Klungkung, Ancient Kingdoms

Learn the Art of Playing Gamelan and Dancing at Kamasan Art Centre

By making the first move to preserve the art, especially the art of playing gamelan and dancing, Ida Bagus Purnama Wijaya founded Kamasan Art Centre (KAC). It operates under management of Gunung Mertha Foundation and inaugurated on 28 May 2001 by US ambassador to Indonesia, Robert Beibard.
The setting up of KAC’s building that is specially designed in Balinese architectural style has peculiarly rural atmosphere and equipped with four bungalows in which a bungalow can accommodate three guests. The establishment of KAC is intensely supported the community and apparatus of Kamasan Village, in accordance with village program to encourage and develop tourism sector there.
KAC offers assorted activities, amongst them is watching the performance of Balinese gamelan art and dance. Apart from that, you can also watch the process of making classical wayang painting of Kamasan style, silver and brass handicrafts, learning to dance or just having promenade around Kamasan Village (luxuriating in rural environment). KAC is situated not far from the city of Semarapura and within easy reach by public transportation. It’s only 3 km from the Semarapura or 48 km from Denpasar.
KAC also teaches the youngsters to love Balinese art and culture. This can be seen from the presentation of students of this cultural centre on every religious ceremony that held by local village. They are usually involved in dance performance on the occasion of festival at several temples at Kamasan Village.
This prowess at dancing is not only performed at temples but also at hotels. However, the tragedy of Bali Bomb on the 12 October 2002, they rarely make a presentation at hotel. Later, the condition progressively ameliorates. Last time, prior to Bali Bomb II (1 October 2005), some 20 guests from Australia had an opportunity to observe the presentation of Barong Dance and Semara Pegulingan gamelan orchestra at KAC.
According to Ida Bagus Jaya, KAC opens a course of playing gamelan for three times a month depending on the availability of instructor from Denpasar. The course starts at 17:00 to 19:00 Local Time. Are you interested in joining the course? Simply come to Kamasan Art Centre. (BTN/033)