Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets - masquerade mask lot
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Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets

4.8
·1k reviews·, Indonesia

Discover a world of masks and puppets from across the globe, housed in antique Javanese homes. Free entry, rich culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets - masquerade mask lot

Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of masks and puppets from across the globe, housed in antique Javanese homes. Free entry, rich culture.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"An amazing and extensive display of masks and puppets from throughout Indonesia and other parts of Asia."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this amazing collection. Give what you can!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the huts and the garden.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Global Mask & Puppet Collection

Global Mask & Puppet Collection

Thousands of unique masks and puppets from Indonesia and worldwide, showcasing diverse cultures and artistry.

Traditional Javanese Architecture

Traditional Javanese Architecture

Explore exhibits housed within charming, antique Javanese wooden homes, adding a unique historical atmosphere.

Peaceful Garden Ambiance

Peaceful Garden Ambiance

Wander through a beautifully maintained, serene garden offering a tranquil escape and a perfect photo backdrop.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

This incredible museum offers free entry, a rarity in Bali! Donations are highly encouraged to support their vast collection of masks and puppets from around the globe. Plan for at least two hours to truly appreciate the artistry and peaceful ambiance. Reddit

A World of Masks Awaits

Explore thousands of masks and puppets from Indonesia and beyond, housed in traditional Javanese wooden homes. It's a deep dive into cultural heritage, perfect for art lovers and curious travelers seeking unique Balinese experiences. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy the garden's shade
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy Kidz visited Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets. It was a great experience learning about mask and puppets from different regions jn Indonesia and around the world. #happykidzbali #daycare #canggu #canggudaycare #kindergarten #canggukindergarten #canggukids #kidsactivitiesbali #kidsinbali #playgroup #playgroupbali
happykidzbali
19 likes • 1.2K views

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this amazing collection. Give what you can! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the huts and the garden. Instagram

2024.3 Bali旅日記 (ストーリーハイライト、過去投稿もご覧下さい) Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets② (トペン博物館) バリ芸能で🎭ワヤンクリが1番好きな私が行きたかった場所😊 ウブド マス村にあります。 こ…これは‼️ お子様が見たら泣くかも😂 私も夜に1人で見る勇気は無い😅 コレクターさん垂涎🤤 見応えある展示が沢山あります。 私、一日中居る事できるわ😍 不思議な事もありました。 スタッフさんが付きっきりで説明してくれてたんだけど、 私があまり熱心に見入ってたんで、途中から1人にしてくれました。 1人になってしばらくすると、 照明がバチッ💥と切れて数秒後に点灯💡 こんな事が何回かありました😅 何か居ても不思議じゃない空間なんですけどね…😅 バロンとランダのイタズラかな?😜 開放的で綺麗に手入れされた庭園、展示場から屋外に...
kaetan0903
23 likes • 228 views
The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets located in Mas Village, Ubud, which is a famous center for wood carving in Bali, The Museum is spread over a large area of more than 10,000 square meters and consists of four exhibition spaces, an open gield, Balinese garden, and a performance stage. The museum also host occasional demonstrations of mask and puppet making, as well as traditional dance ...
bestoftours.id
8 likes • 252 views

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collection and peaceful grounds. Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

Bring your camera! The masks and puppets are incredibly detailed and photogenic. Instagram

I am in Bali, Indonesia at the moment and visited the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets yesterday which blew my mind. Hut after hut of different shadow puppets from all types of materials, wooden masks, paintings, paper mache masks, costumes, and other things from Bali, other parts of Indonesia and all over the world. Thanks @whoistiresias for the recommend.
erikbergrin
187 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this amazing collection. Give what you can! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the huts and the garden. Instagram

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collection and peaceful grounds. Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

Bring your camera! The masks and puppets are incredibly detailed and photogenic. Instagram

🤝 Friendly Staff

The staff are welcoming and happy to share information about the exhibits. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets for its vast and fascinating collection of masks and puppets from around the world, all offered with free admission. The peaceful garden and traditional Javanese architecture enhance the serene atmosphere, making it a highly recommended cultural experience. Some visitors note that while staff are friendly, formal guided tours aren't always available.

"Highly recommended if you are into Indonesian culture of masks and puppets. Rich in details and very well organised. Importantly it is free to enter! Donations are recommended after the tour if you would like to support them."

Thanavit

"The collection is impressive and displayed well and surely the collector has a hug passion for puppets and make a big effort to share his passion with other. I admire a person like this. The garden is maintained well and so green. That's big reason I love Bali."

Minh Le

"This is an amazing and extensive display of masks and puppets from throughout Indonesia and other parts of Asia They are housed in seven 100+ year old wooden homes brought here from Java. The grounds are beautiful and the staff are really friendly and welcoming. I thoroughly recommend spending a couple of hours or more here seeing the art and enjoying the peaceful ambience."

Antoinette Drennan

What People Like

Incredible mask and puppet collection
Free admission
Peaceful garden and ambiance

What People Dislike

Occasional lack of formal tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Mas Village, a short drive from central Ubud. You can hire a scooter, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing app. Many visitors combine a visit with other attractions in the area. Instagram

Yes, it's well-signposted in Mas Village. If you're using GPS, search for 'Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets'. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a popular stop on many cultural tours of the Ubud area, often combined with wood carving villages and temples. Instagram

The museum is typically open daily from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check their latest hours before visiting, though it's generally accessible throughout the day. Instagram

Yes, there is ample parking available for cars and scooters at the museum grounds. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is free! However, donations are highly encouraged to support the museum's preservation and collection. InstagramReddit

No, advance booking is not required as entry is free. You can simply show up during opening hours. Instagram

While not always formally scheduled, the staff are very friendly and often provide insights and explanations about the exhibits. Donations are appreciated for their time. Instagram

Information on online donations might be limited. The best way to support them is through direct donation upon your visit. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography that might damage the artifacts. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors recommend spending at least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive collection and enjoy the serene gardens. Reddit

You'll find a vast array of masks and puppets from Bali, other parts of Indonesia, and countries like China and Japan, made from various materials. InstagramReddit

The museum occasionally hosts demonstrations and performances, though these are not on a fixed schedule. Check their social media or inquire upon arrival. Instagram

Yes, children often find the colorful masks and puppets fascinating. It's a great educational experience for families. TikTok

It's described as peaceful, serene, and tranquil, offering a quiet escape from the bustling tourist areas. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no extensive dining facilities within the museum itself. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit. Instagram

Mas Village and nearby Ubud offer numerous dining options, from local warungs to international cuisine. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside the exhibition areas to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the artifacts. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted. However, always be mindful and avoid flash photography that could damage the delicate artifacts. Instagram

The colorful masks and puppets themselves are fantastic subjects. The traditional Javanese houses and the lush garden also offer beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically not permitted in such cultural sites to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the exhibits. Instagram

While you can photograph the masks, it's important not to touch or wear them unless specifically permitted for an interactive exhibit. Instagram

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful, as some areas might be dimly lit. A versatile lens will allow you to capture both close-ups and wider shots of the displays and architecture. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets is a fantastic outing for families. Children are often captivated by the vibrant colors and diverse forms of the masks and puppets, sparking their imagination and curiosity about different cultures. The free admission makes it an accessible and budget-friendly activity. TikTok

Allow ample time for kids to explore the different huts and the garden. The staff are generally friendly and can offer simple explanations that engage younger minds. It's a great way to introduce children to Indonesian heritage in a fun and visually stimulating environment. TikTokInstagram

🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and culture, this museum is a must-visit. The sheer scale and diversity of the mask and puppet collection, spanning centuries and continents, offer a deep dive into global folk art traditions. The founder's dedication to collecting and preserving these pieces is evident and deeply admirable. Reddit

Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship, the symbolism, and the stories behind each artifact. The unique setting within traditional Javanese houses adds another layer of cultural appreciation. Consider making a generous donation to support the continued preservation of this invaluable collection. Reddit

📸 Photographers

This museum is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of visually striking subjects. The intricate details of the masks and puppets, combined with the atmospheric lighting within the traditional Javanese houses, create compelling photographic opportunities. Instagram

Don't miss the chance to capture the vibrant colors and textures of the exhibits, as well as the serene beauty of the garden. Remember to be respectful of the artifacts and other visitors by avoiding intrusive flash photography. The unique architecture of the buildings also provides excellent framing for your shots. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Masks and Puppets

The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets is a treasure trove of cultural artistry, housing an extensive collection of over 1,000 masks and puppets from across Indonesia and the globe. These artifacts are not merely decorative; they are integral to traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and theatrical performances. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the beliefs, rituals, and social structures of the communities from which they originate. Visitors can marvel at the diverse materials used, from wood and leather to paper mache and fabric, and the intricate craftsmanship involved in their creation. InstagramReddit

The collection spans various Indonesian islands, showcasing regional variations in style and symbolism. Beyond Indonesia, the museum also features masks and puppets from countries like China, Japan, and other parts of Asia, offering a broader perspective on this ancient art form. The sheer volume and variety mean that no two visits will be exactly the same, with new details to discover each time. Instagram

This museum is a testament to the passion of its founder, who has dedicated himself to collecting and preserving these cultural relics. It provides an invaluable opportunity for visitors to connect with the rich heritage of mask and puppet traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for global cultural diversity. Reddit

Exploring the Architecture and Grounds

Beyond its impressive collection, the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets is also architecturally significant. The exhibits are housed within seven antique, traditional Javanese wooden houses, known as 'joglo'. These structures were brought from Java and meticulously restored, offering a glimpse into historical Indonesian vernacular architecture. The aged wood and intricate carvings of these homes provide a unique and atmospheric setting for the displayed artifacts, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Instagram

The museum grounds are equally captivating, featuring a beautifully maintained Balinese garden. This serene green space offers a peaceful respite from the visual richness of the exhibits. Visitors can wander through the lush foliage, enjoy the tranquil ambiance, and find perfect spots for quiet contemplation or photography. The garden complements the indoor displays, creating a holistic experience that engages multiple senses. InstagramReddit

This combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets more than just a museum; it's an immersive cultural journey. The thoughtful integration of the exhibits within these traditional structures and the surrounding gardens creates a memorable and enriching visit for all who explore its grounds. Instagram

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