Bali was historically one of the most prominent artistic centres in Indonesia. Since the 11th century, craftsmen and artists have been drawn here.
So, while in Bali, why not pursue your childhood passion and try drawing or wood carving? If you’re travelling with kids, what can sound more fun than spending quality time together creating a unique artwork or a piece of garment you can wear and remember your trip?
These are the best art classes to get creative in Bali, even if you think you have no skills. And the list goes well beyond silver workshops and painting sessions!
Best Art Workshops in Bali To Create Personal And Meaningful Art
Batik Painting Class
The most popular traditional art form from Bali and Indonesia is batik – artisans use dyes and hot wax to create intricate designs and patterns. Professional artists don’t even make a pencil sketch!
You will learn how every region in Indonesia has a different pattern, what the cultural significance of each colour and element and how long it actually takes to handmake this amazing clothing and textile.
There are many studios that offer Batik workshops in Bali.
If you’re in Ubud, we highly recommend a half-day class at Threads of Life (and make sure to visit the gallery), the Nirvana Batik Course, and the Five Arts Studio in Keliki village.
Balinese Traditional Keliki Painting
Five Art Studio is a Balinese home studio in Keliki village where you can explore the unique art traditions of the island.
First of all, the Keliki miniature painting. These small artworks are inspired by Bali’s natural beauty, culture, religion, and history and are famous for amazing colourful details. You can do it at your own pace; the whole process is very therapeutic and teaches focus and patience.
Plus, you can take home your hand-painted postcard from Bali (or DIY a t-shirt!).
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Keliki, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Online: Five Art Studio
Candle Making
There are dozens of amazing creative centres in Bali that offer candle-making workshops. We had the best time crafting 3 different candles with beeswax, soy and coconut wax with INNI Bali.
Even though it is a group class, everyone goes home with a unique set of candles – you can pick the fragrances and learn how to combine them, decorate your candles with stones, dried flowers, shells, and other little things – the whole experience will be exciting for your inner artist!
Perfume Workshops
Discover the world of smells and essential oils with skilled instructors of L’Atelier Parfums & Créations and Seven Senses Lab.
You can make your own bottle of perfume at L’Atelier, or a scented body oil, candles, or a diffuser for your house at Seven Senses with a nice fragrance and dried flowers.
Silver Jewellery Classes
You can learn a new skill, making personal accessories and gifts in Bali, as some of the island’s regions are historically known to have the best silversmiths!
Ubud and Sidemen are the two best areas to get your hands on silver and make a ring, a pendant, or a bracelet. But, probably the best spot to make a keepsake is the Celuk Village.
There are many local crafters there – you can see signs on the streets, but also, one of the oldest silver manufacturers – SUNSRI Bali Jewellery, which also hosts half-day to 2-day classes.
While silver is the most popular precious metal to work with, you can also find gold and brass workshops.
In Canggu, Big Tree Jewelry offers great jewellery-making workshops for tourists, couples, and families.
Canang Balinese Offerings Making Class
Visit Samsara Living Museum in East Bali to learn about the amazing Balinese culture and Hindu religion through these simple yet meaningful daily activities local people do – making daily offerings to spirits.
The Balinese priest will tell you about every component that goes into the offering, their symbolism, and teach you how to prepare and do the ritual yourself. A truly spiritual moment!
Besides making offerings, this centre also introduces foreigners to other aspects of true Balinese culture: traditional dances, cooking, wellness, and more.
Where Is It: Jl. Telaga Tista, Jungutan, Kec. Bebandem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80861
Wood Carving
Wood carving is one of the most ancient and omnipresent art traditions in Bali – from kitchenware to architecture and art, the local artisans still use the same handheld tools and carving techniques!
And if you’re around Ubud, you can learn some basic chiselling moves yourself.
The best places to do a class are Mas Village (Bintang Wood Carving Class is a 5-star wood working class), Keliki Village, and Agung Rai Museum of Art and Gallery, right in Ubud, not far from the Monkey Forest.
Gamelan Music @ Agung Rai Museum of Art
Gamelan percussion music accompanies every ritual and ceremony in Bali. It is the soundtrack of the island, if you will.
All the instruments are unique, cherished, and only trained musicians play them during ceremonies. But at Agung Rai Museum of Art, you can try making bamboo music instruments sound as good as Balinese men do.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: ARMA Bali
Leather Craft Workshop @ Kalua Bali
One of the best leather classes for beginners in Bali is Kalua – a team of skilled artisans with 10+ years of experience.
You can pick what you want to make from a notebook to a belt or even sandals, and learn how to work with leather from start to finish, literally – from cutting and colouring to stitching and polishing.
Where Is It? Gg. Yogya, Kerobokan Kaja, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Soap Making
At The Soap Class Bali in Seminyak, you can not only make your own natural soap bars, but also learn how to make other care products crafted exactly for your skin.
We’ve done this class and we’ve learned so much about all the different chemicals, natural products and marketing tricks the industry has!
The private class takes a few hours and accommodates small groups, and can be a perfect date or family activity. You will make a huge soap bar that will last you a few months or make an amazing gift.
Where Is It? Seminyak Square, Jl. Kayu Aya No.100, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Ceramics & Pottery
Kevala Studio is the ceramic school for all levels of the island’s most famous handmade kitchenware brand, Kevala.
There are 7 different ceramic workshops to choose from, from wheel-throwing to ceramics painting and classes for children, all taught by instructors with Art Degrees.
During one class, we were able to make a few things like plates and mugs, then the team handled the drying and firing, and we could pick up the finished pieces in a few weeks.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Poso No.20, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80220
Online: Kevala Studio
Wayang Shadow Puppet-Making Class
Oka Kartini Art Centre is a family-run centre in Ubud where you can learn how to make traditional Wayang shadow puppets from a real professional dalang (puppeteer) who will tell you many stories and facts about puppet theatre in Bali.
This is truly a very unique class you can take while connecting to the Balinese community and culture. It is also probably one of the longest workshops (around 8 hours) as you will need to learn how to design, sketch, carve, and colour your character.
Where Is It? Gg. Beji No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Instagram
Art Centres & Studios Offering Regular Classes
Creative Art Bar
This team runs trendy paint and sip events; all you need to do to join is simply sign up and pay 350,000 IDR (35 AUD)! All skill levels are welcome, you will be provided with all art materials and inspiration.
Super fun activity to do with friends, and you actually will take home a nice painting, even if it is your first time. They select painting ideas that are easy but look cool!
Plus, while you’re creating your masterpieces, the team will organise entertainment for you; it’s different depending on the day of the week, from a drag queen show to magician’s tricks!
Online: Creative Art Bar
Rumah Rabbit Bali
An amazing project started by Bianca Timmerman in 2017, Rumah Rabbit Bali now has many art classes for kids, teens, and open-studio format classes for adults to help them release their creative potential.
All classes come with quality art materials included, and you can explore different mediums like acrylic paint, oil pastels, make rugs, flower bouquets, or even learn cyanotype print making.
Where Is It? Jl. Bumi Damai Indah, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Denpasar, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Devfto Printmaking Institute
If you’re interested specifically in printmaking and looking to connect with crafters and hobbyists on the same path as you, Devfto is an amazing starting point.
They run about 5 specialised workshops each month focusing on linocut, different printing techniques, and lithography.
Where Is It? Inside Sika Gallery, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Devfto
Bali Centre for Artistic Creativity
This centre offers a range of classes that you can book as a course or a single class, teaching different aspects of art from Creativity for Families to Colour Theory lessons.
And if a person is interested in pursuing an art career, they help to prepare for studies and find a good international school for future students.
Where Is It?
Online: Bali Art Classes
Final Thoughts on Art Workshops Bali
Whether you are finding joy in creating something with your hands or just need a break from partying and hopping around the islands, joining an art-making class in Bali is a must. So many unique art styles and techniques were born here and are passed down through generations!
With clear instructions from Balinese artists and artisans, you will be able to create amazing pieces to take home as a souvenir or a gift for friends and family.
