Get Creative in Ubud! 3 Places to Visit to make Art and Crafts
Ubud has been the centre of attention in the recent decade for being a place of creativity, positive relaxation and healing. In actual fact, the name of this little town, Ubud, is derived from ubad, the Balinese word for medicine.
Anyone who has spent at least a day in Ubud can feel the creative energy and wholesome vibes that can only come from a place where locals and visitors talk about art and creation.
In previous posts, we’ve encouraged readers to see and hear about local artistry, like the annual kite festivals or the visit to one of Bali’s art markets. But now it’s your chance to get involved and create art!
1. Craft natural beauty products at Çantika Zest
Çantika Zest is a production house for a variety of beauty products processed from organic herbs, using traditional methods that don’t involve any chemical treatments. The founder of Çantika Zest, Ketut Jasi, is more than happy to teach anyone to make their own products with herbs from the garden – she’ll also help you find natural substitutes using plants native to your country.
In Çantika Zest, you get to learn to make shampoo, soaps, conditioners, beauty masks, massage oil, face and body creams, bath salts, lip balm, and many more refreshing and rejuvenating products.
Address: Jl. Penestanan Kelod, Singakerta, Ubud
Opening times: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00
2. Paint traditional Balinese Batik at I Nyoman Warta Batik Class
When the name of a famous Balinese artist is part of the brand, then you know that booking a class will be worth it.
Nyoman’s very own home is his studio, and together with many painters, sculptors and potters, he has turned the quaint street that branches from Ubud Road into one bursting with colour.
Although a visionary artist himself who started the modern Seni Rupa Baru art movement, he is willing to give his time to patiently teach visitors about the creative process of batik painting. Like any good mentor, he gives his students personal advice on how to properly craft traditional batik motifs, but he never forbids anyone to come up with their own imaginative style.
Address: No 12. Jl. Gotama, Ubud
Opening times: Daily, 9:00 – 18:00
3. Exercise Balinese Dance at The Yoga Barn
As part of The Yoga Barn’s community programmes, Balinese Dance instructor Putu Evie opens a brief but exciting class every Monday. As she believes in learning on the job, she immediately challenges her guests to embrace the energetic but controlled movements of traditional Balinese Dance.
You will learn not only basic bodily movements but also how to use your face and your eyes to express certain emotions that accompany the gamelan music. In just one hour, all that stressful energy and tension can be released as you connect more deeply with the inherited Pre-Legong Era dance.
Many have reported the short one-hour session to be satisfyingly exhausting, and to sleep better afterwards – and to meet the next morning with a burst of creativity which had been locked away before.
Address: Jl. Hanoman, Pengosekan, Ubud
Schedule: Mondays, 17:30 – 18:30 (book in advance)
Ubud is indeed a wonderful place to exercise your creative discipline and personal expression. Many artists lived here, and many more musicians have travelled there at least once to refresh their minds.
Looking for accommodation in Gianyar? You can book a two days stay for a good deal in the one and only Mara River Safari Lodge. The African-style lodge features large grass fields where animals from Bali Safari Park graze and relaxing swimming pools that can help you refocus for the days ahead.