Saka Museum, the cultural anchor of the AYANA Bali resort in Jimbaran, has unveiled its first temporary exhibition, Kamasan: The Noble Tradition of Balinese Painting. Running from 28 August 2026 to 30 May 2027, the show traces the evolution of the Kamasan style from its 16th-century origins in the royal courts of Klungkung to its reinterpretation by contemporary artists.
Kamasan painting, named after the village in Bali's Klungkung Regency, is deeply tied to Balinese-Hindu cosmology, drawing on epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The exhibition, curated by Farah Wardani and Made Chandra, presents more than 30 works, ranging from classical ritual cloths to modern canvases by artists like Eka Sutha and Eka Mardys, who rework traditional motifs for today's audiences.
A showcase of tradition and innovation
A dedicated section highlights Mangku Muriati, a pioneering female artist and temple priest whose works have earned international acclaim. The curators deliberately place classical and contemporary pieces on equal footing, underscoring the tradition's living nature and its relevance in modern Balinese culture.
Throughout the nine-month run, Saka Museum will host public programmes, including artist talks and hands-on workshops, designed to deepen visitor engagement with Kamasan's heritage. The museum, located within the AYANA Bali estate, is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
For travel professionals, the exhibition adds a compelling cultural dimension to the Jimbaran resort experience, complementing AYANA's existing wellness and dining offerings. It also aligns with broader trends in experiential travel, where guests increasingly seek authentic local encounters.
Similar cultural programming is emerging across the region. In Macao, Wynn Signature's 2026 hypercar exhibition is drawing visitors with a different kind of spectacle, while in Mumbai, Four Seasons' Opus restaurant has introduced a pasta menu that celebrates Italian heritage. These initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on distinctive, place-based experiences in luxury hospitality.
For agents and tour operators, the Kamasan exhibition offers a ready-made itinerary hook for Bali-bound clients, particularly those interested in art, culture, and heritage. The museum's location within AYANA Bali also makes it an easy add-on for resort guests.
As Bali continues to position itself as a cultural destination, Saka Museum's programming could serve as a model for other resorts looking to integrate meaningful cultural content into their guest experience. The exhibition's extended run provides ample opportunity for travel trade partners to incorporate it into packages and promotions.
