This museum located in Singaraja has many interesting elements. The museum’s exhibition documents the life and times of the last prince of Buleleng, who is widely respected for his successful efforts to develop tourism in the region.
Among the items on display is a typewriter he used whilst working as a travel writer. The museum also traces the region’s history. However, the most interesting collection in the museum is the thousands of manuscripts in the form of lontar leaves.
A knife was used to engrave the lontar leaves and then rubbed with charcoal to bring out the text. Writings found on the leaves touch on a wide range of topics, such as medicine, homeopathy and witchcraft.
The leaves come from a tree which belongs to the palm family, which is known as a fan tree, due to the leaves’ fan-like shape. The leaves of this tree are very durable and can be used for many purposes.
Many tourists, both domestic and international, come to view these manuscripts. Foreign students from many different countries also come to the museum to conduct research for study purposes.
Need to Know
- What is it? a museum complex including a library of manuscripts in the form of palm leaves
- 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; alternatively, take a taxi from your hotel