Singaraja - Gedong Kirtya Library

A visit to the Gedong Kirtya Library in Jalan Veteran can be recommended to those are interested in Balinese history and have some knowledge of Dutch.

The library contains some 3000 old manuscripts written on leaves of the lontar palm and numerous diaries, newspapers and periodicals dating from the period of Dutch occupation. These modern publications are in poor condition and already show signs of disintegration. Only the palm-leaf manuscripts are kept in lead boxes; the other material - arranged in a rather haphazard way - is on open shelves.

But if you have time at your disposal or are prepared to spend a rainy day on an excursion into the history of Bali you may well make some interesting discoveries in the Gedong Kirtya