ART CENTER

Also called Taman Werdi Budaya, the Art Center is on Jalan Nusa Indah in Abiankapas, a suburb of Denpasar in the direction of Sanur, only a 15-minute walk east of Kreneng station.

Set in a restful garden with lotus ponds amid richly carved baroque Balinese buildings, the Taman Werdi Budaya houses exhibits of modern painting, masks, and woodcarving. Both Balinese and Indonesian artists are featured. You'll find a car park, museum, and small, fixed-price handicraft shops.

Visitors can view dance and music rehearsals in two open-air amphitheaters with modern lighting. Dances are also regularly staged for the public, including works incorporating modern Balinese choreography. In the Kecak performance, staged each night 1830-1930, traditional flickering oil lamps are still used. Eerie and powerful.

The Art Center also hosts a summer art festival each year from mid-June to mid-July, with competitions for costumes, dance, drama, 'sendratari' performances, music, woodcarving, metalworking, and food. Every year is different, with each of Bali's regencies sending its best teams.

Also see art events, crafts exhibits, and an extravagant production of the Ramayana Ballet. If it's the high season, be sure to book your hotel in advance. These entertaining and exciting cultural shows draw tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.

The Balinese Art Development Center Program, Jalan Bayusuta (in the Art Center), is open 0800-1700 daily except Monday. This tertiary-level institute offers work on the undergraduate through master's degree levels. Besides staging dances, plays, and pop concerts, it houses permanent exhibits offering handicrafts, paintings, carvings, and silver. Student discounts available.