Mandala Mathika Subak

West Bali


You'll find this museum within a large complex devoted to Tabanan's subak organisations. It has displays about the irrigation and cultivation of rice, and the intricate social systems that govern these. Staff will show you around; there is info on subak's Unesco designation, an increasing number of placards in English and a good model showing the subak system in action. A new free booklet in English has a wealth of good content.

Exhibits are housed in a large building with water streaming by right out front.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby West Bali attractions

1. Pura Taman Ayun

2.65 MILES

Don't miss one of the top temples on Bali, a serene place of enveloping calm. The huge royal water temple of Pura Taman Ayun, surrounded by a wide,…

2. Museum Manusa Yadnya

2.66 MILES

Established in 1974, this off-the-beaten path museum documents the numerous Hindu rituals involved during a Balinese person’s life, starting from six…

3. Puri Anyar Kerambitan

3.51 MILES

This modest old palace is currently undergoing renovation, but it's still possible to visit. There are cultural events and performances, and members of…

4. Joshua District

4.54 MILES

Set amid rice fields near the iconic temple of Tanah Lot, Joshua District is a creative complex – coffee shop, gallery, fashion concept store and a number…

5. Green School

5.4 MILES

Just south of Mambal, this school has enjoyed a lot of hype as much for its unorthodox curriculum as its flamboyant and innovative bamboo architecture by…

6. Pura Tanah Lot

6.28 MILES

Pura Tanah Lot is a hugely popular tourist destination. It does have cultural significance to the Balinese, but this can be hard to discern amid the…

7. Margarana

6.3 MILES

Bali's role in Indonesia's independence struggle is commemorated at the Margarana, northwest of Marga village. Tourists seldom visit, but every Balinese…

8. Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus

7.11 MILES

Amid a growing number of villas, there is a dramatic outcrop of black lava rock jutting out into the pounding waves. Perched on top is the photogenic Pura…