Jokowi, who gave a brief speech and hit the wooden bell (kulkul) in front of the Bajrasandhi monument, marking the official start of the festival.

The monument itself is just about 3 km from the art centre and is absolutely incredible, and is located in a park, so come early to explore it too! The area around called Renon is where lots of Balinese architecture buildings are located, too (most are municipal buildings).

The very first day of this month-long cultural odyssey is dedicated to the Opening Parade – Peed Aya, which starts at the Bajra Sandhi Monument. 

Thousands of dancers and talents take part, leading everyone to the main grounds of the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, accompanied by gamelan music and performers in traditional outfits. It is like a “preview” of what’s coming!

From there, every day you can expect to see traditional dance performances (Rekasadana) at the venue, like Joged Bung-bung, Bondres dance, Barong dances and others.

The schedule will be updated live. Follow the official Instagram account to find out when and where workshops, shows, and performances are happening.

Types Of Events At Bali Arts Festival

While the main focus is on the main stage, there are a lot of things happening every day for the whole month. For example:

• Wimbakara – competitions (songs, photos, gamelan music, and so on).
• Rekasadana – performances, including dance, theatre, or music.
• Utsawa – parades (the festival doesn’t limit itself to one opening parade!).
• Kriyaloka – art workshops. Usually, not many and not very popular. They will be in Indonesian.
• Kandapura – exhibitions of all the forms of artistic expression of artists from every region in Bali.
• Widyatula – lectures and open panels.

Art Exhibition Buildings

There will also be song and dance competitions, lectures, music, shows with traditional cut-out and handmade wayang kulit puppetry, multiple painting and photo exhibitions and dedicated exhibition spaces to explore batik and other textiles, ceramics, masks, gold and silver jewellery, traditional artworks, sculpture, and more.

Traditions actively blend with modern art during the festival, as you will hear and see not only decades-old motives and movements but their contemporary expressions by young Balinese and Indonesian artists.

Not to mention, you can even taste some of the best delicacies of the Balinese cuisine. So, between shows, hit those food stalls and try, at least, babi guling (roasted suckling pig).

Each year, the festival has a theme, often around nature and resources, which will be highlighted through Balinese creativity in all its forms.

Final Thoughts On Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Bali, showcasing Balinese culture, arts, and the raw talents of the island.

If you love the arts, dance, and theatre, visiting the Taman Werdhi Budaya art centre will be a real treat.