experience bali activity
LONTAR MANUSCRIPTS IN BALI'S FORMER CAPITAL
Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk
Palm-leaf manuscript library and Dutch-era district in Bali's old capital.
A visit to Gedong Kirtya, home to thousands of lontar palm-leaf manuscripts, paired with a self-guided walk through Singaraja's Dutch colonial district and old harbour.
Highlights
Thousands of lontar palm-leaf manuscripts on display
Set in Bali's former Dutch colonial capital
Walkable to the old Buleleng harbour and pier restaurants
Small, quiet museum rarely crowded with visitors
Location
Singaraja
Duration
2-3 hours
Price Range
Low entry fee, approx. IDR 20,000
Full Description
Gedong Kirtya holds one of the most significant collections of lontar palm-leaf manuscripts in Bali, thousands of texts covering royal chronicles, mythology, religion, and literature, many still in their original palm-leaf form. It's a small museum, easily seen in under an hour, and rarely crowded.
Singaraja was Bali's capital under Dutch rule, and the surrounding streets still hold colonial-era buildings and former administrative offices. A self-guided walk connects the museum with the old Buleleng harbour, where restaurants sit out on the pier facing the sea.
Our Review
Includes
✅ Museum entry to the lontar manuscript collection
✅ Self-guided walk through Singaraja's Dutch colonial district
✅ Access to the old Buleleng harbour and pier area
Not Suitable For
Travellers looking for a large, highly curated museum experience
What To Bring
Cash for the small entry fee
Sun protection for the walking section
Comfortable walking shoes
Know Before You Go
Open Mon-Thu 8am-4pm and Fri-Sun 9am-4pm
The museum is small and can be seen in under an hour
It holds thousands of palm-leaf manuscripts on royal chronicles, religion and literature
The old harbour and pier restaurants are an easy walk from the museum
Not Allowed
Touching the lontar manuscripts
Flash photography inside the museum
Where to Stay
Lovina: best for beaches and hotels.
Singaraja centre: best for a short stopover.
Kalibukbuk: best for restaurants and bars.
Anturan: best for a fishing village beach.
Air Sanih: best for a quiet coastal base.
Munduk: best for hills and waterfalls.
The ideal itinerary for local activities
Walk the old Buleleng harbour front
Visit the Gedong Kirtya library
See the Ling Gwan Kiong temple
Look for the colonial-era architecture
Browse the busy central city market
Drive to Gitgit or Sekumpul waterfalls
Continue west to Lovina for the beach.
Plan your Singaraja trip around Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk
Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk is one of the things to do in Singaraja, so start with hotel prices and pick a base on the north coast near Lovina. Then check activity packages, since most trips to Singaraja pair Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk with a second experience nearby. Finally, price a car: the north is spread out and three hours from the south. The three links below go straight to each.
frequently asked questions
How long does Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk take?
Plan for roughly 2-3 hours, not counting travel to and from Singaraja. It is easiest to build the rest of your day in Singaraja around that.
When is the best time for Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk?
Dry Season (April-October) is the most reliable window. Bali's dry season runs roughly May to September with the steadiest weather, while the wet season brings heavier afternoon rain and lower prices.
How much does Gedong Kirtya Manuscript Museum & Colonial Singaraja Walk cost?
Low entry fee, approx. IDR 20,000. Prices vary by operator and season, so confirm the current rate when you book.