Museum Batur Geopark

The Most Comprehensive Geological Information and Educational Tourism Center in Kintamani, Bali

If you’re looking for a tourist destination in Bali that can enrich your knowledge of nature, then the Museum Batur Geopark is the answer. This museum is located in the Kintamani mountain region of Bangli Regency. It not only houses a collection of rocks, but also serves as a scientific information center, summarizing millions of years of Bali’s geological history under one roof.

The museum is also part of the Batur Kintamani Geopark, which has been recognized by the UNESCO Global Geopark Network since 2012. Therefore, its location is strategically located in introducing Bali’s rich geology, biodiversity, and culture to the world. It’s no wonder the Batur Geopark Museum is one of the most popular educational tourism destinations in Bali.

batur geopark museum

History of the Batur Geopark Museum

The Museum Batur Geopark was originally known as the Batur Volcano Museum. The three main pillars of this geopark are: geological diversity (geodiversity), biodiversity (biodiversity), and cultural diversity.

On April 1, 2016, the museum was inaugurated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Sudirman Said. Its construction was the result of a collaboration between the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, the Directorate General of Geology and Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Bangli Regency Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda). The museum sits on a one-hectare plot of land and is the first geopark-based museum in Indonesia.

The Batur Geopark Museum’s existence is closely tied to the designation of the Batur area as a UNESCO Global Geopark on September 20, 2012, an international recognition of the extraordinary geological, ecological, and cultural value of the Kintamani region.

Other best destinations in Kintamani:

• Trunyan Village
• Batur Natural Hot Spring
• Ulun Danu Batur Temple

Museum Batur Geopark Contents: A Complete Guide by Floor

The Batur Geopark Museum has two floors, each offering a different educational experience. Upon entering the main lobby, visitors are immediately greeted by a monumental diorama. This hexagonal diorama, measuring 2.5 x 2 meters, displays a detailed miniature of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. This replica serves as an excellent visual educational tool before visitors explore the other rooms.

Floor 1 — Geology Zone and Active Observation Post

The first floor of the Museum Batur Geopark is dominated by the Geology Zone. Visitors can learn about the formation of Mount Batur and its two caldera systems: Caldera I, which formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, and Caldera II, which is younger. This double caldera phenomenon is a rare geological feature in the world.

This zone features a geodiversity collection featuring rock samples from Mount Batur eruptions from various eras. There are also morphological maps of lava distribution and communicative information panels about the distribution of active volcanoes throughout the Indonesian archipelago. One of the most distinctive features on this floor is the active Mount Batur Volcano observation post. Visitors can directly monitor current volcanic activity from within the museum building.

Floor 2 — Biodiversity, Culture, and Auditorium Zone

The second floor of the Bali Geology Museum showcases three zones: biodiversity, cultural diversity, and the auditorium. The biodiversity zone showcases the rich flora and fauna of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago, which are closely related to volcanic activity. The cultural zone showcases the local wisdom of the Kintamani community.

The auditorium concludes the memorable trip. Visitors can watch an educational documentary about the geopark, the history of Mount Batur’s eruptions in 1917 and 1963, and their impact on the lives of local residents. The Museum Batur Geopark also provides information about Indonesia’s 33 other national geoparks, which are members of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network (GGN).

Why is the Batur Museum Worth Visiting?

There are three main reasons why this museum deserves to be a priority on your visit to Bali:

1. The first and only geopark museum in Indonesia. This museum pioneered the concept of geopark-based educational tourism, making it an important reference for researchers and educators.
2. The information presented is sourced from the Directorate of Volcanology and academic institutions. Visitors gain an accurate scientific understanding of Bali’s geological processes.
3. Relevant disaster mitigation. Understanding volcanology is crucial because Indonesia is home to over 127 active volcanoes. This museum provides educational resources on disaster mitigation, presented in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.

Location and How to Get to the Museum Batur Geopark

The Batur Geopark Museum is located on Jalan Raya Penelokan, South Batur, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency, Bali. The location is very strategic and easily accessible:

• Approximately 2 hours’ drive from Denpasar or Ngurah Rai Airport
• Approximately 1 hour from Ubud via a mountain path with stunning views
• Close to Mount Batur, Lake Batur, Ulun Danu Batur Temple, and Batur Natural Hot Spring

Entrance Fee, Operating Hours, and Facilities

Before visiting the Museum Batur Geopark, here’s some practical information you need to know:

• Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM WITA
• Entrance fee for domestic tourists: IDR 25,000 (adults), IDR 15,000 (children)
• Entrance fee for international tourists: Approximately IDR 50,000 (subject to change at management’s discretion)
• Facilities: Large parking area, restrooms, auditorium, optional tour guides, and a photo area in the courtyard with panoramic views of the caldera
• School Programs: The museum welcomes groups of students with special educational programs

Visiting Tips Museum Batur Geopark

1. Wear warm clothing when visiting Kintamani. Temperatures in Kintamani can drop to 17°C, especially in the morning and afternoon.
2. Arrive early. The caldera view from the museum grounds is clearest before 10:00 a.m. when the fog has not yet settled.
3. Take advantage of the guided tours available. Guides will help explain the collections in more depth.
4. Combine your visit with other destinations in Kintamani. This museum is a great combination with a Mount Batur Jeep Tour in the morning or a visit to Batur Natural Hot Spring in the afternoon.
5. Do not touch the rock and fossil collections, do not smoke inside the building, and dispose of trash properly.

FAQ

What’s inside the Batur Geopark Museum?

The Batur Museum has two floors showcasing the three pillars of the geopark: the geological zone (rock collection, caldera, lava morphology), the biodiversity zone, and the Kintamani local culture zone. Moreover, visitors will find a large diorama of Mount and Lake Batur, an observation post for the active volcano, and an auditorium with educational documentaries.

How much is the entrance fee to the Batur Geopark Museum?

The entrance fee for the Batur Geopark Museum for domestic tourists is IDR 25,000 (adults) and IDR 15,000 (children). For international tourists, it is around IDR 50,000. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the management.

Is the Batur Geopark Museum suitable for children?

Yes, it is. The interactive dioramas, eruption simulations, and documentaries in the auditorium are suitable for all ages. Many schools make the Batur Museum an official field trip destination due to its high educational value.

How is the Batur Geopark Museum different from the Batur Geopark area as a whole?

The Batur Geopark area (Batur Kintamani Geopark) encompasses the entire Kintamani region, including Mount Batur, Lake Batur, Ulun Danu Batur Temple, and other areas. The Batur Museum is a physical building that serves as a center for information and scientific interpretation of the entire geopark area.

How long does it take to visit the Batur Geopark Museum?

The average visit to the Batur Geopark Museum takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Visitors can walk around to explore all floors and watch a film in the full auditorium. For student groups with a guide, the time can be up to 2.5 hours.

Conclusion

The Batur Geopark Museum is Bali’s first geology museum based on the geopark concept. Here, visitors can gain knowledge about earth science, local cultural wisdom, and disaster mitigation awareness.

This destination is perfect for tourists with families, students on field trips, or geology enthusiasts. The Batur Museum is ready to provide an immersive and unforgettable educational experience. Make your Bali educational trip more meaningful by visiting one of Indonesia’s best UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Plan your visit to Kintamani Geopark now, and make the Museum Batur Geopark your starting point for understanding the true wonders of Bali’s earth.