So, let me just say this right off the bat—Batuan Village totally caught me off guard the first time I went. You hear about Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak—all the usual suspects when it comes to Bali trips, right? But Batuan? Nobody really talks about it unless you’re already deep into Balinese culture or art. And honestly, that’s kinda why it’s worth your time.
This little village sits about 10 kilometers south of Ubud, and yeah, at first glance it looks like just another traditional village with stone-carved temples and rice paddies. But man, once you spend even half a day there, you’ll realize it’s not like the other places. It’s like walking into a living, breathing canvas. People here still live and breathe art—not in a touristy, let’s-sell-you-some-paintings kind of way—but in a “this is how we’ve been doing it for generations” kinda vibe.
You want culture that’s not curated for Instagram? This is where you go.
Where Exactly Is Batuan Village and How Do You Get There?
Batuan Village is in the Gianyar Regency of Bali. If you’re staying in Ubud, it’s just about a 20–25 minute drive—depending on how insane the traffic is, of course. From Denpasar, expect about 45 minutes. It’s smack-dab in the middle of the island, which makes it super convenient as a stop between other more popular areas.
Now, logistics. If you’re like me and don’t trust yourself driving a scooter in Bali traffic (been there, done that, crashed into a coconut stand—don’t ask), you’ll probably want to hire a private driver. Those are easy to get—your guesthouse or hotel will usually know someone, or you can book through apps like Grab or Gojek. And honestly? Having a driver who knows the area means you won’t miss the smaller temples and homes that aren’t listed on Google Maps.
And don’t worry—cell signal’s solid here. So if you’re that person who needs to double-check everything on Google Maps every five minutes (guilty), you’re covered.
What’s Batuan Village Known For?
Let’s get one thing straight: Batuan Village painting style is not your typical colorful, beachy, mass-produced stuff you see in tourist markets. This is detailed, intricate, often monochromatic artwork that’s all about spiritual storytelling, Hindu epics, and daily Balinese life.
I spent almost 45 minutes talking to this artist named Pak Made (who paints right out of his home studio). He showed me how they use natural pigments, super fine brushes (some even made with single strands of hair!), and layer after layer of ink or paint to build these insane, almost hypnotic scenes. Think “Where’s Waldo?” but with Balinese gods, demons, and villagers—there’s so much happening in just one piece.
These paintings are often done on canvas, wood, or even palm leaves. And if you’re into it, you can actually commission a piece. One guy from Australia ordered a painting of the Mahabharata for his yoga studio back home. Took 3 months to finish and cost him almost $2,000 USD—but hey, it was a masterpiece.
Honestly, even if you don’t buy anything, just watching the process or seeing how the artists work is worth the trip. There’s a certain magic in seeing people completely focused and passionate about preserving a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.
The Temples Are Legit — Especially Pura Puseh Batuan
Alright, real talk: I’ve been to more temples in Bali than I can count. Some blend together, especially the ones that are basically just selfie backgrounds for tourists. But Pura Puseh Batuan? That one sticks with you.
This temple is over 1,000 years old and is still actively used by the locals. When I visited, a small ceremony was happening, and I could hear the gamelan orchestra echoing through the stone gates. It wasn’t a show. It wasn’t for us tourists. It was real, raw, and kind of beautiful in a way that’s hard to describe.
And here’s a little tip: they’ll usually give you a sarong at the entrance if you’re not wearing one. No need to buy your own unless you want to. Entrance is by donation—usually around 10,000 to 20,000 IDR, but don’t be that person who gives nothing. They use it to maintain the place.
The architecture is your classic Balinese style—layered, carved, volcanic stone covered in moss. You’ll find guardian statues everywhere, and they actually mean something. Ask a guide or a local kid hanging around—they’ll tell you which statue guards what realm. I learned more from a 13-year-old boy about Balinese cosmology than I ever did from reading Lonely Planet.
What Can You Actually Do in Batuan Village (Besides Look at Art)?
Look, it’s not like you’ll find adrenaline sports or beach clubs here. That’s not the vibe. But there’s still plenty to keep you engaged for half a day or even longer.
Watch a Traditional Dance Performance
Most people don’t know this, but Batuan Village hosts daily traditional dance performances—especially Legong and Barong dances. And they are not like the ones you get in the bigger towns. These are smaller, more intimate, and usually performed right in front of a temple or local hall.
I went to one that started at 6 p.m. on a Wednesday. Cost me about 100,000 IDR (roughly $6 USD). The Barong dance—part comedy, part chaos, part spiritual warfare—was honestly wild. The costumes, the makeup, the music, the way the dancers moved their eyes and fingers? Unreal.
And it’s not just for tourists. You’ll see locals bringing their kids, chatting in the back, eating snacks. It feels communal. Alive. Totally different from the polished performances in Ubud’s big venues.
Try a Painting Class or Workshop
Okay, you don’t have to be an “artist” to enjoy this. I suck at drawing (my stick figures need therapy), but taking a Batuan-style painting class was actually pretty awesome. The teachers are super patient, they show you the basic strokes, and then you try it on your own.
My painting looked like a confused chicken in a spiritual crisis, but the artist still nodded politely and said “very good” with a straight face. Legend.
Most classes last 2–3 hours and cost between 150k–300k IDR. Some include lunch or tea. Honestly, it’s a great way to connect with the culture in a hands-on way—and yeah, makes for a solid travel story.
To make your trip smoother, consider our Bali car rental with driver so you can focus on the views, not the roads.
Explore the Village Itself on Foot
One of the best things I did in Batuan? Just walking. No map. No destination. Just wandering through side streets and paths that wind around rice fields, past home temples and family compounds.
You’ll see things you wouldn’t see from a car—like offerings being made, women weaving canang sari baskets, little kids chasing chickens, and the occasional stray dog that clearly runs the block. It’s real life happening, and it’s oddly peaceful.
And if you’re lucky (or chatty), a local might invite you in for coffee. Happened to me twice. The second time, I ended up in a family compound with three generations, sharing kopi tubruk and banana fritters. Best. Hour. Ever.
Where to Eat in Batuan Village (Because Yes, You’ll Get Hungry)
So Batuan ain’t a foodie hotspot like Seminyak, but don’t sleep on the local eats. You’ve got a few small warungs that serve legit home-cooked Balinese food—cheap, tasty, and usually made by someone’s grandma.
I always stop at Warung Dewa Malen—which isn’t fancy, but their nasi campur is the stuff of legends. Spicy, flavorful, and under 25k IDR. They also do this grilled chicken with sambal matah that I swear still haunts my dreams in a good way.
There’s also Bale Udang, which is more upscale and a bit outside the village proper. Great if you want to sit in a bamboo hut over a koi pond while sipping fresh coconut water. A little pricier, but still way cheaper than Ubud’s tourist traps.
And don’t miss trying the street snacks—fried tempeh, klepon (sweet rice balls filled with palm sugar), and those banana-leaf-wrapped rice cakes. Just ask the vendor “berapa?” and hand over your coins. Easy.
Batuan Village location:
When’s the Best Time to Visit Batuan Village?
Short answer: Avoid the rainy season if you can (November–March), unless you love getting caught in 15-minute flash floods every afternoon. The art galleries and temples are still open, but wandering through the village in ankle-deep water kinda kills the mood.
Dry season (April to October) is your best bet. I usually aim for early morning or late afternoon. Why? Less heat, fewer crowds, and better lighting if you’re into photography. Plus, locals are more active around these times—you’ll see more of daily life happening.
If you happen to be there during Galungan or Kuningan, two major Balinese Hindu festivals, the village goes all out. Penjor poles line the streets, families wear their best temple clothes, and the energy is electric. Just be respectful—dress modestly, don’t interrupt ceremonies, and maybe skip the selfie stick.
Check also: Kintamani Bali
Should You Stay Overnight in Batuan Village?
Most people don’t. They treat it as a quick day trip from Ubud or Denpasar. But if you’re craving a slower pace and really want to soak in the village vibe, you totally can.
There are a few homestays and guesthouses right in the village. I stayed at Batuan Artist Guesthouse, run by a local family who also happen to be painters. Super basic rooms, but clean, quiet, and breakfast was legit (banana pancakes and strong Bali coffee, yes please).
Staying overnight lets you experience the village without the mid-day tour bus crowds. You’ll hear the morning gamelan rehearsals, smell incense drifting from family temples, and maybe even get invited to a ceremony or dinner if the timing’s right.
Not for everyone, but if you’re like me and prefer slow travel over checking boxes, it’s totally worth it.
Is Batuan Village Worth Visiting? Yeah. And Here’s Who It’s For…
Alright, so Batuan Village isn’t for the club crowd or folks chasing waterfalls and Bintang beers. But if any of this sounds like you:
- You’re into art, but not the commercial kind.
- You want to see real Balinese life, not just the postcard version.
- You’re tired of the Insta-spots and want something less curated.
- You like learning about culture from people who live it, not just read about it.
Then yeah, Batuan should absolutely be on your Bali list.
And honestly? Even if you’re just curious about what Bali looked like before the tourism boom—before the smoothie bowls and infinity pools took over—this village gives you a glimpse. A real one.
So yeah, that’s the lowdown from someone who’s been there more than once and still finds something new each time. And if you ever go, take your time. Walk slow. Ask questions. Smile at people. It makes all the difference.
Visit this village using a Bali private driver service.
