If your idea of Ubud is Instagram-famous rice terraces, crowded cafés, and traffic-choked streets, Mas Village Ubud will reshape that picture entirely. Just a short drive south of central Ubud, this village holds a wood-carving tradition that has been alive since the royal era, far removed from the tourist buzz you’ll find around Monkey Forest Road or the Ubud Palace.
This guide walks you through what Mas Village actually is, its history, the experiences worth having there, and how to enjoy Ubud’s quieter, more artisan side — including where to stay if you want to be close to that same authentic atmosphere.
What Is Mas Village Ubud?
Mas Village is a village in the Ubud sub-district of Gianyar Regency, widely known as Bali’s center for wood-carving artistry. While Ubud itself is often associated with painting, Mas is known as the village of carvers. Nearly every family here has some connection to the craft, a skill passed down through generations for decades.
Unlike the central Ubud area, which has grown rapidly as a tourism hub, Mas Village has kept much of its original character. Quieter streets, art galleries standing side by side with family homes, and a slower daily rhythm make this feel like stepping into an earlier, less commercialized version of Ubud.
A Brief History of the Wood-Carving Village
The story of Mas Village traces back to the Majapahit Kingdom era, when a Brahmin priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha is said to have stopped here at the invitation of a nobleman, Arya Mas Wilis. From the royal era onward, many artists from this village contributed to the construction of the Ubud Royal Palace, cementing Mas’s reputation as a center of fine craftsmanship.
Carving here originally served religious purposes, decorating temples with floral and leaf motifs. Over time, the craft expanded into tables, chairs, doors, and wooden statues of increasingly refined artistry. The village’s global reputation grew further thanks to master carvers such as Ida Bagus Tilem, whose work helped introduce Balinese wood carving to audiences abroad.
Location and How to Get There
Mas Village sits directly along the main road leading into central Ubud, making it easy to reach from almost any direction. A few practical ways to get there:
- Private car or taxi — the most flexible option, especially if you plan to stop at several galleries.
- Scooter rental — popular for travelers who want to explore at their own pace.
- Hotel shuttle — some Ubud accommodations offer transport to this part of town.
The main entrance is marked by the Sakah junction, easily recognized by a large statue in the middle of the road.
Why Mas Village Is Called Ubud’s Quiet Side
Central Ubud today is defined by heavy traffic and an ever-expanding tourism scene. Mas Village offers a refreshing contrast: it hasn’t been developed as aggressively as the main tourist strip, so the pace here is slower, more personal, and closer to how local life actually unfolds.
That’s really the appeal — you’re not just viewing finished artwork, you’re witnessing the everyday village life that produces it, complete with small temples, narrow lanes, and warm interactions with the people who live and work there.
Things to Do in Mas Village
Explore Legendary Art Galleries
Along the village’s main street, you’ll find a row of galleries holding carvings from different eras. One of the most historically significant is Indonesia’s very first art gallery, established in 1955, which still houses paintings, batik, and sculptures — some pieces valued extraordinarily high for their rarity.
Watch Artisans Carve in Real Time
Unlike a typical souvenir shop, many galleries in Mas Village let you watch the carving process firsthand — from the first rough sketch to the intricate final details. Seeing this up close gives a much deeper appreciation for the meaning behind each cut, something few tourist attractions in Bali offer.
Shop for Authentic Handmade Art
For art lovers and interior design enthusiasts, Mas Village is an ideal place to buy wood-carved pieces directly from the artisans who made them — classic statues inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata, traditional masks, and carved furniture. Buying straight from the source also means directly supporting the artisans keeping this tradition alive.
Soak In the Village and Temple Atmosphere
Beyond the galleries, Mas Village is home to temples that remain central to residents’ spiritual life. Wandering the quiet lanes, greeting carvers working on their front porches, is an experience that’s hard to find in the busier parts of Ubud.
Best Time to Visit Mas Village
Morning is the best time to visit, when the air is still cool and artisans are just beginning their day’s work. You’ll also avoid the larger tour groups that tend to arrive closer to midday. Since Mas Village sits directly on the way to central Ubud, it also makes an easy stop before or after exploring the town center.
Tips for Visiting Mas Village
- Set aside 1–2 hours to explore the galleries without rushing.
- You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy the village — simply walking and watching the creative process is worthwhile on its own.
- Dress modestly if you plan to step into any temple areas.
- If you’re interested in a custom piece, ask directly at the gallery; many artisans accept commissioned work.
Where to Stay Near Mas Village: Tropical Kasbah
If you want to truly experience this quieter side of Ubud — not just pass through for an hour — staying somewhere close to Ubud Surroundings is the way to do it. The Ubud Surroundings collection of villas and studios from Tropical Kasbah sits within an authentic Balinese village setting, surrounded by rice fields, a nearby river, and the same unhurried village atmosphere you’ll find in Mas Village.
Staying in this area puts you within easy reach of Ubud’s surrounding art villages, all while enjoying the comfort of a private villa with distinctly Balinese design touches. Tropical Kasbah’s own philosophy grew from a love for authentic Balinese village life, which aligns closely with the experience Mas Village offers. You can read more about that philosophy in the story behind Tropical Kasbah, or explore a closer look at private pool villas in a walkable Ubud location.
For more ideas on exploring Ubud and beyond, browse the Tropical Kasbah blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mas Village
What is Mas Village in Ubud?
Mas Village is a village in Ubud, Gianyar, known as Bali’s center for wood-carving art, with a tradition dating back to the royal era and still carried on today by generations of local artisans.
How far is Mas Village from central Ubud?
Mas Village sits directly on the main road into central Ubud, only a short drive away, making it easy to reach from most accommodations in the Ubud area.
Is Mas Village worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes. Mas Village works well as a brief 1–2 hour stop on the way to or from central Ubud, but it’s also worth exploring in more depth if you’re staying nearby in Ubud Surroundings.
Final Thoughts: A Side of Ubud Worth Slowing Down For
Mas Village proves that Ubud is more than its busy town center — it’s also made up of villages that hold onto real artistic heritage and local life. If you’re looking for a more personal, meaningful Bali experience, spending time in Mas Village — and staying nearby in Ubud Surroundings — is one of the best ways to see the Ubud that most visitors miss.
Ready to experience this quiet side of Ubud for yourself? Explore Tropical Kasbah’s villas in Ubud Surroundings and start planning your stay today.