Ubud: Incense Making Workshop. Create Incense From Scratch!

If you’ve ever wandered through Ubud’s markets, you’ve likely encountered the calming scent of burning incense—an essential part of Balinese Hindu rituals and daily life. This incense making workshop offers a unique chance to go beyond just smelling the aroma and actually create your own from scratch. While it’s a short, two-hour session, the personal touch and cultural insights make it a memorable and surprisingly enriching activity.

What’s especially appealing? You get to choose your own fragrant powders, add essential oils for a personalized scent, and craft your incense sticks and cones. Plus, you take home a DIY incense kit, complete with instructions and your handcrafted creations. The workshop also includes a ceramic incense burner—an elegant souvenir—and deepens your understanding of how incense shapes Balinese spiritual practices.

One possible consideration? The experience is quite intimate, with a maximum of six travelers, so it’s not suited for large groups or those seeking a bustling, lively atmosphere. However, this small-group setting ensures personalized guidance, which reviewers highly value. If you appreciate cultural craftsmanship, enjoy DIY projects, or simply want a meaningful souvenir, this workshop is a fantastic choice.

This session is perfect for travelers looking for a hands-on, cultural activity that combines learning with creativity. It appeals to those interested in Bali’s spiritual traditions, aromatic arts, or just seeking a relaxing, meaningful experience during their stay.

Key Points

• Authentic Crafting Experience: Create your own incense sticks and cones from scratch with expert guidance.
• Cultural Insights: Learn how incense is woven into Balinese Hindu rituals and its global history.
• Personalized Scents: Choose your aromatic powders and add essential oils to craft a unique fragrance.
• Take-Home Souvenir: Receive a DIY incense kit, instructions, and optionally, a ceramic burner.
• Small Group: Limited to six travelers, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
• Affordable Value: At just over $20, the workshop offers hands-on learning and memorable keepsakes.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Timing

The workshop begins at the Paint & Sip Bali Art Workshop Studio in Ubud, located at Jl. Bisma No.85. Starting at 1:00 pm, the session lasts approximately two hours, ending back at the same spot. The convenient location in Ubud makes it easy for most travelers to access, whether you’re staying in town or nearby.

What You Do During the Workshop

The process kicks off with an introduction to the world of incense—from its ancient origins to its significance in Balinese Hindu culture. The guide will walk you through the formula for making incense, highlighting how different aromatic powders and essential oils are combined. This sets a meaningful context for the craft, so you’re not just making incense but understanding its cultural roots.

Next, you’ll get hands-on with customizing your scent. You’ll select from various aromatic powders—an eclectic mix that might include traditional and more exotic scents—and learn how to blend them for the perfect aroma. This part is particularly fun, as you experiment with different combinations, guided by the instructor’s tips.

Once your blend is ready, you’ll master the art of hand-rolling your own incense sticks—a skill that’s been passed down through generations. For those interested, there’s also an option to craft incense cones, adding variety to your creations. The process is straightforward but engaging, showing you the skill involved in this sacred craft.

The Ceramics and Additional Options

An optional but delightful part of the workshop is painting a ceramic incense burner. For an extra 15,000 IDR, you can personalize a beautiful piece that will hold your handmade incense. Many reviewers mention how charming and decorative their burners turned out, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to the experience.

Taking Home Your Creations

By the end, you’ll have your own handmade incense sticks—each with an burn time of over an hour, so you can enjoy your custom scent for quite a while. The DIY incense kit enables you to replicate the process at home, plus the included instructions make it easy to continue your aromatic journey. If you opted for the ceramic burner, you’ll also leave with a personalized piece of Balinese ceramics.

What Past Travelers Say

The glowing reviews highlight the high value of this experience. Jennifer, one of the reviewers, called it “terrific,” noting the staff was “very informative and helpful,” and that “definitely 2 hours well spent.” The personalized guidance and the ability to craft incense from scratch were clearly appreciated. Many also enjoyed the stunning views around their creations, emphasizing how calming and inspiring the environment was.

Why You Should Consider This Workshop

The Value of Hands-On Learning

At a cost of just over $20, this workshop offers excellent value for a personalized, cultural activity. You’re not just observing; you’re actively engaging in a craft that’s deeply rooted in Balinese traditions. The fact that you get a DIY incense kit and a ceramic burner as souvenirs enhances the value further, providing tangible keepsakes.

Cultural Appreciation and Relaxation

This experience offers insight into Balinese Hindu culture through the lens of a daily ritual—incense burning. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative activity that allows you to connect with the spiritual side of Bali in a relaxed setting. Many travelers find it a meaningful addition to their cultural itinerary, especially those interested in traditional arts and spirituality.

Personalization and Creativity

The opportunity to customize your scent and paint your burner appeals to creative travelers. Many reviewers enjoyed experimenting with different aromatic powders and essential oils, turning what could be a simple craft into an artistic expression.

Small Group Atmosphere

With a maximum of six participants, the workshop maintains an intimate vibe. This allows for personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one guidance, making sure beginners or those unfamiliar with incense-making feel comfortable and supported.

Accessibility and Convenience

Located in Ubud, the workshop is easy to reach from most accommodations. Its afternoon schedule suits travelers looking to fit a cultural activity into their day without rushing. The mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for travelers seeking a hands-on cultural activity that’s both relaxing and educational. It suits those interested in traditional crafts, aromatherapy, or spiritual practices. It’s also perfect for anyone wanting a unique Bali souvenir that’s crafted with care and cultural significance. If you enjoy DIY activities, creative expression, or simply want a calm, meaningful experience, this class will resonate with you.

Summary

In the end, this Incense Making Workshop in Ubud offers a perfect blend of cultural insight, creative fun, and meaningful keepsakes—all for a reasonable price. The small-group setting, expert guidance, and emphasis on learning make it stand out as a memorable activity that moves beyond the typical tourist fare. Whether you’re a craft lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful activity, this workshop delivers a satisfying and authentic experience.

FAQs

Is this workshop suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the workshop is designed to be accessible, with clear instructions. It’s suitable for most travelers, including beginners, especially given the small group size and personal guidance.

How long does the incense burn?
Each of your handcrafted incense sticks will burn for over an hour, making them nice for use at home or during meditation.

Can I choose my scents?
Absolutely. You select from a variety of aromatic powders and add essential oils to customize your fragrance.

What’s included in the take-home kit?
You’ll receive your handmade incense sticks, DIY instructions, and if you opt for it, a personalized ceramic incense burner.

How much does painting the ceramic burner cost?
Adding this option costs 15,000 IDR and allows you to personalize a beautiful ceramic piece.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, a maximum of six travelers ensures a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute changes.

What language is the workshop conducted in?
While not explicitly stated, it’s likely held in English, given the international nature of the tour.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point at Jl. Bisma No.85 is centrally located in Ubud, accessible by taxi or scooter.

Will I learn about the cultural significance of incense in Bali?
Yes, the instructor will explain how incense is shaped and used in Balinese Hindu rituals, adding depth to your craft.

To sum it up, this Ubud incense workshop provides a wonderful mix of cultural learning, creative expression, and tangible souvenirs—all in a cozy, small-group setting. It’s suited for curious travelers, craft lovers, and those seeking a peaceful, meaningful activity during their Bali adventure. The chance to make your own incense and get a deeper understanding of its role in Balinese tradition makes this experience genuinely worthwhile.