As part of its commitment to preserving and promoting Bali’s rich cultural heritage, AYANA, the island’s largest integrated resort destination, will fully open SAKA Museum, a new cultural center, in 2024.
SAKA Museum is designed to be a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates Bali’s creative, spiritual and philosophical traditions. Its expansive indoor and outdoor spaces also make it a refined venue for a wide range of events.
© AYANA Resort Bali
Through SAKA Museum, AYANA expands its support for the Balinese community—backing artists, historians, scholars and scientists—while giving visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s living heritage. The museum’s name references the Balinese Saka calendar, an ancient Hindu solar calendar adapted for the island’s religious and ceremonial life, and reflects the institution’s mission to connect Bali’s past, present and future.
SAKA Museum offers distinct event spaces. The East Gallery on the first floor is an elegant indoor venue suitable for weddings, corporate gatherings and other special occasions for up to 300 guests. On the second floor, SAKA Garden is an outdoor space set within the resort’s lush grounds, featuring a floating stage and accommodating up to 400 guests, with sweeping sunset views over the estate.
AYANA worked with award-winning Napp Studio & Architects for the museum’s interior design. Napp Studio is noted for creating museums that spark curiosity and engagement. For its inaugural exhibition in 2023, SAKA partnered with local communities and artists to present ogoh-ogoh, the large effigies traditionally paraded on the eve of Nyepi, Bali’s New Year and day of silence.
© AYANA Resort Bali
The museum’s permanent collection, set to be unveiled in 2024, has been carefully curated by a committee of respected researchers, collectors and cultural specialists.
“With the SAKA Museum, AYANA aims to deepen its contribution to the Balinese community that has long supported the AYANA family,” said Giordano Faggioli, general manager of AYANA Resort. “Positioned at the entrance to the AYANA estate, the SAKA is visible to every guest arriving on the property, underlining the museum’s importance. As Bali grows as a premier meetings and events destination, we expect SAKA Museum to become the region’s most culturally immersive venue.”
Located about seven miles from Bali’s international airport (DPS), AYANA Resort occupies 222 acres of cliff-front coastline above Jimbaran Bay. The resort comprises four distinct properties: AYANA Resort Bali, AYANA Segara Bali, AYANA Villas Bali and RIMBA by AYANA Bali, together offering a wide range of accommodations and facilities. The estate features numerous event spaces, 14 freshwater swimming pools, a private beach, 27 dining venues, meeting and business facilities, recreational amenities and more—now including SAKA Museum.
Ahead of the museum’s formal opening in 2024 (specific dates to be announced), guests staying at AYANA’s Bali resorts can visit SAKA Museum free of charge by scheduling a visit through the AYANA app.