Ubud: Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop

This is one of the most fun ways to do a Bali souvenir that actually feels personal: at the Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop in Ubud, you pick a design and then you work with the jeweler to shape it into wearable silver jewelry. I especially like the rice field setting during the class, and the fact that you get 1 to 6 grams of pure Indonesian silver included to make your piece. One thing to keep in mind is that the popular add-ons, like gold plating and extra materials, cost extra.

The vibe is laid-back and photogenic in a real, not staged, way. The workshop sits in a bohemian-style space with a garden feel, tucked away from main traffic and crowds, so you can focus on the craft. I also love that the staff are used to different skill levels, and you can end up working closely with specific instructors, like Budi, Bagia, and Linda, depending on your session.

You should plan for a real time window, not just 2 hours on the dot. The class can stretch from about 1 to 3 hours depending on how complex your design is, and the studio only allows a short late window before you need to reschedule.

Key things I’d plan around

• Rice field views while you work, so your breaks feel like part of the experience
• Pure Indonesian silver included, with options to make a ring, pendant, or earrings
• You choose the design and tailor it, rather than following a rigid template
• Hands-on guidance from artists, with lots of step-by-step help when needed
• Gold plating and gems are add-ons, so your final price depends on customization
• A bar on site, including a welcome drink and the chance to grab coffee and snacks

Stepping into Alas Arum, with rice fields instead of road noise

The moment you arrive, the location does the heavy lifting. Alas Arum Silver sits in a garden-like workshop space outside central Ubud, surrounded by greenery, including rice paddies. It feels calmer than a lot of Bali “activity traps,” because you are not bouncing between packed streets and loud storefronts.

Inside, the workshop setup makes sense for a craft class. There are stations for the metal work, plus space for you to choose designs and talk through your piece. From multiple sessions I’ve looked at, people consistently describe the team as patient and helpful, and many highlight that they did not feel rushed when adjusting the look of their ring.

If you’re coming from Ubud, use Grab or Gojek to get there. The studio does not provide transport, and they can only accommodate small delays, so I’d aim to arrive early and give yourself a buffer. This matters because Ubud traffic can turn a quick ride into a slow one.

What you make, and how the design choices actually work

This is a hands-on jewelry workshop where you choose what you want to make, not just watch someone else do it. Your options typically include things like rings and pendants, and the setup supports earrings and bracelets too, depending on what’s available during your session.

You’ll usually start by looking at design options and picking the style that matches what you want to wear at home. Many people mention that the staff helps you tailor the design so it feels like your vision, including adjustments you can make as the process goes on. The craft part stays traditional, but the experience stays practical, so you do not need a background in metals or jewelry making.

Two personalization moments stand out from the experiences I’ve seen:

• Inside engraving: people love the idea of adding a personal message or detail on the inside of the ring, especially for wedding bands.
• Metal and finish decisions: you can keep it pure silver, or you can add gold plating later for a different look.

If you have very specific taste, good. If you have no idea what you want yet, also good. The staff appear comfortable guiding first-timers, and many sessions emphasize one-on-one help or close attention rather than throwing you into a big chaotic group.

The “from metal to jewelry” process, step by step

The heart of the workshop is the making. You learn the workflow the artisans use and then you do a chunk of the work with their guidance. While every design varies, you can expect a progression like this:

• Start with the included silver and prepare it for shaping
• Work through the steps to form your ring or pendant into the design you selected
• Finish and refine so it looks like something you’d actually wear, not just a craft project

One of the most consistently praised parts is how interactive the sessions are. People describe it as a process where you can see and participate in turning plain metal into a finished piece. That “I made this” feeling is real here because you’re not just decorating pre-made blanks.

You’ll also see the practical side of jewelry craft. Silver work takes patience, and the heat and tools matter. Some people mention that choosing a simpler design can make the process easier, especially in warm weather. That’s not a gimmick. If you’re sensitive to heat or short on time, pick something with fewer steps.

If you want a great photo moment, plan to take pictures during the early design and shaping stages. The studio atmosphere is pretty even before the final polish, and you’ll get better shots of your setting choices before everything gets tiny and detailed.

Your silver allotment, and why it affects value

The workshop price is attractive partly because you’re not paying just for instruction. You receive 1 to 6 grams of pure Indonesian silver included for your one jewelry piece.

Here’s how to think about that value:

• If you choose a smaller piece or a simpler ring, you may use less of the silver allotment.
• If you choose a design that needs more material, you’re still covered up to that included range.

Once you go beyond what’s included, extra silver is available for purchase at 85,000 IDR per gram. You can also add upgrades like gold plating and gemstones, but the silver allotment is the baseline that makes the class feel fair for the money.

So when is the workshop a smart deal?

• When you want a real souvenir you’ll wear
• When you like the idea of learning how the craft works
• When you’re open to customization but you’re okay with deciding upgrades on the spot

When it may feel less good:

• If you already know you want lots of extra silver weight, lots of stones, and gold plating, your final spend could climb.

That’s not a flaw, it’s just how craft workshops work. But knowing it early helps you avoid budget surprises.

Gold plating and gemstones, and how to avoid the sticker shock

If you’re a gold jewelry person, you’ll be happy to hear that gold plating is available as an add-on. It’s not included in the base price, and one review notes gold plating costing around 12 euros to 15 dollars extra, but your final charge depends on the options and what the studio recommends for your design.

Gemstones and other extras are also available. However, those are not part of the included package, so treat them as optional upgrades rather than assumed costs.

My practical advice is to decide your “must-have” look early:

• If you want a gold vibe, confirm the gold plating option for your piece while you’re still picking the design.
• If you want stones, decide whether you want one statement stone or a simpler accent, since extra customization can raise costs.

Also, ask about chains, hooks, and finishing options only when you need them. If you’re making a ring, you mostly care about the final ring finish. If you’re making a pendant, you may need a chain or you might plan to add one later yourself. The workshop data indicates chains and hooks are not included.

The best strategy is to keep the base design true to what you like and then add only one upgrade at a time. You’ll end up with a piece that matches your taste, without turning the class into a shopping list.

The workshop setting, drinks, and the little comforts that matter

The experience isn’t just tools and metal. It’s also a relaxing place to slow down for a couple of hours.

You’ll get a welcome drink, and there’s a bar on site where you can buy additional drinks and snacks. Multiple people mention grabbing coffee and enjoying food, including chicken satay. If weather shifts or you want to pause between steps, this matters more than it sounds. Jewelry making can take concentration, and a comfortable setting helps you stay patient.

A few reviews also mention sessions going shorter when rain disrupted plans, but they still treated it as a fun way to spend time. That flexibility is useful in Bali, where the sky can change quickly.

One more detail I like: people frequently describe the workshop as not overly crowded. That usually means less waiting and more actual help when you get stuck. If you want a craft class where you stay involved, this one fits.

Timing in Ubud, and why your ride planning matters

The workshop runs about 2 hours most of the time, but it can stretch from 1 to 3 hours depending on your design complexity. That means you should not stack tight plans right before or right after it.

Ubud logistics are the real reason to be careful. The studio does not provide transportation, and you’ll likely go by Grab or Gojek. The recommendation is to book a driver ahead if possible, because the workshop can only accommodate delays up to about 10 minutes. After that, you’ll likely need to reschedule.

If you’re choosing a time slot, I’d think like this:

• If you’re sensitive to heat, choose a time earlier in the day.
• If you want photos without harsh light, check your timing relative to sunset, but do not risk arriving late.
• Leave extra time for the ride and for check-in at Alas Arum Silver.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This workshop is a great fit for:

• Couples who want a shared experience and matching keepsakes, including wedding band style rings
• Anyone who enjoys crafts and wants a souvenir with a story attached
• People who want personal guidance rather than being left alone with a task sheet
• First-timers in jewelry making, since staff appear comfortable with different levels of confidence

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a quick, passive activity. You will be hands-on.
• You are trying to keep costs strictly minimal, because gold plating, gemstones, and extra silver can add up.
• You need a fully guaranteed 2-hour schedule. Some designs run longer.

Also, it’s not suitable for children under 4 years, based on the provided information.

My take on the value of $46 for 1 piece of real silver

At $46 per person, this is not a cheap souvenir, but it is also not “tourist trinket pricing.” The reason it holds value is the included material: you receive 1 to 6 grams of pure Indonesian silver and you get guided, hands-on instruction from Balinese artist-instructors.

If you compare it to the cost of buying a finished silver ring, the workshop price starts to look reasonable, because you’re paying for:

• the silver material
• the labor and instruction
• the time and tools
• the fact that you’re making it yourself, with personalization options like inside engraving

The big variable is upgrades. If you add gold plating and gemstones, your final cost rises. But that’s also the point: you can stop at the included silver look, or you can customize.

If you want to keep it cost-effective, choose a design that uses what you’re given and keep gemstones to a simple choice. If you want a statement piece, plan for the add-ons and treat the workshop like a build-your-own craft session.

Should you book Alas Arum Silver & Gold Workshop in Ubud?

If you like the idea of bringing home a wearable piece you actually helped create, I think you should book it. This is strongest when you want a mix of craft, guidance, and a beautiful setting. The rice field views, the hands-on process, and the included silver make it feel like more than just a photo stop.

Book it if:

• You want a personalized ring or pendant
• You’re okay with spending a little extra for gold plating or stones if you fall in love with options
• You value smaller, less chaotic sessions and you want real instruction

Skip or rethink if:

• You need a fixed 2-hour block and cannot adjust for design complexity
• You are highly budget constrained and do not want any possibility of add-ons
• You plan to arrive late from Ubud traffic, because the studio has a limited late window

If you do book, pick a design you can comfortably finish, give yourself extra ride time, and go in ready to choose a piece you’ll still like months from now. That’s where this workshop really wins.

FAQ

What is included in the Alas Arum Silver workshop price?

Your ticket includes guided workshop instruction, Balinese artist-instructors, rice paddy views, and 1 to 6 grams of pure Indonesian silver to create one jewelry piece.

How long does the workshop take?

The experience typically runs about 2 hours, but it can last 1 to 3 hours depending on how complex your design is.

Can I make jewelry if I want gold instead of silver?

Yes. Gold plating is available as an add-on that you pay for at the location. Silver is included in the base experience.

How much does extra silver cost?

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

Do they provide transportation to the meeting point?

No. Transportation is not included. The location is accessible by Grab or Gojek, and you are advised to plan your ride in advance.

What is the meeting point?

Check in with staff at Alas Arum Silver.

What languages are used during the workshop?

The workshop is available in English and Indonesian.

Is the workshop suitable for small children?

The experience is not suitable for children under 4 years.

Do they offer food and drinks during the workshop?

Yes. You get a welcome drink, and there is a bar on site where you can purchase additional drinks and snacks.