One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Ubud region of Bali, the village of Mas is famed for its talented craftsmen. In fact, some of the best carvers in the whole of Bali are said to live and work in this village, no mean boast as the island is famed throughout the world for its excellent wood and stone carvings.
Walking along the village’s main street is a real treat for art lovers as it is lined with a number of woodcarvers’, artists’ and sculptors’ shops and showrooms. Visitors will be able to watch the skilled craftsmen at work before heading to one of the nearby shops to pick out gifts and souvenirs to take home.
A number of furniture makers can be found at the far end of the village and these craftsmen make rattan items such as tables, chairs and even beds to order. These are available for just a fraction of the cost of their counterparts in the Western world and, even after taking shipping costs into account, visitors are sure to walk away with a real bargain.
Those who like the idea of trying their hand at these traditional crafts can enroll on a course which caters for those who are new to these arts as well as those who already have a little experience under their belts.
The village of Mas can be found just four kilometers to the south of the city of Ubud, and those who enjoy hiking through the countryside will be able to walk there in less than an hour. However, buses also travel between Ubud and Mas at regular intervals, and this is also a popular destination with locally run travel companies.
Need to Know
- What is it? a traditional crafts village on the outskirts of Denpasar
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day, daily
- Entrance fees: no entry charge
- Where: the district of Ubud in central Bali
- How to get there: take a bus or taxi from the city of Denpasar (10 minutes)