Located in the heart of Singaraja, in the north of Bali, Gedong Kirtya has enjoyed international acclaim as a renowned manuscript library for many years. This is the only library of its kind in the entire world, containing hundreds of lontars, a type of palm leaf used as paper.
A sharp knife, locally called a pengutik, is used to engrave the lontar leaves. They are then rubbed with charcoal to bring up the etching. Texts found on the leaves cover a range of subjects, including medicine, philosophy, homeopathy, religion and witchcraft.
The term ‘lontar’ is composed of two old Javanese words meaning ‘leaf’ and ‘tree’. The tree which the leaves come from, belong to the palm family and due to the distinct fan-like shape of its leaves these trees are locally known as ‘fan trees’. The leaves of this tree have many purposes, such as palm sugar wrappers, water scoops, and ritual tools.
Many visitors come to the library to view these precious manuscripts, many of which are used in ceremonies today. Foreign students from India, USA and Japan, are the most common visitors to the museum, with their visits entailing conducting research for study purposes.
Gedong Kirtya is located within the complex of Sasana Budaya, the ancient palace of the Buleleng Kingdom. After realizing the library’s potential as a tourist attraction coupled with its historical location, the library was converted into a museum which is now spread across the entire Sasana Budaya complex and is included in the city tour itinerary.
Need to Know
- What is it? a museum and library housing thousands of manuscripts written on palm leaves and covering a wide range of subjects
- Opening hours: 07:30 to 15:30 Monday to Thursday, 07:00 to 12:30 Friday
- Entrance fee: no charge
- Where: Jalan Veteran, Singaraja, Bali
- How to get there: book an organized tour from a travel agent or take a taxi from your hotel