Ubud: Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop

Turn a piece of silver into a ring, pendant, bracelet, or earrings at Alas Arum, a quiet workshop set beside rice fields outside Ubud. You choose the design and take part in the making, with a Balinese artist-instructor guiding you through the work.

I like that you can shape a personal keepsake rather than simply buy one, and that the open, garden-style setting gives the workshop a calmer feel than a stop in town. The patient, hands-on instruction is another plus: you do the work, but you have help at each step.

One thing to plan for is time. The experience is described as two hours, but a detailed design can take longer, and traffic can make the trip to the meeting point unpredictable. There is also a silver allowance discrepancy in the activity details, so check exactly how much is included before you settle on a design.

At a glance

• Choose your own piece: Make a ring, pendant, bracelet, or earrings, with designs to guide your ideas.
• Work with a Balinese craftsperson: You take part in the process, with an instructor helping you use traditional tools and techniques.
• Enjoy a rice-field setting: The workshop has a garden and bar, with rice paddies and jungle around it.
• Plan for optional extras: Gemstones, gold plating, chains, hooks, and additional silver cost extra.
• Allow more than two hours if needed: The work can take one to three hours, depending on your design.
• Arrange your own ride: Transportation is not included. Grab and Gojek can reach the location.

Choosing a Design Before You Touch the Silver

The workshop starts with the most enjoyable kind of decision: what do you want to make? Rings are a popular choice, but you can also work on a bracelet, pendant, or earrings. There are sample designs to browse, and you can adapt an idea to suit your taste rather than copy a finished piece exactly.

That freedom matters if you have a particular piece in mind. Couples have made wedding bands, and some people have chosen more than one item. Still, be realistic about the time and effort involved. A simple ring is a sensible first project; an intricate design or multiple pieces can stretch the session and add work in the heat.

You can also consider personal touches such as an engraving inside a ring, a gemstone, or gold plating. These extras are not included in the activity price, so decide what matters to you before you begin. If you are unsure, ask the instructor what your idea will involve and what it will cost.

Turning Silver Into a Piece You Can Wear

After choosing a design, you work through the basic steps with help from an instructor. The process begins with silver and uses traditional tools and Balinese techniques. You are involved in shaping and finishing your piece, while the artist guides you through the more demanding parts and checks that the result is wearable.

This is not a lecture with a souvenir handed over at the end. You get to take part, which is what makes the finished piece feel personal. The guidance also makes the workshop approachable if you have never worked with metal. You do not need to arrive with craft skills, but you should be ready to follow instructions and put in some hands-on effort.

The exact sequence depends on what you make, so avoid expecting every step to be identical for every design. Instructors are there to help you get the shape and finish you want. Some people finish quickly, while more complex pieces need longer. A participant who made two rings advised choosing an easier design if you want less physical work, especially in warm conditions.

How Much Silver Is Included?

There is a detail worth checking before you book: the activity information is inconsistent about the silver allowance. One section says you receive 7 grams, while the included-items details say 1 to 6 grams for one piece. Those amounts can mean very different things if you have a broad band or a heavier design in mind.

Extra silver is listed at 85,000 IDR per gram. Ask the workshop to confirm the included amount for your booking and chosen design, and check how any added weight affects the final price. That small conversation can help prevent a surprise when you are already at the bench.

The included silver is described as pure Indonesian silver sourced from Kalimantan. It is intended for one piece, with a ring or pendant given as a suitable project. The instructor can help you judge whether your idea fits the allowance before you start.

Rice Paddies, a Garden, and a Welcome Drink

The setting is part of the appeal. Alas Arum is described as a bohemian-style workshop with a garden, surrounded by rice fields and jungle, away from traffic and crowds. The view gives you somewhere pleasant to pause between steps, rather than making the workshop feel like a quick stop in a busy shop.

A welcome drink is included, and the on-site bar sells other drinks and snacks. Some visitors also order coffee or a meal after making their jewelry. Food and additional drinks are optional, so factor them in if you plan to linger.

The setting is lovely, but it does not replace the workshop itself. You are coming to make something, not for a long guided tour of the rice fields. If the weather turns wet, the activity can still work as an indoor plan, though the views may be less inviting.

What the $46 Price Gets You

At $46 per person, the fee covers the guided workshop, help from Balinese artist-instructors, and the silver allowance for one piece. You also get the setting and welcome drink. For a hands-on activity that ends with something you can wear or give as a gift, that can be good value, especially if making the object is as important to you as owning it.

The price is less attractive if you only want a ready-made piece of jewelry. Extra silver, gold plating, gemstones, chains, and hooks are not included. Each can add to the total, so decide on a budget before browsing every possible finish.

Gold plating is available as an add-on, but its price is not fixed in the supplied activity details. One example put it at about $15, but treat that as an indication, not a guaranteed rate. Ask the staff for the current price before choosing it. If you prefer a golden look, the workshop still starts with silver; plating is an extra finish, not a separate gold-making process.

How Long to Set Aside

The listed duration is two hours, while the practical guidance allows one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your design. A straightforward piece may be finished more quickly; an ambitious design, extra piece, or detailed finish can take longer. Keep your schedule flexible, and avoid booking a tight transfer or meal reservation right afterward.

The work can be tiring in the heat, especially if you choose a demanding design. A simple ring is a good option if you want to keep the session relaxed. If you are keen to make several pieces, ask how much time and extra silver your plan may require.

The workshop can accommodate a delay of up to 10 minutes. Beyond that, rescheduling is required, so do not cut your arrival close. Traffic around Ubud can be slow, and the workshop does not provide transportation.

Getting to Alas Arum

Check in with staff at Alas Arum Silver. The location is accessible by Grab or Gojek, but the ride is your responsibility. The activity advises booking a driver ahead of time to help you arrive promptly. If app-based transport proves difficult, you might need to arrange another ride, so leave time to sort that out.

The workshop’s quieter setting is a benefit once you arrive, but it means you should plan the trip rather than assume it is just around the corner from your accommodation. Add a buffer for traffic, especially if your booking is at a set time.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options make planning easier, but they do not solve the day-of transport issue. Check the current starting times when you book.

The Instructor Makes a Difference

The instructor is central to the experience. The artist-instructors guide you through the process, help with the tools, and work with you to get the design and fit right. Names mentioned by past participants include Budi and Bagia, but you cannot count on a particular instructor being available for your session.

Most people will appreciate the close help, especially when shaping a ring or making a change to a design. One person described an instructor as less welcoming when asked questions, a useful reminder that teaching styles can vary. If you need something explained again, ask plainly and early. A good working conversation helps you stay involved and makes it easier to get the result you want.

The experience is suitable for solo visitors as well as couples and groups. It has also worked for families, though children under four are not permitted. If you are coming with children, keep in mind that this is a hands-on craft activity with tools, not a play space.

Who Will Enjoy This Workshop Most?

I would recommend Alas Arum if you like learning by doing, want a personal souvenir, or enjoy seeing how a useful object takes shape. It is especially appealing for couples who want matching or meaningful rings, but you do not need to be a jewelry enthusiast. The process itself can be the point.

It also makes sense as an indoor activity on a rainy day, or as a slower break from sightseeing. The welcome drink, bar, and peaceful setting give you room to stay a little after the work is done. If you dislike hands-on tasks, prefer fixed pricing, or have only a narrow window in your schedule, this may not be the best fit.

For the strongest value, arrive with a rough idea, ask about the silver allowance and add-on costs, then let the instructor help you refine the design. Keep it simple if time or heat is a concern. You will leave with a more meaningful keepsake if the finished piece reflects your taste, rather than a design chosen in a hurry.

Should You Book Alas Arum?

Book this workshop if you want to make, not just buy, a piece of jewelry and have time for a relaxed activity outside central Ubud. The combination of skilled guidance, rice-field views, and a take-home piece gives the $46 price a clear purpose.

Before you commit to a complex design, confirm the included silver amount and ask what plating, stones, or extra materials will cost. Allow up to three hours, arrange your ride in advance, and arrive on time. If those details suit your plans, Alas Arum is a rewarding way to spend part of a Bali day.

FAQ

How long does the silver workshop take?

The listed duration is two hours, but the experience can take one to three hours depending on the complexity of your design. Allow extra time if you want a detailed piece or more than one item.

What can I make?

You can choose a ring, bracelet, pendant, or earrings. Designs are available for inspiration, and the instructor can help you adapt your idea.

How much silver is included?

The activity details conflict: one section says 7 grams, while the included-items information says 1 to 6 grams for one piece. Confirm the amount for your booking and design before you begin. Extra silver is listed at 85,000 IDR per gram.

Are gold plating and gemstones included?

No. Gold plating and gemstones cost extra, as do chains, hooks, and additional silver. Ask staff for current prices before choosing add-ons.

Is transportation included?

No. You need to reach the Alas Arum Silver meeting point yourself. The location is accessible by Grab or Gojek, and the activity recommends arranging a driver ahead of time.

Can I cancel, and are young children allowed?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Children under four are not suitable for this activity.