Mekar Bhuana Gamelan and Dance Centre

I had the absolute pleasure being able to learn Gamelan music from this family runned school. I sat in with Purna, Vaughan and Semara for a 4 hour intensive gamelan private class. Evie who taught the dance side also provided great hospitality during the session. The team is highly knowledgeable and passionate about the music. They enjoyed sharing what they knew which made me fall in love with Gamelan and the culture. This is for people who really want to learn and understand Balinese Gamelan as well as the its history and culture. Vaughan started the class by introducing and demonstrating various types of Balinese instruments with its history and also refurbished forgotten ones. Afterwards I was able to go deep on playing and exploring each instrument with Purna. He is an excellent and patience teacher. The family also invited me to attend a Barong ceremony during Galungan the next day where I could see the music and dance in action. This has been a valuable experience for me. I highly recommend this centre for learning Gamelan. Beautiful family that is knowledgeable, passionate and loves teaching to people who want to explore the world of Gamelan, Balinese history and culture. I hope to come back and learn more with them!

I attended a 4-hour workshop and 4 hours of lessons at the Mekar Bhuana. Vaughan gave a professional theory lecture introducing the history and instrumentation of different types of gamelan, while Purnama provided practical lessons on various instruments—he was a very patient and professional teacher. I also received comprehensive learning materials. Evie was warm, welcoming, and extremely helpful. She even took me to a local warung for lunch and to nearby souvenir shops. As a musician and music teacher trained in the Western system, I find gamelan a bit complex, but they know how to teach in a clear and simple way that makes it easy to understand. In the end, I bought three sulings at a reasonable price. I had a wonderful time and a great experience at Mekar Bhuana. I can’t wait to return for more lessons!

We had a wonderful school visit to Mekar Bhuana ! The session was engaging and perfectly suited for our young learners. The dance was taught through fun storytelling, which made it easy for the children to follow and enjoy. The craft activity was simple, hands-on, and age-appropriate, allowing all children to participate confidently. We also really appreciated the snacks and drinks provided, a lovely and thoughtful touch. Thank you to the amazing team for such a fun, well-organised, and memorable experience. Highly recommended for early childhood groups!

I had the most incredible experience at Mekar Bhuana! From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with such warmth and kindness that I immediately felt at home. The centre is a true cultural treasure, beautifully preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Balinese gamelan and dance while making them accessible to visitors of all levels. The instructors are not only masters of their craft but also incredibly patient and passionate teachers. They take the time to explain the history and meaning behind the music and movements, so every lesson feels like a deep cultural journey, not just a class. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have experience, they meet you exactly where you are and guide you with encouragement and joy. What impressed me most was the authenticity. This isn’t a tourist show, but a living, breathing centre of Balinese culture. You can really feel their dedication to keeping these traditions alive for future generations. I left with a new appreciation for the artistry and soul behind gamelan and dance, and it was one of the most memorable highlights of my time in Bali. If you’re visiting Bali and want an authentic, inspiring, and unforgettable cultural experience, I can’t recommend them enough. Their centre is an absolute gem!

My college days included playing gamelan, so the idea of trying it again during my Bali vacation sounded like a fantastic plan. I'm so glad I did—my workshop with Vaughan and his team was a truly wonderful experience. Vaughan began by providing a fascinating exploration of the history and the vast array of instruments used in Balinese music, covering different eras and villages throughout the island. After that introduction, I enjoyed 1.5 hours of hands-on practice with a variety of instruments. Purnama, a masterful musician and an exceptionally patient teacher, guided me through this practical session. He patiently helped me relearn my gamelan skills and considering I hadn't played any Balinese music in over 20 years, there was a lot of relearning to be done on my end. By the end, we were totally jamming out together. If you have any interest in a hands-on encounter with Balinese instruments, I highly recommend this workshop. Vaughan and Purnama create a highly accessible and incredibly enjoyable learning environment, perfect for everyone from seasoned musicians to absolute beginners.

Mekar Bhuana is a family music center and offered me such a warm welcome. We scheduled workshops and a suling lesson during my first visit to Bali. It was the perfect way to meet and talk with musicians, to try gamelan instruments, and learn about the music and dance at Bali Arts Festival. I'm looking forward to a return visit and a longer stay!

A great place to learn traditional Balinese Gamelan and Dance. The instructors are some of the best on the island! Super knowledgeable, supportive and inspiring. Also a great place to meet other visiting gamelan aficionados. I try and visit every time I'm in Bali. Highly recommended :-)

We had the honour to be included in one of the rare dance and music performances that the Mekar Bhuana Gamelan and Dance Centre offers. We were not only blown away by this magical sound and harmony, but we also learned a lot about the Balinese culture. This experience coincided with my birthday day and it could not be more unique. Thank you a lot, I will always remember this day. Please contact us if you ever visit Athens!