Private Shore Excursion: Ubud Art Villages and Sacred Monkey Forest

With just one day in port in Bali, most visitors head straight to the beach, but this private 6-hour shore excursion offers the perfect introduction to Balinese culture. Visit the handicrafts villages of Celuk, Mas, and Batuan; marvel at local wildlife in the Sacred Monkey Forest; visit Ubud Palace; then shop for souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

First you will visit Celuk Village where you will see the Jewelry makers at work. There is so much lovely jewelry that it becomes overwhelming.

If you love monkeys, then this is the place to go as they wander freely in this sacred forest that you meander through.

You will then visit the village of Mas which is best known for its wood carvings. There are several shops along the main village street where one can see different kinds of exquisite wooden carvings been sold. The wood is either sandalwood, ebony or the local crocodile wood.

From here we continue to visit Ubud Palace which is still used as a palace of residence. Parts of the palace are now open to the public and can be seen. The palace is well decorated with ornate doors, statues and carvings and has been well preserved. The palace also holds traditional dance performances.

Lastly you will visit the Ubud Art Market. Here you can browse and buy paintings, wood carvings, sarongs, shirts, shorts, silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats, statues, kites and many other hand-crafted goods. Be sure to look around first to determine the going prices of these crafts before you buy something, then try your bargaining skills.