Bedugul is located in Tabanan Regency, which is known for its fine arts and culture. Besides the skilled woodcarvers and sculpture artists, Tabanan also has great dancers, poets, and numerous museums. For art and culture enthusiasts, here are some arts and museums in Tabanan you might be interested in.

Subak Museum

This agriculture museum in Tabanan was built in 1981, showcasing “subak” as the heritage of the irrigation system in Bali since the 9th century, which is also a UNESCO cultural heritage. It is believed that this subak culture should be preserved in Subak Museum in Tabanan to educate young people and tourists about this unique system.

Subak itself is the system of water gliding on the bamboo sleeves from one to the next rice terraces in a rhythmic pattern – a practice out of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy which Balinese believe as the harmonious relationship among the God, nature, and human. The spirit of Subak is communal, in which the farm owners must join a subak community that controls the distribution of irrigation water to its members.

Subak Museum in Tabanan has an indoor and outdoor museum complex. The indoor section consists of two main buildings as the information center and exhibition building with the miniature of subak irrigation system and many traditional farming tools related to the Bali agricultural system while the outdoor section shows the actual rice fields with subak irrigation system, which is very interesting and refreshing to see.

Ogoh-Ogoh Museum

Officially opened for public in 2013, Ogoh-ogoh Museum in Tabanan is located in the Soka Beach rest area. Here, we can see the ogoh-ogoh (statue) artwork in the form of Bhuta Kala, a large and frightening figure representing the power Bhu (i.e., the universe) and time Kala (i.e., immeasurable and undeniable) – which is usually carried around the village during Nyepi Eve parade. After the parade, most ogoh-ogoh are usually burnt, but some are kept and displayed here to preserve the cultural value of ogoh-ogoh.

Tanteri Museum

Pejanten village in Tabanan, where the Tanteri Museum is located, has been known for its pottery craftsmanship. This museum was established to preserve and develop the art of pottery and ceramics in Bali; Here, you can see the history of Pejaten ceramic making till today, and some of the ancient ceramics. Opened in 2011, it was named after the important contributor to ceramic development in the Pejanten area.

Monumen Nasional Taman Pujaan Bangsa Margarana Museum

Located in Marga village, this museum in Tabanan is a landmark of the historical event of the “Puputan Margarana” battle between the Balinese with NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration) in 1946. Built on the 10-hectares (24.7 acres) land, the whole area covers the museum area, temple area, and the cemetery complex of the heroes who died during the war. In the museum, you see the Balinese swords, mini samurai, American and British artifact, photographs of the heroes, etc.