Mas, Tarukan was declared a ‘Designated Tourist Village’ in 2014 in an effort to preserve its unique history and cultural significance. This put a halt on any large-scale hotel, villa development or any building that would destroy the unique characteristics and style of Balinese village life in Mas. Tourists who want to experience traditional Balinese daily life and culture are now being encouraged to stay in private houses with a range of accommodation options including Angel House.
Mas, one of Bali’s most famous artistic villages has a long and distinguished history of producing superb woodcarvings and is located only 8 km south of central Ubud, easily reached by car, bus or motorbike from all areas in Bali.
The main entrance to the village of Tarukan Mas with its quiet streets, traditional Balinese stone carved doorways and friendly Balinese locals is only a 2 min walk from Angel House. Along the way you can visit world-class wood carving galleries, visit the vibrant traditional food market – Pasar Mas, the Bale Banjar and the famous temple of Pura Taman Pule.
Although Mas is famous worldwide for its woodcarving, many tourists come to Mas Village to participate in cultural activities including Balinese dance classes, woodcarving lessons and to participate in Gamelan. They can participate in Balinese cooking classes; or visit the many beautiful Hindu temples, such as Pura Taman Pule.
Mas also has a wonderful traditional fresh food market, a perfect place to take photographs of the huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Bali along with a fantastic array of fresh spices, flowers and traditional Balinese offerings, ‘Canang Sari’. You will see all over Bali these small handmade offerings of fresh leaves and flowers, with the addition of incense sticks or ‘ Dupa’, placed outside people’s homes, shops and offices.
Mas village has many local eateries and shops for a taste of local Indonesian food. A large percentage of the population in Mas still practices traditional farming techniques and it is easy to walk the quiet streets and watch the farmers tending their rice fields, herding their ducks or caring for the family cow, chicken or pigs as they have done for centuries. A tour guide is not essential as Mas village is well signed posted to guide any tourist who wants to see these sights for themselves.
Mas Village is a fusion of East and West where more than half of the community speak English and many are employed in the tourism industry. You will be very welcome if you come to visit or come and stay in a local Balinese home as part of Banjar Tarukan’s Homestay program.
Credit: Angel House, Ubud
