Ubud: Silver & Brass Jewelry Making at Monkey Crossing

The most memorable part of this Ubud activity is that you do not just buy a souvenir. You make a sentimental piece of jewelry yourself, guided through the process by a master smith in a clean, air-conditioned studio directly opposite Monkey Forest. Outside, macaques provide the local soundtrack. Inside, you work with metal and tools.

I like the small group of seven or fewer, since jewelry work is much easier when you can ask for help. I also like the flexible daily hours, which make a late-night session possible after a day of temples, rice fields, or shopping. The main consideration is simple: stones are not available at this branch, and extra silver or brass costs more after the class.

Key points to know

• Make a personal keepsake: Shape your own silver or brass jewelry instead of choosing a finished shop item.
• Work opposite Monkey Forest: The bright yellow studio sits at Monkey Crossing, at the bottom of the hill and on the corner.
• Stay cool while you craft: The modern, air-conditioned room is a welcome break from Ubud’s heat.
• Choose a time that fits: Sessions run daily from 11:30am to 9pm, including evening classes.
• Expect close instruction: The price includes 1.5 hours of time with a master smith, within a two-hour activity.
• Plan for extras: The base includes 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, with additional material charged at 65k per gram.

Making jewelry beside Monkey Forest

This class has an appealing Ubud setting. You meet at Monkey Crossing, directly opposite the Monkey Forest, at the bottom of the hill on the corner. Look for the bright yellow window frame. It is a useful landmark in an area where shops, cafés, and traffic can make addresses harder to spot.

The location gives the experience a distinctly Balinese edge without turning the class into a staged cultural show. You are working indoors at a modern jewelry bench, but the famous macaques are close by across the road. You may hear or see the activity around Monkey Forest, which adds some fun to the setting.

Do keep the monkey connection in perspective. The class is about making jewelry, not feeding, touching, or handling macaques. The animals are part of the surroundings, not part of the instruction. That is a good arrangement, since monkeys are entertaining from a safe distance and less charming when they are after your belongings.

The studio itself is air-conditioned, clean, and designed for practical work. That matters in Ubud. Metalwork requires concentration, and you will be more comfortable shaping a small piece in a cool room than at an open-air table under the midday sun.

A two-hour class with room for your own idea

The session lasts two hours, with 1.5 hours of direct time with the master smith. You begin by meeting your instructor and deciding what you want to make. You are welcome to bring your own designs or ideas, so a simple sketch, a photo, or a clear concept can help you use the class time well.

The available material is silver or brass. The included amount is 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, or more as arranged. That is enough for a modest piece, but the final size and weight will depend on your design. A slim, simple item is more likely to stay within the included amount than a broad or heavy piece.

You should expect the instructor to guide you through the process rather than simply hand you tools and leave you alone. The strongest appeal of the class is this hands-on support. You get to do the making, but you have someone available to explain the next step and help you correct mistakes.

That balance suits beginners. You do not need to arrive as a jewelry expert, and you do not need to know the technical terms. At the same time, you still have space to make decisions about the shape and style of your piece. The result should feel more personal than a standard souvenir because you had a hand in creating it.

The activity description does not provide a detailed step-by-step tool list, so you should not arrive expecting a fixed sequence of technical demonstrations. The useful preparation is to bring an idea, wear comfortable clothing, and be ready to stand and work with your hands.

Silver or brass: choosing the right material

Silver is the natural choice if you want a lasting keepsake with the look many people associate with handmade jewelry. The class uses 999 fine silver, which is a notably pure silver material. It may be the better pick for a sentimental ring, pendant, or other personal item, though your design must suit the amount of metal included.

Brass gives you a different color and a lower-cost way to enjoy the same creative process. It can work well if you care more about the act of making than about having a silver item. Brass is also a practical choice if you want to keep the base price down and avoid adding much extra material.

The price is $33 per person. That includes the course fee, workshop materials, 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, and 1.5 hours with the master smith. Food, drinks, transport, and hotel pickup are not included.

For an activity that produces a personal object and takes up only two hours, I consider the price reasonable. You are paying for instruction, materials, studio access, and the chance to make something that carries a memory of Ubud. The value drops if you want a large, heavy piece or a complicated design, since extra silver or brass is charged at 65k per gram after the session.

Ask yourself what you want before you arrive. If you want a small handmade keepsake, the included material may be enough. If you already picture a substantial piece, budget for the add-on charge. The studio should make the extra cost clear after the session, but planning ahead will help you avoid a surprise.

Why the small group matters

The class is limited to seven participants. That is one of its best practical features. Jewelry making involves small details, and you will likely need occasional help with shaping, handling, or refining your design.

A seven-person maximum is still a group experience, so you can share the room with other people making their own pieces. It is not a private lesson. But it is small enough to give the instructor a better chance of reaching each participant than a large workshop would.

The guided format is especially useful for first-time makers. You can try the work yourself, then ask for help when you need it. The experience is less about producing a perfect professional item and more about learning enough of the process to create something meaningful.

One practical point: the included instruction is described as 1.5 hours, while the full activity lasts two hours. The remaining time may include settling in, choosing a design, finishing, or other parts of the workshop. Arrive with the expectation of a compact creative session, not a full-day jewelry apprenticeship.

Evening sessions and the Ubud atmosphere

Classes run daily from 11:30am to 9pm. This broad schedule makes the experience easy to fit into a busy Ubud stay. A late morning or afternoon session can break up sightseeing. An evening class gives you another option after daytime activities.

The night sessions are promoted as especially popular because the studio combines jewelry making with music and a relaxed social mood. The setting opposite Monkey Forest adds a little drama after dark, when the area feels different from the daytime street scene.

There is also a mention of getting a cold Bintang next door as part of the atmosphere. At the same time, the studio rules clearly prohibit alcohol and drugs. Treat those as two separate points: you may find drinks nearby, but you should not bring alcohol into the workshop or consume it there. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

I would choose your session based on how you like to travel. Daytime works better if you want to see the studio clearly and keep your evening free. The late session suits you if you enjoy a more social mood and want an activity after dinner, but you should still arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.

What you can and cannot add

This branch does not offer stone settings. Stones are available at the Parallel Universe branch called Parallel Universe only, so you should not book this Monkey Crossing class expecting to set a gem into your piece.

That limitation is important if your design depends on a stone. You can still bring an idea for a plain silver or brass item, but you will need to change the plan if the design requires a setting.

Extra silver or brass is available at 65k per gram. The additional charge is made after the session, which means you can decide during the process if your design needs more material. Still, I recommend asking about the likely weight early in the class. It is easier to make a sensible design choice before the piece takes shape.

You can also bring your own design ideas. Keep them clear and manageable. A simple shape is more realistic for a two-hour workshop than an intricate piece with many parts, especially if this is your first time working with metal.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this class to anyone who prefers making a souvenir to buying one. It is a good fit for couples, friends, solo visitors, and anyone marking a special moment in Bali. The personal element is the point. A handmade piece can carry more meaning than another item picked from a market shelf.

It also suits creative beginners. You do not need advanced skills, and the instructor guides you through the work. If you like practical activities, this is a useful change from sightseeing, with a finished object to take away at the end.

The class may be less suitable if you want a highly polished professional design, a large silver item, or a gemstone setting. It is also not designed for children under five. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for standing and working. Bring water, and arrive 15 minutes early.

The studio is wheelchair accessible, which makes the activity easier to consider for people with mobility needs. Since the class involves standing and hands-on work, you should still check that the format suits your personal comfort.

Booking flexibility and meeting details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Ubud schedule is still shifting.

Transportation is not provided. You will need to make your own way to the Monkey Crossing meeting point, opposite Monkey Forest. Since the location is central and clearly marked by the yellow window frame, this is more of a navigation issue than a complicated transfer, but hotel pickup is not part of the package.

The available instruction languages are English, Malay, Indonesian, and Javanese. That gives you useful flexibility, especially in a small group where clear communication matters.

Smoking is not allowed, and neither are alcohol or drugs. Keep your belongings and your attention on the class, and remember that the macaques outside are wildlife, not part of the workshop.

Is the $33 price good value?

I think the value is strongest when you care about the story behind the souvenir. The $33 covers the activity, materials, a base amount of fine silver or brass, and guided time in a modern studio. You are not just paying for a drink or a short demonstration.

The price is less compelling if you only want cheap jewelry. You can find finished items elsewhere in Ubud, and this class requires your time and attention. The payoff is the making process and the sentimental value of the finished object.

The positive feedback centers on exactly those points. One participant created a sentimental piece and learned how the process works. Another described the experience as something worth recommending, while another found the guidance strong from start to finish. That matches the class design: the best reason to book is personal creation with steady instruction.

Should you book the Monkey Crossing jewelry class?

Book it if you want a hands-on Ubud memory, a small group, and the chance to make silver or brass jewelry under guidance. The air-conditioned studio, flexible hours, central location, and 4-gram material allowance make it easy to fit into your plans.

Before booking, decide if you need a stone setting or a heavy piece. This branch does not offer stones, and extra material costs 65k per gram. If you accept those limits and arrive with a simple idea, the class offers good value and a much more personal souvenir than a quick shopping stop.

FAQ

How long does the jewelry-making activity last?

The full activity lasts two hours. It includes 1.5 hours of time with the master smith.

What time do classes run?

Classes run daily from 11:30am to 9pm. You should check availability for the exact starting times.

Where is the studio located?

The studio is at Monkey Crossing, directly opposite Monkey Forest, at the bottom of the hill on the corner. Look for the bright yellow window frame.

What materials are included?

The course includes all workshop materials and 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, or more as arranged.

Can I make jewelry with a stone?

No. Stone settings are not available at this branch. Stones are available at the Parallel Universe branch only.

How much does extra silver or brass cost?

Extra silver or brass costs 65k per gram. Add-ons are charged after the session.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English, Malay, Indonesian, and Javanese.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. Children under five are not permitted to participate.