Tanah Lot Temple is not only one of Bali’s most spiritually significant and recognisable landmarks, but is also one of the most popular cultural attractions on the island.
As a top destination, managers have been working to enhance the visitor experience and showcase even more of the island’s unique cultural heritage.
The Tanah Lot Temple Complex is now home to the Majapahit Bali Museum. The museum was formally opened by the Regent of Tabanan Komang Gede Sanjaya over the weekend and is home to ancient artifacts, artwork, and dioramas to help tourists learn about the island’s history and culture in an engaging and memorable way.
Majapahit Bali Museum is named after the Majapahit, a Javanese Empire that ruled over vast swathes of modern-day Indonesia between 1292 and 1500. Historical records indicate that Majapahit was one of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires of its time and is regarded as one of the greatest and most powerful empires in the history of Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asian region.
The new Majapahit Museum at Tanah Lot Temple features dozens of different exhibition zones, including an area that tells the story of the Majapahit Kingdom’s history from its rise to its fall. Being a museum of empire, trade is a strong focus, and the Trade Zone is not to be overlooked.
This area of the museum tells the story of how the Majapahit trading system flourished during the peak of the Majapahit Kingdom. Religion and faith played a core role in the rise of the Mahapahit, and this is explained in fascinating detail in the Religious Zone. Each of these zones has immersive scenes for tourists to explore.
Speaking to reporters, Reno Halsamer, the founder of the Tanah Lot Majapahit Museum in Bali, explained how the museum is his sixth project of this kind and the largest project in his career to date.
Halsamer explained to reporters how the Majapahit Empire was the foundation for the birth of the Republic of Indonesia. Halsamer highlighted how President Sukarno used the Negarakertagama as a reference for Indonesia’s territorial boundaries when questioned by the UN during the proclamation of independence.
He explained, “The archipelago that Mpu Prapanca wrote about while accompanying King Hayam Wuruk was the territory of Majapahit. Therefore, there must be dioramas and information that explain it fully.”
Adding “Majapahit did indeed exist in Trowulan, and I am not changing history. But we must recognize that the Balinese people have a strong history with Majapahit. Bali and Majapahit cannot be separated.”
Halasmer highlighted how, since Bali is the modern-day gateway to the archipelago, it makes sense that the island should be the home of such a museum.
He noted, “People come to Bali not only for the culinary and nightlife. They should know the history of Bali.” It is not only modern history that is showcased at the Majapahit Bali Museum, but prehistoric eras too.
One of the early exhibits in the museum invites visitors to watch a film about the formation of Bali Island around 2.5 million years ago due to geothermal and volcanic activity.
The Main Director of the Majapahit Tanah Lot Museum in Bali, Gusti Made Suryanta Putra, praised Halasmer for his commitment to bringing the project to life. Over the last 8 years, the museum has been in development and is finally open to the public.
Putra told reporters, “He’s been working on this for the past eight years. The museum permitting process isn’t easy, but once the permits are complete, we can begin construction,” Adding “[Now] Tourists won’t just come to see the sunset. This museum will offer a different and educational experience.”
Putra concluded, “We created this museum not just for business purposes. We want to educate young people to love their culture even more.” Entry for international tourists is IDR 20,000, and tickets can be purchased on arrival and are charged additionally to entry to Tanah Lot Temple. The Tanah Lot Majapahit Museum will be open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.
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