Ubud: Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop

A workshop in Bali that ends with something you can wear. At Alas Arum Silver in Ubud, you make your own jewelry in a bohemian garden setting, with rice paddy views and a step-by-step teaching style that keeps you involved the whole time. Expect a welcome drink, plenty of design options, and a proper hands-on look at how Balinese silverwork actually happens.

I really like the setting. You learn metalwork while watching rice fields and jungle, in a calmer pocket of Ubud that feels far from traffic and crowds. I also like the value of the base price: it includes guided instruction plus 1-6 grams of pure Indonesian silver toward one finished piece, and you get enough support to turn your design idea into something wearable. One consideration: your final bill can climb if you add gold plating, extra silver, and gemstones, since those are paid on site.

Key things that make this workshop worth your time

• Rice paddy and jungle views during the whole build, not just during a photo stop
• Silver included (1-6g) so you are not starting from nothing
• You can customize the piece with your choice of jewelry type (ring, bracelet, earrings, etc.)
• Artist instructors guide you through the process, with step-by-step help along the way
• Add-ons are popular (gold plating and gemstones), so plan your budget for the extras you want

Alas Arum in Ubud: a garden workshop with rice-field calm

Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop feels like a creative hideout right outside Ubud. The space is described as bohemian in style, with a garden area that frames the workshop like a little oasis. The big payoff for me is the view. You are making jewelry with rice paddies and jungle in the background, which changes the whole mood from a typical craft class you might find in a busier shopping street.

This is not the kind of activity that depends on speed. It works because you can slow down, focus on materials, and actually watch what your instructor does before you copy the steps. Several visitors also call out that the place does not feel overcrowded, and that instruction can feel quite personal, even when you arrive as a solo participant.

Check-in, the welcome drink, and picking your design

Your experience starts with check-in at Alas Arum Silver. After that, you get a welcome drink, and you can order more from the on-site bar if you want coffee, cocktails, or snacks during your session. One review specifically mentions coffee from the bar, and another mentions chicken satay, so you will likely find more than just water on offer.

Then comes the fun part: choosing what you want to make. You can create a ring, bracelet, earrings, or other jewelry styles, and the staff helps you tailor the design to your vision. People repeatedly mention having lots of inspiration available, with different ring styles to choose from. You also get guidance on size and design details so your final piece fits what you had in mind.

Practical tip from the experience itself: if heat makes you cranky, pick a simpler design. One visitor calls this out as a real pro tip, because intricate designs take more work and time in the warm conditions.

From melt to finished piece: how the silver workshop actually works

This is a true workshop, not a sit-and-watch class. You are involved in the making process, and the instructors guide you through the steps so you are never guessing what happens next.

The core workflow starts with melting the silver. From there, you shape and work the metal into your chosen design. Traditional tools and Balinese technique are part of the pitch, and you feel that in the way the steps are taught: you focus on the right sequence, and the instructor makes sure you handle the metalwork safely and correctly.

What I like is that your instructor is not just translating terms. They help you make decisions. You pick a design, they steer you toward a result that can be crafted successfully, and they support you through the details that make the piece look polished at the end.

Visitors also mention that guides check in on your preferences throughout the session. If you choose to engrave, you can add personal touches. One review notes engraving on the inside of a ring, which is a great way to make the final keepsake feel meaningful rather than generic.

The guide factor: you may meet Budi, Bagia, or Linda

The workshop is staffed by Balinese artist-instructors, and reviews include names like Budi, Bagia, and Linda. The key point for you is that the teaching style can matter. One person mentions that their guide was not in the mood for questions, which affected their experience. The upside is that many others describe patient, supportive instruction where they felt involved at every step.

My advice: ask your questions early. If something feels confusing, speak up right away while you are still choosing the shape and details. That usually means fewer frustrations later when you are deep into the hands-on work.

Silver included, gold plating add-on, and gemstones: how to plan your budget

Let’s talk value, because this is where Alas Arum can either feel like a bargain or a splurge depending on what you choose.

The base price is $46 per person, and it includes guided instruction, Balinese artist-instructors, rice paddy views, and 1-6 grams of pure Indonesian silver to create one jewelry piece. The silver is described as pure Indonesian silver sourced from Kalimantan.

That “1-6 grams” detail matters. It means the amount of silver you use is tied to what you’re making, and more complex designs may require extra material. If you go beyond what is included, you can buy extra silver on site for 85,000 IDR per gram.

Now for the part many people add. If you are not a silver person, the workshop offers gold plating as an add-on. It is not included in the base price, and you pay at the location. One recent visitor pegged the gold plating cost at around 12 euros (15 dollars), so treat that as a realistic planning number, even if the exact price can vary by what you choose.

Gemstones are also available for customization. The base package does not include things like chains, hooks, or gold plating, but you can add gemstones while designing your piece. Some visitors highlight that they got stones added to their rings.

So, how should you plan?

• If you want a simple silver keepsake: the base price is already doing a lot of heavy lifting.
• If you want gold plating and stones: keep a buffer ready, because those options are paid on site.

What you take home: engraving, finishing, and wearing your piece

The goal here is simple: you leave with a finished piece you helped create. The workshop supports ring-making most often, but people also describe making bangles and pendants, and even producing more than one item in some cases, depending on your time and design complexity.

Finishing is part of the process, not an afterthought. Several reviews mention that the quality is high and the rings are wearable, with craftsmen ensuring durability. That matters because you do not want a souvenir that only looks good in a photo.

One practical detail: engraving is possible, including on the inside of a ring. That kind of personal detail turns the workshop from a nice activity into a story you can wear every day.

If you start with a complicated design and realize it will be a lot of work, the staff may adjust your plan during the session. One visitor says they were allowed to rework pieces they changed after the initial finish, which suggests the team is flexible when there is still time. Still, do not assume you can redo everything, so decide your design early and keep it manageable.

Timing and getting there from Ubud: plan for the 10-minute window

The workshop duration is listed as 2 hours, but it can run 1-3 hours depending on design complexity. For real life planning, treat it as a 2- to 3-hour block. If you choose a more detailed ring, you should expect extra time.

Transportation is not included. The location is described as easy to reach via Grab or Gojek. A driver from your hotel is a smart move, because Ubud traffic can shift fast. The workshop can only accommodate a delay of up to 10 minutes; after that, rescheduling is required.

This is one of those activities where being late can cost you the slot, so plan your pickup timing with a cushion. If you hate stress, aim to arrive early, have your drink, and start choosing your design without rushing.

Who should do this workshop, and who might not love it

This is a good fit if you like hands-on activities and want a Bali souvenir with real meaning. It works well for couples, because it is easy to make wedding bands or matching pieces. It is also a great solo option, since some visitors mention not feeling awkward coming alone and still getting guided support.

It is also for people who care about craft. If you like learning how things are built, you will appreciate the step-by-step approach and the attention to technique.

Who might not love it?

• Very young kids: it is not suitable for children under 4 years.
• People who only want quick shopping-style souvenirs: this is metalwork. You will be making decisions, working through steps, and spending time in the process.

Should you book Alas Arum Silver & Gold in Ubud?

Book it if you want a custom jewelry keepsake made with real silverwork steps, in a setting where you can actually enjoy the experience, not just rush through it. The included silver is a strong value feature, and the rice paddy views make the session feel special even if you are not a jewelry collector.

Skip it or adjust your expectations if you are strictly budget-only and do not want any add-ons. Gold plating, gemstones, and extra silver are paid on site, so your final total depends on what you end up loving while you are designing.

If you do book, pick a design you can finish comfortably in the time you have. Ask questions early if you want extra clarity. Then go enjoy the bar after you make your piece, because the day feels complete when you can sit back, wear the result, and look at the rice fields again.

FAQ

How long does the Alas Arum workshop last?

The workshop duration is about 2 hours, but the experience can last from 1-3 hours depending on how complex your design is.

What is included in the $46 per person price?

You get a guided workshop with Balinese artist-instructors, rice paddy views, a welcome drink, and 1-6 grams of pure Indonesian silver to create one jewelry piece.

What jewelry can I make?

You can make jewelry like a ring, bracelet, earrings, or a pendant, depending on what you choose during the workshop.

Can I choose gold instead of silver?

Yes. Gold plating is available as an add-on that you pay for at the location.

Can I buy extra silver?

Yes. Extra silver is available for purchase for 85,000 IDR per gram.

Do they provide drinks and snacks?

You get a welcome drink included. A bar on site sells drinks and snacks during the workshop.

Are gemstones available for customization?

Yes. Gemstones are available to add to your design. Chains or hooks are not included.

Is transportation to the workshop included?

No. Transportation is not provided, but the location is accessible by Grab or Gojek.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 4 years old.