Ubud: Silver & Brass Jewelry Making at Monkey Crossing

Monkeys and metalwork in Ubud is a fun combo. You’ll sit in a modern, air-conditioned silver and brass studio right across from Monkey Forest, make something wearable, and keep the night vibe going with music and cold drinks. I especially like the practical feel: you’re taught step-by-step, not just handed a tool and told to figure it out.

The best part for me is the hands-on structure, including 1.5 hours with the Master Smith and a small group cap of up to 7 people. The one thing to think about first: this branch does not offer stone settings, so if you want gem-in-a-setting styles, you’ll need a different option.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Across from Monkey Forest: you’re right at Monkey Crossing, so the macaque neighborhood is part of the atmosphere
• 2 hours, small group: limited to 7 participants for more attention while you work
• Materials included: you get 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, or more
• Master Smith time: 1.5 hours focused instruction to help you actually finish your piece
• No stone settings here: stones aren’t available at this branch, so plan for designs without gem settings

Ubud Silver & Brass at Monkey Crossing: The Setting and Vibe

Ubud has a way of mixing the spiritual with the practical, and this workshop leans into the practical while still keeping things playful. The location is at Monkey Crossing, right opposite Monkey Forest, at the bottom of the hill near a bright yellow window frame. Even if you’ve seen monkey forests before, the energy around Monkey Crossing is different because it feels like you’re in a working neighborhood, not a sealed-off tourist set.

What I like about the setting is that it keeps things comfortable. The workshop is in a modern, air-conditioned studio, which matters in Bali when the day heat can drain your patience. You can focus on your jewelry instead of fighting the sweat.

There’s also a fun nightlife angle. “Silver making night sessions” are described as especially popular, and it makes sense: you’ll be finishing something tangible while the area feels lively. The class also pairs with music and cold drinks, and you can grab a cold Bintang next door if you’re in the mood to keep the energy up.

What You’ll Make in 2 Hours: Silver or Brass Jewelry

You’re not paying for watching someone else work. You’re making your own silver or brass jewelry during the class, using included materials and guided instruction. The included metal portion is 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, or more, which is a big part of the value for a short, hands-on session.

This is ideal if you want a wearable souvenir with a story. People often come to workshops like this to create a sentimental piece, like a gift or a keepsake tied to a moment in Bali. With a class format that walks you through the process, it’s realistic to end with something you’ll actually want to wear or give.

One practical note: this branch doesn’t offer stone settings. Stones aren’t available here, so your design choices should fit that reality. If you’re dreaming of rings or pendants with gem settings, you’ll likely need a studio option that offers stones and settings.

Inside the Air-Conditioned Studio: How the Class Actually Works

The flow is built for first-timers. You meet your instructor, get set up, and then you start making your piece with guidance throughout. The instruction team includes speakers in English, Malay, Indonesian, and Javanese, so you should be able to follow clearly even if your Indonesian is basic.

Your time is designed around real crafting, not just an introduction. The schedule includes:

• Meeting and getting ready to work
• A hands-on jewelry-making session in the studio
• 1.5 hours spent with the Master Smith (the part most people are really there for)
• Time to finish your own silver or brass piece during the overall 2-hour window

The workshop also provides the feel of a modern setup. Think clean workspace, a controlled indoor environment, and a studio approach rather than a messy, industrial workshop vibe. That’s a big deal for comfort and focus.

They also build in atmosphere. You can sip an ice-cold drink while you craft, and the class vibe is described as good vibes with music. That sounds like marketing until you realize how much it helps you stick with the steps long enough to finish.

Master Smith Time: The Part That Makes the Class Worth It

The standout value is the instruction depth. You get 1.5 hours with the Master Smith, which means you’re not left alone at the bench after a brief demo. For your end result, that matters more than flashy branding.

In a short class, the margin for error is small. Metalworking involves timing and technique, and having a skilled instructor nearby is what turns a project from almost-done into finished jewelry. You should expect the teaching to be practical: you’re learning the steps you need to create your own piece and keep progress moving.

This is also where your choices start to matter. They encourage you to bring your own designs or ideas, which is a great way to personalize your work. If you want something simple and meaningful, you’re in the right place. If you show up with a vague concept, you might still do fine, but being clear about your goal helps you get what you want inside the 2-hour limit.

Monkey Forest Nearby: The “Playful Macaques” Factor

This class is built around a location that’s right by Monkey Forest. That means the monkeys are part of the surrounding scene, and the workshop leans into that reality. You’ll get the “Monkey Crossing” experience as you’re crafting—more like a lively neighborhood moment than a distant sightseeing detour.

Do keep one expectation in check: your focus should still be on your jewelry. The macaques are an added atmosphere, not a guaranteed show. If you’re going for the class experience (and not monkey-watching), you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Also plan for basic practical behavior. The area is a known macaque zone, so keep loose items secured and follow staff guidance if they give any. It’s smart, and it helps you stay in a good mood rather than dealing with distractions.

Price and Add-Ons: Is $33 Good Value?

At $33 per person for a 2-hour class, this is one of those activities that’s more valuable than it looks on the surface. Here’s why: your price includes the materials and a meaningful metal quantity.

What’s included in the base fee:

• All materials used during the workshop
• 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass, or more
• 1.5 hours with the Master Smith

That metal content is the key. In jewelry, material cost isn’t trivial, and the included grams help you walk away with something that’s not just decorative practice.

Add-ons are available. Extra silver or brass is charged at 65k/gram, and those add-ons are charged after the session. This is useful if you love your design and want to add more metal or thickness, but it also means you should go in with a quick mental budget. If you’re trying to keep costs controlled, decide what “done” means for you before the add-ons conversation.

Best Time to Go: Day Sessions vs Night Vibes

Sessions run daily from 11:30am to 9pm, and the timing is flexible based on availability. If you’re choosing between day and night, here’s how I’d think about it.

Go earlier if:

• You want cooler, drier feeling conditions around Ubud
• You’d rather pair the class with daytime sightseeing

Go later if:

• You’re looking for the “silver making night session” vibe
• You want your jewelry-making to feel like a relaxed evening activity

Either way, the workshop is air-conditioned, so heat inside won’t be a major problem. The bigger difference is the surrounding energy outside the studio.

Who This Workshop Suits (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a hands-on Bali activity with a real end product
• Prefer small-group instruction (max 7 participants)
• Like the idea of making a gift or keepsake with your own hands
• Speak one of the supported languages: English, Malay, Indonesian, or Javanese

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want stone settings. This branch doesn’t provide stones.
• You’re traveling with young kids. It’s not suitable for children under 5 years.
• You want hotel pickup. Pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need your own way to get there.

It’s also worth noting it’s wheelchair accessible, which helps if you need step-free access. You should still plan on a bit of walking to reach the Monkey Crossing meeting point at the bottom of the hill.

Quick Tips to Show Up Ready (So You Enjoy the Process)

You’ll enjoy this more if you arrive set up to work, not just to watch. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing)
• Water
• Comfortable clothes suitable for jewelry work

They ask you to arrive 15 minutes early so you can settle in. That early buffer matters when you’re learning a new process—time to get oriented, pick your starting idea, and relax before metalworking begins.

If you have your own design or idea, bring it. Even rough sketches or a photo reference can help you communicate what you want. The clearer your goal, the easier it is to finish well within the 2-hour class.

And keep it simple on arrival rules: smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. If you want a drink, stick to the cold drink vibe mentioned for the class, plus the option of a cold Bintang nearby.

Should You Book Monkey Crossing Jewelry Making in Ubud?

Book it if you want a short, guided jewelry class that ends with something you made yourself, and you value a modern setup with strong instruction. At $33, with materials included and 999 fine silver/brass plus Master Smith time, it’s good value for a meaningful souvenir.

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if stone settings are non-negotiable for your dream design, because stones aren’t available at this branch. Also plan your transport in advance since hotel pickup isn’t part of the deal.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes learning a practical craft, even for a couple hours, this is one of the better “do something, not just see it” activities in Ubud.

FAQ

How long is the Monkey Crossing silver and brass jewelry class?

The class lasts 2 hours.

What does the $33 per person price include?

The course fee includes all materials used during the workshop, 4 grams of 999 fine silver or brass (or more), and 1.5 hours with the Master Smith.

Can I make silver or brass?

Yes. You can make jewelry using either 999 fine silver or brass.

Are stone settings included?

No. No stone settings are available at this branch, and stones are not available.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 7 participants.

What are the operating hours?

Sessions run daily from 11:30am to 9pm, depending on availability.

Where do I meet the workshop team?

Meet at Monkey Crossing, right opposite Monkey Forest, at the bottom of the hill on the corner with a bright yellow window frame.

Do they offer pickup from hotels?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for standing, and bring water.

What languages are the instructors able to teach in?

The instructor can teach in English, Malay, Indonesian, and Javanese.