The SAKA Museum in Jimbaran made it to the list of the world's most beautiful museums for 2025. It is the only museum from Indonesia to receive such an honor this year. The award was given by Prix Versailles, a French organization that annually recognizes outstanding architectural objects, evaluating design, sustainability, and cultural value.
The award ceremony took place on May 5. Alongside SAKA on the winners' list are the Grand Palais in Paris, Kunstsilo in Norway, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the USA. All are large museums with rich histories. However, SAKA impressed the international jury with its approach: beauty, sustainability, and profound respect for Balinese culture.
“This award is a recognition that Balinese culture can be modern, powerful, and speak to the world on equal terms,” says museum director Dr. Judith E. Bosnak.
The SAKA Museum opened recently in 2024 and immediately attracted attention. Last year, TIME magazine included it in the World's Greatest Places list, and the Kyoto Global Design Awards recognized it for its innovative and sustainable approach to architecture.
The museum is located within the AYANA Resort Bali, a famous resort complex in Jimbaran. With a 4.7 rating on Google Maps, visitors also admire its beauty, modernity, and interactivity. The museum allows you to see how Balinese people lived, what they believed in, and how they interacted with nature, all presented clearly and emotionally.
Two permanent exhibitions deserve special attention:
- “The Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition” — an interactive story about the most important holiday in Bali — Nyepi. It covers rituals, meanings, and traditions, from coastal cleansing to mystical Ogoh-Ogoh processions.
- “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali” — a narrative about the ancient irrigation system Subak, included in the UNESCO heritage list. It shows how the temple, field, and community work as a single entity.
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum building houses a theater, library, shop, conference areas, and cozy outdoor spaces with ocean and Jimbaran cliff views. It is a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, take a break from the hustle, and feel inspired.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets cost 300,000 IDR for adults and 150,000 IDR for children. Discounts are often available, which can be found on the official website. Entrance is free for AYANA Resort guests.
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