Batubulan
Batubulan at a Glance
Known For: Barong dance and stone carving - Daily performances and artisan workshops near Ubud.
Best Months: Apr-Oct - Dry season, more outdoor performances and workshops.
Gateway City: Denpasar - Ngurah Rai airport; 30-45 minute drive to village.
About Batubulan
Just beyond the northern edge of Denpasar, Batubulan is a traditional Balinese village best known for two things: intricate stone carving and daily performances of classical dance. It sits only a short drive from the capital, making it one of the easiest cultural day trips on the island.
The village name means “moonstone,” and its craftsmen have worked the soft grey sandstone of the area for generations. Along the main road, workshops turn out everything from temple guardians and Hindu deities to animals and rural figures, all shaped by hand using techniques passed down through families. Visitors are welcome to watch the carvers at work, and the smaller pieces make distinctive souvenirs.
Batubulan is equally famous for its dance. Each morning the village stages the Barong and Kris dance, a dramatised battle between the mythical lion-like Barong and the witch Rangda that plays out the Balinese struggle between good and evil. In the evening, troupes perform the fire-lit Kecak Dance, in which a chanting circle of men re-enacts an episode from the Ramayana.
Because it lies so close to the city, Batubulan is easy to reach on the way to the craft villages further north, and the surrounding countryside of rice terraces rewards anyone who arrives early on foot or by bicycle.
Why Visit Batubulan?
Catch the classic Barong and Keris dances performed nightly in Batubulan village-this is where many tourists first see Bali’s animal-mask theater. Book a front-row seat at a local sanggar to appreciate the intricate movements and loud gamelan, and go early to avoid overflow crowds.
Wander into Batubulan’s stone-carving yards and watch sculptors turn volcanic tuff into temple guardians and relief panels. Many studios welcome visitors and will show carving stages; it’s a good place to commission a temple relief or smaller sculpture to take home.
Head to nearby Sukawati Art Market for bargain hunting on paintings, masks, and textiles sold directly by makers and small wholesalers. Haggling is expected; arrive mid-morning when the selection is best and vendors are willing to talk prices.
Use Batubulan as a base to visit Celuk’s silversmiths and Mas’s master woodcarvers, both minutes away by scooter. Workshops here let you watch jewelry in progress and see the highest-quality Balinese carving techniques-perfect for commissioning a custom piece.
Make a short drive to Tegenungan Waterfall for a cool plunge after dancing and shopping; the fall is more accessible than many on Bali and has easy swimming spots in lower pools. Visit early to avoid minibuses and enjoy quieter trails down to the water.
Who's Batubulan For?
Couples
Evening Barong dance performances in Batubulan offer romantic cultural shows with intimate pavilion seating. Couples like nearby cafés and artisan workshops for quiet afternoons between shows.
Families
The Barong dance and nearby stone-carving studios are kid-friendly and safe; children enjoy watching performers and artisans. Short walks to local warungs make family logistics easy.
Backpackers
Batubulan is quite touristy; budget travelers can find cheap homestays but should expect vendors and organized shows. It’s a short hop from Ubud, which holds more backpacker energy.
Digital Nomads
Close proximity to Ubud means occasional cafés with Wi-Fi, but Batubulan itself lacks co-working spaces. Use nearby Ubud if you need stable connectivity or longer-term facilities.
Foodies
Local warungs serve Balinese staples and puddings, while nearby Gianyar markets offer fresh produce and babi guling. Try grilled ikan and plantain desserts after a dance show.
Adventure Seekers
Not an adventure hub - Batubulan’s appeal is cultural, not extreme sports. For climbs or waterfalls go toward Tegenungan or Mount Batur areas; Batubulan itself is flat artisan country.
Party Animals
Nightlife is minimal - traditional performances replace bars. Expect quiet evenings and occasional local dance events in Batubulan, not club scenes or beach parties after dark.
Nature Buffs
Small rice paddies and nearby river gorges offer pleasant rural walks; Tegenungan waterfall and Ubud’s forests are closer options for richer nature outings from Batubulan. Tegenungan waterfall is a short drive away for a proper waterfall visit.
Best Things to Do in Batubulan
Building
Tanah Lot
Sea temple perched on offshore volcanic rock
Building
Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop Balinese sea temple famed for sunset performances
Park
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Forest shrine area housing free-roaming macaques
Area
Tirta Empul
Hindu water temple complex with ritual purification springs
Agricultural Facility
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Extensive UNESCO-listed rice terraces showcasing subak irrigation
Island
Nusa Penida
Rugged island with dramatic cliffs and beaches
Temple
Pura Lempuyang
Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall
Batubulan Bucket List
Don't Miss
Batubulan Barong dance - Nightly Barong and Keris dance performances in Batubulan village bring myth and ritual to life.
Jalan Raya Batubulan stone-carving workshops - Main road workshops produce classical Balinese stone sculptures; watch artisans carve and shop for pieces.
Local performance compounds - Traditional performance compounds host smaller cultural shows and offer close-up views of mask and costume traditions.
Community dance rehearsals - Afternoon rehearsals by local troupes give an informal look at Barong training and music.
Hidden Gems
Jalan Raya Batubulan studios - Small carving studios along Jalan Raya Batubulan offer up-close demonstrations and custom commission opportunities.
Family-run workshops off the main road - Hidden family workshops produce bespoke sculptures and allow interaction with craftsmen and carvers.
Evening courtyard performances - Private courtyard dances staged by local families give an intimate glimpse of Balinese ritual theatre.
Traditional dance schools - Local dance schools open to visitors for short lessons and demonstration sessions on request.
Road Trips
Ubud-Batubulan-Celuk-Mas artisan loop - Short artisan circuit linking Batubulan’s carvings with Celuk silversmiths and Mas woodcarvers, about 25 km.
Gianyar cultural day trip - Combine Batubulan performances with nearby temples and markets for a focused half-day of local arts.
Temple-and-crafts short drive - Quick drive connecting Pura Dalem sites with Batubulan studios and Ubud galleries, ideal for half-day visits.
Southeast Bali artisan route - Longer day route connecting Batubulan to other craft villages across Gianyar for a full artisan immersion.
More to See in Batubulan
The village stages two very different traditional dances each day, and either makes a memorable reason to linger past the stone-carving studios.
Barong dance performances run from 09:00 to 10:30 daily and draw visitors from across Bali. The drama unfolds in five stages - Puseh Temple, Tegal Tamu, Denjalan, Sahadewa and Sila Budaya - as the mythical Barong does battle with the witch Rangda.
Kecak dance takes over in the early evening, roughly 18:00 to 19:00. This hypnotic chanting performance is traditionally intended to ward off evil spirits and keep the village safe through the night.
Between shows, watch craftsmen carve sandstone deities, animals and rural scenes using techniques passed down through generations - a small finished piece makes an unusual souvenir.
Best Time to Visit Batubulan
Batubulan is a lowland Balinese village known for frequent Barong and other dance performances; it follows Bali’s monsoon cycle with a dry season from June to September and a wet season from November to March. The dry months are best for performance-focused visits and outdoor trips, while the wet months bring short heavy rains and higher humidity.
High Season
Dry, sunny weather makes these months best for outdoor cultural performances and day trips. Expect larger visitor numbers and fuller performance schedules.
Shoulder Season
A balance of fewer crowds and improving weather; good for cultural visits with lower prices than the peak. Show schedules are frequent but may be less crowded.
Low Season
Wet-season rains increase with high humidity, which can disrupt outdoor plans but also produce lush landscapes. Many performance venues remain active but may move shows indoors during heavy rain.
Batubulan's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1745 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 304 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 32° | 243 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 189 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 31° | 94 mm | some cloud | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 77 mm | some cloud | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 93 mm | some cloud | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 2.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 75 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 132 mm | some cloud | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 233 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
January
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Hot and rainy · Low Season
January is in Bali’s wet season with frequent short but heavy showers and high humidity. Despite rain, temperatures remain warm and cultural sites in and around the village are still visitable between storms.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day (planning) - National events take place in August; January sees usual village activities.
February
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Humid and wet · Low Season
February continues to be wet with sporadic heavy rain; outdoor performances may be moved under cover but many tourist venues remain open. Expect warm, humid conditions.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day (planning) - National events occur in August; February is a regular community month.
March
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Rainy and warm · Low Season
March is still wet but beginning to transition toward drier months; Batubulan’s cultural performances continue, though scheduling can be affected by weather. Nyepi results in island-wide closures on the holy day.
Events
- Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) - Nyepi, the island-wide day of silence, usually falls in March following the Balinese calendar; Ogoh-ogoh parades are held the evening before.
April
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Warming, drier spells · Shoulder Season
April is a shoulder month with decreasing rainfall and more reliable days for sightseeing and outdoor dance shows. This is a good time to see village performances with smaller crowds.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (preparations) - Preparations and early performances take place ahead of the festival period in June.
May
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Warmer and drier · Shoulder Season
May typically offers drier conditions and comfortable temperatures, making it a popular time for cultural tourism. Batubulan’s regular Barong and Legong performances run frequently for visitors.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (rehearsals) - Rehearsals and cultural events increase ahead of the festival, boosting local artistic activity.
June
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Dry and sunny · High Season
June starts the dry season with sunny days and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor cultural performances and day trips. Tourist numbers increase, especially at popular performance venues.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival - Denpasar’s month-long arts festival showcases Balinese dance, music, and crafts and draws visitors from across the island.
July
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Sunny and warm · High Season
July is in the high tourist season with reliable dry weather, making it easy to plan morning and evening shows. Expect higher visitor numbers at Batubulan’s regular dance venues.
Events
- Peak tourist season events - Monthly cultural performances and tourist-oriented events are at their busiest in July.
August
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Dry and warm · High Season
August remains dry and is a peak month for visitors; performance schedules are full and local craft markets are busy. Booking for shows and transport is recommended in advance.
Events
- Indonesian Independence Day - August 17 national celebrations take place across Indonesia; local observances and markets will be lively.
September
24-30°C / 75-86°F · Mostly dry, warm · High Season
September typically stays dry early in the month with slightly fewer crowds than July-August, offering a good balance of weather and quieter venues. Evening performances remain available most nights.
Events
- Local temple ceremonies - Village and temple ceremonies occur, often with additional dance performances after the busy season.
October
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Transitional, some rain · Shoulder Season
October is a shoulder month with increasing chances of showers toward the end of the month; many performances continue but may be moved indoors if it rains. Visitor numbers often decline, giving a more local feel.
Events
- Transition festivals - Some communities hold harvest-related rituals and temple festivals as the weather shifts.
November
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Rain returns · Low Season
November brings more frequent rainfall and higher humidity, though performances and craft markets generally remain active. Expect some disruption to outdoor activities from afternoon storms.
Events
- Village ceremonies - Local religious and community events continue during the wet season.
December
24-31°C / 75-88°F · Warm and rainy · Low Season
December is wet with intermittent heavy rain; tourist demand rises during the holidays which can mean busier shows despite the weather. Plan for occasional schedule changes around heavy showers.
Events
- Holiday season travel - Year-end travel increases demand for accommodations and performances, especially in early December and around holidays.
Where to Stay in Batubulan
Batubulan, a stone-carving and Barong-dance village near Sukawati and Gianyar, offers many small guesthouses and family-run accommodations. It’s a convenient base for cultural sights, with private villas available for groups and easy access to nearby Ubud and markets.
Guesthouses & Homestays
$12-40 / night
Batubulan village hosts budget guesthouses close to carving workshops and Barong dance venues. These spots are practical for day trips to Sukawati market and nearby temples, with basic breakfasts and helpful local hosts.
Vacation Rentals & Villas
$50-200 / night
Private villas around Batubulan and neighboring Sukawati suit families and groups wanting more space and self-catering. Many rentals are a short drive from Ubud’s attractions and quieter than central Ubud lodging.
Boutique Hotels & B&Bs
$45-120 mid-range
Small boutique hotels and B&Bs near Batubulan blend local art-house design with English-speaking hosts. They’re ideal for travelers who want comfortable rooms while staying close to dance performances and craft studios.
Hotels & Small Resorts
$30-150 / night
Scattered hotels and small resorts around Gianyar and Batubulan cater to day-trip visitors and longer stays. They provide organized tours, airport transfers and easy access to nearby cultural sites.
Planning Your Trip to Batubulan
Weekend Batubulan Itinerary
Spend a weekend in Batubulan watching Barong dance performances, browsing stone-carving studios, visiting Ubud, Mas woodcarvers and Celuk silversmiths, and sampling local warung cuisine and markets.
- Day 1 - Arrive Batubulan; evening Barong dance performance.
- Day 2 - Browse stone-carving studios and local artisan shops.
1 Week Batubulan Itinerary
A week based in Batubulan mixes craft workshops, market mornings, Ubud gallery visits, day trips to Goa Gajah, Tegenungan waterfall and Kintamani viewpoints, plus hands-on classes and relaxed afternoons.
- Day 1 - Arrive; evening Barong dance at Batubulan.
- Day 2 - Visit Mas woodcarver village and Celuk silversmiths.
- Day 3 - Ubud Monkey Forest and Ubud market exploration.
- Day 4 - Tegenungan waterfall and rice-terrace walk.
- Day 5 - Day trip to Kintamani and Penelokan viewpoint.
- Day 6 - Hands-on carving or silver workshop.
- Day 7 - Relaxed day; local markets and depart.
2 Weeks Batubulan Itinerary
Fortnight in Batubulan combines artisan residencies, multiple craft classes, cultural performances, daily Ubud explorations, Kintamani day trips and slow village cycling through rice terraces and markets.
- Day 1 - Settle in Batubulan; attend evening cultural show.
- Day 2 - Full-day craft workshop in Batubulan.
- Day 3 - Visit Mas and Celuk artisan villages.
- Day 4 - Ubud galleries, ARMA museum and markets.
- Day 5 - Tegenungan waterfall and terrace cycling.
- Day 6 - Kintamani and Mount Batur viewpoint day trip.
- Day 7 - Local food tasting and market mornings.
- Day 8 - Advanced carving or silversmithing session.
- Day 9 - Day exploring nearby temples and cultural sites.
- Day 10 - Leisure day; spa or cooking class.
- Day 11 - Cycle rural roads and rice paddies.
- Day 12 - Second cultural performance and artisan visits.
- Day 13 - Shop final pieces and relax.
- Day 14 - Pack and depart to Denpasar or Ubud.
Getting to & Around Batubulan
Batubulan sits on busy tourist corridors between Denpasar and Ubud, so expect short distances but frequent congestion and limited on-street parking. Movement around the village is dominated by scooters, private transfers and organized tour shuttles rather than scheduled public transit.
Batubulan in Gianyar is reached mainly by road from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or Denpasar; it’s about a 30-45 minute drive from Denpasar and roughly 20-30 minutes from central Ubud. Many visitors include Batubulan on craft- and culture itineraries that run between Denpasar, Sukawati and Ubud.
Private drivers & Taxis
Batubulan (Sukawati/Gianyar area) is easiest reached by private car or taxi from Ngurah Rai (DPS); typical drive time from Denpasar is about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Scooters / Motorbikes
Scooters are a common and convenient way to move around Batubulan’s village lanes and craft markets - watch for congestion and limited parking near performance venues.
Shuttles & Tourist Minibuses
Tourist shuttles and day-trip minibuses frequently stop in Batubulan as part of craft-tour routes linking Denpasar, Sukawati market, and Ubud; schedules are oriented to tour itineraries rather than fixed local timetables.