Bali’s twin heritage hotels continue their commitment of keeping Indonesia’s culture alive through Heroes, Gods and Guardians, an exhibition of ancient arts and literature in collaboration with Samsara Living Museum, Dwiva Art, Museum Nasional Indonesia, and Indonesia Heritage Legacy.
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is bound to have a vast diversity of regional cultures and traditions. Much of the nation’s history and folklore have been preserved through ancient arts and literature. At The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The National Heritage Collection, those centuries-old tales are kept alive through the exhibition Heroes, Gods and Guardians at Sukarno Lounge.
The temporary display journeys through the rich heritage of Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok with a core focus on mask dance by Balinese Maestro Professor I Made Bandem and the ancient Balinese lontar manuscripts. The latter was brought to life at the launch on 11 September 2026 by Ida Bagus Made Gunawan of Samsara Living Museum, alongside a performance of the traditional Balinese instrument gender.
The kick-off also featured two discussions on cultural preservation through a collaboration between education and tourism. Samsara Living Museum’s co-founder Bagus Agung Gunarthawa and Iskandar Eko Priyotomo, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Bali Cultural Heritage Preservation Office, talked about the connection between Indonesia’s heritage, the significance of lontar as a source of cultural knowledge, and the importance of preserving this cultural identity as it finds its place amongst modern tourism. Art historian and author Bruce W. Carpenter followed, sharing his perspective on the nation’s arts and culture.
Running until February 2027, visitors can still take a closer look at this exhibition at the Sukarno Lounge, which serves as a platform for cultural literacy, dialogue, and appreciation. Guests can read about Balinese masks and the stories behind them through Bruce’s books, available in the Presidential Suites at The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The National Heritage Collection. And, for those who want to venture even further, hotel and resort guests can arrange an excursion to Samsara Living Museum in Karangasem for a more in-depth exploration.
The Meru Sanur & Bali Beach Hotel, The National Heritage Collection
Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur
Bali 80227, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3612012000
E: stay.themeru@meruhotels.com
W: themerusanur.com | balibeachsanur.com
IG: @themerusanur | @balibeachsanur
