Bali: Ubud Farm Cooking Class & Market Tour with Pickup

Summary

Hands-on Balinese cooking in Ubud’s green countryside

You’ll wander through Ubud’s local market tasting fruits you’ve never heard of, pick herbs straight from Pemulan’s organic farm garden, then cook six Balinese dishes in an open-air kitchen with friendly guides showing every step. Share lunch with new friends under the trees—and maybe leave with coconut-scented fingers and a smile you can’t shake.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a tiny wedge of snake fruit at the Ubud market, and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to eat it right away or just admire the scaly skin. Our guide Wayan grins and nods, so I bite in—tangy, sweet, a little crunchy. The morning air smells like incense and fried snacks. We wander past piles of chilies and baskets of lime leaves, Wayan pointing out things I’ve only ever seen on menus. I try to say “terima kasih” but probably mess it up; the old woman selling turmeric just laughs and pats my arm.

The drive out to the farm is all rice fields and scooters weaving around stray dogs. It’s quieter than Ubud—just birds and someone chopping wood somewhere nearby. At Pemulan’s organic garden, we pick handfuls of basil that leave my fingers smelling sharp and green. There’s a rooster crowing (loudly) while we learn how to tell galangal from ginger by smell alone. My partner gets distracted by a butterfly landing on her sandal; honestly, same.

Cooking happens in an open-air kitchen with sunlight slanting through banana leaves overhead. Wayan shows us how to grind spices on a stone mortar—my arms are useless after two minutes but he just laughs and takes over. We make sayur urab (the coconut is grated fresh), then sate lilit that we shape onto sticks by hand. The sambal matah sauce is so spicy my nose runs but it’s weirdly addictive. Lunch is everyone sitting together at a long wooden table, eating what we made—somehow everything tastes brighter here than back home.

We leave with recipes tucked into our bags and leftover black rice pudding for later (which I end up eating before we even get back to Ubud). I still think about that first bite of tempeh with palm sugar sauce—sticky, sweet-sour, nothing like what I’d had before. If you’re looking for a day trip from Ubud that feels real and actually lets you get your hands dirty, this Bali cooking class is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balinese farm cooking class experience

• Pickup at Ubud central meeting point
• Visit local market and sample fruits
• Visit organic farm and pick ingredients
• Explore garden and learn about spices
• Cook six authentic Balinese dishes
• Enjoy meal together
• Take home recipes and leftovers

Top questions

What dishes do you cook in this Bali farm cooking class?

You’ll prepare six dishes: sayur urab (vegetables with coconut), sweet sour tempeh, opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), sate lilit (Balinese satay), ayam sambal matah (chicken with Balinese chili sauce), and black rice pudding.

Is pickup included for the Ubud cooking class?

Yes, free pickup is included from a central meeting point in Ubud for all morning, afternoon, or evening classes.

Do you visit a local market during this Bali cooking class?

Yes, morning classes include a guided visit to the local market where you can sample fruits and learn about Balinese ingredients.

Can vegetarians join this Balinese cooking class?

The menu includes both vegetable-based dishes like sayur urab and sweet sour tempeh; check directly for full vegetarian options.

How long does the Bali farm cooking class last?

The experience lasts several hours including market visit, farm tour, cooking session, and shared lunch; exact times depend on your chosen slot.

Are recipes provided after the cooking class?

Yes, you’ll receive printed recipes to take home along with any leftovers from the meal you cooked.

Is this suitable for children or families?

Infants can attend in strollers or on laps; families are welcome though some activities may require adult help.

Where is the Pemulan Bali farm located?

The organic farm is outside central Ubud in rural Bali countryside; transport is provided from town as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup from central Ubud, all ingredients fresh from Pemulan’s organic farm garden, guidance from friendly local chefs throughout the hands-on cooking session, coffee or tea during your meal under the trees—and printed recipes plus leftovers to bring home at the end.