Ubud: Batik Painting Workshop in Keliki Family Studio

Summary

Learn batik painting from Keliki artists in a family home studio

You’ll step into a Keliki family studio near Ubud and learn batik painting side by side with local artists. Try your hand at wax-resist techniques, enjoy snacks and coffee as you work, and take home your own colorful creation — plus some small stories you’ll remember longer than any souvenir.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we ducked under the little archway into Five Art Studio — it’s tucked right inside a family compound in Keliki, just outside Ubud. There was this faint smell of hot wax and something earthy, maybe the dye or just the rainy air. Our guide, Pak Made, waved us in with a big grin and I instantly felt like I’d wandered into someone’s living room instead of a “studio.” I liked that.

Pak Made showed us the old wooden frames and stretched white cloths — he called them “kain mori” — and explained how batik painting is done with wax and dyes. He made it look so easy when he drew these flowing lines with the canting tool (I totally dripped mine at first). I tried copying his hand movement but my flower looked more like an octopus. He laughed and said, “It’s your own style!” which made me relax. The main keyword here really is batik painting class Ubud — but honestly, it felt less like a class and more like hanging out with friends who happen to be patient artists.

We sipped sweet coffee while waiting for our wax to cool. The colors were so bright — reds and indigos that almost hurt my eyes at first. I kept thinking about how each design means something; Pak Made pointed out which patterns his grandmother used to make for ceremonies. There was a quiet moment where everyone just focused on their work, except for one kid chasing chickens outside (which made me smile). I still think about that silence and the way the finished cloth felt warm from the sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Batik painting workshop in Ubud

• Arrive at Five Art Studio
• Learn traditional batik techniques
• Create your own batik artwork
• Use colorful dyes and hot wax
• Complete batik under artist guidance

Top questions

Is this batik painting class suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome and all steps are guided by local artists.

Where is Five Art Studio located?

It's in Keliki village near Ubud, within a traditional family home compound.

Are materials included in the workshop?

Yes, all materials needed for batik painting are provided.

What does the batik painting process involve?

You’ll use hot wax and colorful dyes to create designs on cloth under guidance.

Is food or drink provided during the class?

Coffee or tea, mineral water, and snacks are included.

Can children or infants join the workshop?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are allowed.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted at the studio.

How physically demanding is this activity?

A high level of physical fitness is recommended for participants.

What’s included

Your day includes all batik materials you’ll need, plus mineral water, coffee or tea, and snacks served right in the family’s open-air studio space. Public transportation options are nearby if you don’t have pickup arranged.