If you are planning an adventure around Mas Village, you are about to step into one of the most authentic corners of Ubud — a place where the sound of a chisel on wood still echoes louder than tourist traffic. Tucked in the Ubud District of Gianyar Regency, Mas Village has been Bali’s premier wood carving center for nearly a century, yet it remains refreshingly untouched compared to Ubud’s busier streets.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what makes Mas Village special, the best things to do there, how to combine it with other Ubud adventures, and where to stay if you want to experience real village life instead of just passing through it.
Where Is Mas Village and Why It’s Worth Visiting
Mas Village sits only a short drive south of central Ubud, close enough for an easy afternoon trip yet far enough to feel like a different world. While Ubud is known for its painters, Mas has long been celebrated as the village of carvers — the two art forms grew side by side and still shape the creative identity of the region today.
What makes an adventure around Mas Village so rewarding is the contrast it offers. Instead of crowded cafés and Instagram queues, you get quiet lanes lined with open-air workshops, the smell of fresh-cut wood, and artisans who are happy to talk about their craft rather than sell you a photo opportunity.
A Brief History of Mas Village’s Wood Carving Tradition
Mas Village’s reputation as Bali’s wood carving heartland dates back to the era of the Balinese kingdoms, when local artisans were commissioned to help build the Ubud Royal Palace. The tradition flourished through the generations, and by the 1930s the village had become a pivotal center for the development of fine arts across the island.
The name “Mas” is often linked to taksu, the Balinese concept of spiritual and artistic essence — a fitting name for a village whose carvers turn raw wood into pieces with genuine character. One of its most celebrated sons, the sculptor Ida Bagus Tilem, helped bring Mas Village’s carving style to international recognition, with his work even collected by museums abroad.
Top Things to Do for an Adventure Around Mas Village
Wander the Wood Carving Galleries
There is no entrance fee and no need to join a formal tour to enjoy Mas Village. Simply walk along the main road and you will find open galleries showcasing everything from small souvenir pieces to museum-quality sculptures carved from crocodile wood, sandalwood, and mahogany.
Visit Siadja Gallery, Bali’s First Art Gallery
Siadja Gallery, established in 1955, is considered the very first art gallery in Indonesia. It still stands today in Mas Village, displaying a rich collection of paintings, batik, and sculpture — a must for anyone who wants to understand the roots of Balinese fine art before it became a tourist attraction.
Meet Local Artisans and Watch Live Carving
One of the highlights of any adventure around Mas Village is watching a master carver at work. Many artisans are happy to explain the meaning behind a piece, the type of wood used, and how a design has been passed down through generations of the same family.
Explore the Village on Foot or by Bike
Because Mas Village is compact and low-traffic compared to central Ubud, it is easy — and genuinely pleasant — to explore on foot or by rented bicycle. This lets you slow down and take in traditional Balinese architecture, small family temples, and everyday village life along the way.
Combine with Nearby Craft Villages
For a fuller cultural adventure, pair your Mas Village visit with two nearby craft villages: Celuk, famous for silversmithing, and Batuan, known for its distinctive style of Balinese painting and its centuries-old temple. Many travelers combine all three into a single half-day art trail.
Best Nearby Adventures Beyond Mas Village
An adventure around Mas Village doesn’t have to stop at the village gates. Several of Ubud’s best-loved attractions are just a short ride away:
- Ubud Monkey Forest – a sacred sanctuary and nature reserve popular for its resident long-tailed macaques and ancient stone carvings.
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace – the iconic tiered rice fields north of Ubud, ideal for a scenic walk or a coffee break with a view.
- Ubud Art Market and Ubud Center – the place to browse textiles, crafts, and souvenirs after admiring the fine art in Mas Village.
Stringing these stops together makes for a full day of culture, nature, and craftsmanship without ever leaving the Ubud area.
How to Get to Mas Village from Ubud
Mas Village is easily reached from Ubud by Grab, Gojek, or a private car and driver, with the trip typically taking well under 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you are staying elsewhere in Bali, hiring a driver for the day is a cost-effective way to visit Mas Village along with nearby villages and attractions in one loop.
Best Time to Visit Mas Village
Early morning is the best time for an adventure around Mas Village, when the light is soft for photos and the workshops are just opening for the day. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, giving you more space to talk with artisans without feeling rushed.
Where to Stay Near Mas Village for the Full Adventure
To really experience the spirit of Mas Village rather than just visiting it for an hour, consider staying somewhere rooted in the surrounding village life itself. At Tropical Kasbah, our Ubud Surroundings collection of villas and studios is nestled in a traditional Balinese village near Mas, surrounded by lush greenery, rice fields, and the gentle sound of a nearby river — a genuinely local base for exploring the wood carving trail and beyond.
You can browse the full range of villas, studios, and private pool options on our Our Locations page, or read more about the philosophy behind our stays in our story. If a walkable, pool-equipped villa closer to central Ubud suits your plans better, our guide to villas in Ubud with a private pool and a walkable location is a helpful next read.
Ready to plan your stay? You can check availability and book directly here.
Tips for an Authentic Mas Village Adventure
- Dress modestly and comfortably — you’ll be walking outdoors for a few hours.
- Bring small cash (IDR) for souvenirs, as prices in most galleries are negotiable rather than fixed.
- Ask before photographing artisans at work — most are happy to say yes, and it’s a respectful habit to build.
- Set aside half a day if you want to combine Mas Village with Celuk or Batuan.
- Talk to the carvers — the stories behind a piece are often more memorable than the piece itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mas Village
Is Mas Village worth visiting in Bali? Yes. Mas Village offers an authentic, low-key alternative to Ubud’s busier attractions, with genuine wood carving workshops, a historic art gallery, and traditional village life still very much intact.
How far is Mas Village from Ubud center? Mas Village sits just a short drive from central Ubud, making it easy to combine with a half-day or full-day itinerary around the area.
Do I need a tour guide to visit Mas Village? Not necessarily. There is no entrance fee, and the galleries are open for anyone to walk through independently. A guide is only useful if you want deeper historical context or plan to combine several villages in one trip.
What can I buy in Mas Village? Wood carvings ranging from small decorative pieces to large sculptures, made from woods such as mahogany, sandalwood, and crocodile wood. Prices are generally negotiable.
Final Thoughts
An adventure around Mas Village is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Ubud beyond its well-photographed landmarks. Between the wood carving galleries, the historic Siadja Gallery, and the easy pairing with nearby craft villages and natural attractions, it’s a destination that rewards travelers who want to slow down and connect with Bali’s living culture.
If you’d like your stay to reflect that same spirit, explore our villas and studios in the Ubud Surroundings at Tropical Kasbah, where the village itself becomes part of your holiday.