Living Wood-Carving Tradition
Learn about Mas’s long association with Balinese carving and how skills are practiced and passed on within artisan families and workshops.
LocationMas Village, south of Ubud
Known ForBalinese wood carving & artisan workshops
Workshop HoursVary by gallery and artisan
Village EntryNo village admission ticket
About Mas Village Wood Carving Center
Mas Village, or Desa Mas, is a community in the Ubud area of Gianyar known for its wood-carving tradition. Bali’s provincial tourism office describes Mas as a village recognized since the 1930s as a center for wood carvers. Along Jalan Raya Mas, visitors can find galleries, workshops, and family-run studios that share different approaches to carving.
Mas Village is an area rather than one single ticketed attraction called a carving center. The workshops and galleries are independently run, so what visitors can see, opening hours, photography rules, and opportunities to meet an artisan vary from place to place. Some studios welcome casual visitors, while demonstrations or lessons may need advance arrangements.
A visit offers a chance to look closely at the work: the wood, the marks left by carving tools, the forms taking shape, and the different finishes used on completed pieces. Ask the artist or gallery staff about the story, materials, and process behind a sculpture rather than assuming that every object follows the same tradition or is made on site.
What to See
Workshops and Galleries
Browse independent studios and showrooms along the village’s main road. Each has its own collection, visiting hours, and visitor policy.
Sculpture and Detail
See a range of carved forms, from expressive figures and masks to decorative pieces. Materials, technique, and finish differ between artists.
Meet Local Makers
Where a workshop welcomes visitors, ask questions about the carving process and the maker’s work. Arrange a class or demonstration in advance if you want a hands-on experience.
Visitor Information
Location
Mas Village is on Jalan Raya Mas, south of central Ubud, in Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar. Because workshops are spread through the village, choose a specific gallery or studio as your map destination.
Opening hours
There is no single schedule for the whole village. Individual galleries and workshops set their own hours, and artisans may be away or working by appointment. Contact a specific place ahead of time if you hope to see carving in progress.
Admission and activities
There is no general admission ticket to enter Mas Village. A museum, private gallery, carving class, or arranged workshop may charge its own fee. Ask the provider what is included and confirm the price before booking.
Workshop etiquette
Ask before entering a work area, touching a piece, or taking photographs. A home compound may also be a private residence; follow the host’s directions and respect any areas marked private.
Buying a carving
Ask about the type of wood, whether the piece was carved by the seller or another maker, its finish, and how it should be cared for. Compare work across galleries and discuss packing or shipping for large pieces before purchasing.
Getting there
Mas Village is south of central Ubud and is reached by road. Traffic can affect the journey. For easier navigation, enter the name of the specific studio or gallery you plan to visit rather than only “Mas Village.”
Places Nearby
Sukawati Art Market
Browse a broad selection of Balinese crafts, textiles, and souvenirs in the nearby Sukawati area.
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets
Explore a collection of masks and wayang puppets from Indonesia and other countries in the wider Mas and Kemenuh area. Check current opening details before visiting.
Ubud town center
Continue north to Ubud for galleries, museums, cafés, and other cultural stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mas Village known for?
Mas Village in the Ubud area is known for Balinese wood carving and its community of artisans, workshops, and galleries. Bali’s provincial tourism office notes that the village has been recognized as a wood-carving center since the 1930s.
Is Mas Village Wood Carving Center one attraction?
Mas is a village and carving area rather than one single attraction with a central entrance. Workshops and galleries are independently run, and visitor access varies by place.
Do I need a ticket to visit Mas Village?
There is no general village admission ticket. Individual museums, galleries, demonstrations, or carving classes may charge separate fees.
Can I watch artisans carving?
Some workshops may let visitors observe when artisans are working, but this is not guaranteed. Contact a specific workshop first and ask permission before entering or taking photos.
Can I take a wood-carving class in Mas Village?
Classes are offered by individual providers and may require advance booking and payment. Confirm the workshop location, duration, materials, and price directly with the provider.
Where is Mas Village?
Mas Village is in Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, along Jalan Raya Mas south of central Ubud.