Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets - Bali

Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets – Bali

Most tourists wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Goa Gajah (known as the Elephant Cave) while in Ubud, so whilst in the area make a detour to Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets. The house is only 5 min drive from Goa Gajah and 15 min from central Ubud.

Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets isn’t just a regular museum, it is collection of nine traditional Javanese houses displaying masks and puppets from Indonesia and around the world. The displays are extensive and according to their brochure there are approximately 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets!

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What to Expect

The houses are surrounded by gorgeous gardens with outdoor sculptures and rice fields. Our driver also surprised us by playing on some traditional bamboo instruments (called rindik and are like a bamboo xylophone) that were available for anyone to play near the car-park!

The houses are set up with different styles and ages of masks and there are plenty of labels and information. Tour guides are also available if you want a tour, or if you just want to ask a few questions.

There is NOTHING electronic in terms of displays or interactive information ….and I LOVE this!

This mask was made deep in the Jungle as a manifestation of the ancestors in ritual ceremonies. I found these old mask fascinating and couldn’t help imaging what these ceremonies must have been like (and whether all the children were terrified!)

Cost

Cost is by donation. Lonely Planet suggests 35,000, but we gave around 40,000 each, although I can’t remember exactly what we donated, I loved it so gave a bit extra…so maybe it was 50,000 (AUD$5)? Just be kind in your donation!

Getting There

Getting there is easiest via taxi or renting a scooter. For more information visit the Setia Darma House of Puppets website or have a look at the reviews on Trip Advisor.

Tips for Visiting with Children

Children might find some of the masks and puppets scary. Our 7-year-old wouldn’t go into some of the houses so we took turns with one of us looking in the houses, while the other went with Noodle to look for butterflies and lizards in the garden. Worked out fine!