Balinese Shadow Puppetry Making Experience

Ubud , Indonesia

Balinese Shadow Puppetry Making Experience

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About this experience

Explore the art of Balinese shadow puppetry in a hands-on workshop. This unique opportunity lets you carve, color, and animate your own puppet, guided by a skilled Balinese puppet master who shares insights into the rich Wayang Kulit tradition. Sessions range from a two-hour puppet carving class to a full four-hour experience, allowing you to create and paint your own puppet from scratch. Ideal for families, art lovers, or anyone curious about this captivating cultural art form, each class includes all materials and a bonus demonstration of puppet manipulation. To complete the experience, enjoy a tasting menu featuring traditional IndoVedic dishes and drinks prepared by Dapur USADA.

Available options

Puppet Carving Experience

Duration: 2 hours: Carve your own Balinese puppet from wood using traditional tools with guidance from a local artist.

Puppet Coloring Experience

Duration: 2 hours: Paint and decorate a pre-carved puppet using traditional patterns and colors in a guided art session.

Puppet Performance Technique

Duration: 1 hour: Learn to animate Balinese puppets through movement, voice, and storytelling like a local puppet master.

Full Puppet Carving&Coloring

Duration: 4 hours: Create your puppet from start to finish carve, paint, and take home a handmade Balinese masterpiece.

What's included

Puppet to take home (carved, colored, or both, depending on package)

Use of workshop space and equipment

Bonus 5-minute puppet manipulation demo for all participants

Mineral water during the session

All required materials (wood, paints, carving tools, etc.)

Set of lunch including : Refreshing Lemonana (yellow lemonade with cardamom), Masala Dosa (spiced potato crepe with chutneys and sambar), Bounty Ball (chocolate-coated coconut dessert)

Professional Balinese artist/instructor

What's not included

Transportation to Usada Bali (self-arranged)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Enter Dapur Usada at Jl. Sugriwa No.4, when you enter look for our Front Office Staff wearing a maroon shirt.

About Ubud

Ubud is a picturesque town nestled in the lush highlands of Bali, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, traditional dance, and serene landscapes. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, it offers a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and Balinese heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A sacred nature reserve and temple complex that is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. The forest is a spiritual and cultural hub, offering a unique blend of nature and spirituality.

Nature 1-2 hours 80,000 IDR

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Iconic terraced rice fields offering stunning views and a glimpse into traditional Balinese farming. The terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for photography.

Nature 1-2 hours 50,000 IDR (entry fee for some areas)

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)

The royal palace of Ubud, showcasing traditional Balinese architecture and hosting daily dance performances. The palace is a cultural landmark and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 1 hour 50,000 IDR

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

An archaeological site featuring an ancient cave, baths, and temple ruins. The site is believed to date back to the 9th century and is a significant cultural and historical landmark.

Historical 1-2 hours 50,000 IDR

Campuhan Ridge Walk

A scenic walking trail offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is a popular spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of Ubud.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Babi Guling

Suckling pig roasted with traditional Balinese spices, a must-try for meat lovers.

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Nasi Campur

A mixed rice dish with a variety of side dishes, offering a taste of Balinese flavors.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Bebek Betutu

Duck cooked with traditional Balinese spices and wrapped in banana leaves, a slow-cooked delicacy.

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Mie Goreng

Fried noodles with vegetables, meat, and eggs, a popular Indonesian dish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking Zip-lining White-water rafting Mountain biking Yoga Meditation Spa treatments Beach relaxation

Best Time to Visit

April to September (Dry Season)

The dry season is the best time to visit Ubud, with clear skies and pleasant weather ideal for exploring the outdoors and attending cultural events. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.

24°C to 30°C 75°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Indonesian
Widely spoken: Balinese, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ubud is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and a welcoming local community. However, it's important to be aware of common scams, traffic safety, and cultural norms to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of fake tour operators and always book through reputable companies
• Use metered taxis or agree on a fare before starting your journey
• Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) • 1.5 hours by car (30 km)

By bus

Ubud Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local bemos (small minivans) are a cheap and common way to get around, but they can be crowded and may not follow a strict schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Ubud North Ubud East Ubud West Ubud

Day trips

Tirta Empul Temple

20 km (1.5 hours by car) • Half day

A sacred water temple known for its holy purification rituals. Visitors can participate in a traditional cleansing ceremony, where they are sprinkled with holy water from the temple's springs.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

5 km (15 minutes by car) • Half day

Iconic terraced rice fields offering stunning views and a glimpse into traditional Balinese farming. The terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for photography.

Mount Batur

60 km (1.5 hours by car) • Full day

An active volcano offering stunning sunrise views and hiking opportunities. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Festivals

Nyepi (Bali's New Year) • March (date varies based on the Balinese lunar calendar) Galungan • Every 210 days (date varies based on the Balinese lunar calendar) Kuningan • 10 days after Galungan (date varies based on the Balinese lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and history
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the monkeys at their most active
Try a traditional Balinese cooking class to learn about the local cuisine and spices
Explore the rice terraces on foot or by bicycle for a unique perspective and a more immersive experience
Attend a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace for a cultural experience