Bali offers many interesting tourist destinations that combine the beauty of nature, art, and local culture. This place is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience an authentic vacation. The name of this place is Batubulan. It is a picturesque tourism village that showcases various captivating cultural aspects.

One of the well-known features of this tourist village is its art and culture, particularly its world-famous stone carving art. In addition, the village also offers various stunning traditional Balinese cultural performances.

In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics and attractions of Batubulan, as well as a brief history of this tourism village.

The History of Batubulan

In the beginning, Batubulan was a wilderness area located in the eastern part of the Badung Kingdom. In the 17th century, the kingdom was led by I Gusti Ngurah Jambe Pule. The king had an adopted son named Dewa Agung Kalesan.

When Dewa Agung Kalesan came of age, the King of Badung, out of his kindness, granted him the eastern region of his kingdom as a place to live. Dewa Agung Kalesan, along with hundreds of followers, set off for the region, which at that time was still a dense forest.

During his journey, Dewa Agung Kalesan discovered a stone that emitted light like the glow of the moon. Because of this discovery, he named the area “Batubulan” (Moonstone).

To this day, the glowing stone found by Dewa Agung Kalesan is kept at Merajan Agung Batubulan. Dewa Agung Kalesan and his followers eventually settled in the area and ruled Batubulan, even expanding his territory to Batuyang and Batuaji, east of Batubulan.

Where is This Village Located?

Batubulan Village is situated in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. Covering an area of approximately 6.422 square kilometers, it consists of three traditional villages: Tegaltamu, Jero Kuta, and Dlod Tukad.

The village is located about 11 kilometers from Denpasar city center, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. From Ngurah Rai International Airport, the distance is about 25 kilometers, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes via the Bali Mandara toll road, or around 1 hour and 30 minutes without taking the toll.

The Main Attractions of Batubulan

This place offers several attractions that make it one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Rich in culture, it is an ideal place to visit if you enjoy art and cultural experiences. Here are some of the main attractions in Batubulan:

1. Stone Carving Art

The first is its stone carving art. The stone carvings here are local crafts that have gained global recognition. These carvings serve as unique decorations for resorts in Bali and are primarily used to adorn temples across the island. Visitors to Batubulan can witness the beauty and uniqueness of these stone carvings. Even more impressive, you can observe the intricate process of creating these beautiful stone carvings. The carvings often depict gods and mythological creatures from Balinese culture.

2. Batubulan Dances

The Barong Dance is one of the most famous art performances from Batubulan. This dance tells the story of the battle between good (Barong) and evil (Rangda), symbolizing the balance of life. The Barong Dance not only carries cultural significance but also holds deep spiritual value for the Balinese people.

In addition to the Barong Dance, performances are often accompanied by the Keris Dance, where the dancers enter a trance-like state as they pierce themselves with keris (traditional Balinese daggers) without injury. This mesmerizing performance captivates tourists and can be seen every morning at several performance stages in Batubulan, such as at Pura Puseh Batubulan.

3. Mask Art

Batubulan is also famous for its mask art. The masks made in this village are not only used in art performances but also in traditional and religious ceremonies. Balinese mask art portrays various characters from mythology, including gods, kings, and giants.

Tourists can visit mask galleries in Batubulan, where they can view and even purchase different types of traditional Balinese masks. Many of these masks are used in Topeng Dance (Mask Dance) performances, which depict classic Balinese stories.

Read also: Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure – Interesting Facts You Need to Know

Shopping and Handicrafts

Batubulan Village not only offers stunning art and cultural performances but is also a paradise for lovers of traditional Balinese handicrafts. Batubulan is renowned as a center for stone carving art production, and the village offers a wide range of options for tourists looking to bring home Balinese artwork as souvenirs or home decorations.

In addition to stone carving art, Batubulan also features a variety of other attractive handicrafts. Visitors can find galleries selling Balinese masks, paintings, textiles, and various other art items. The Balinese masks sold here are not only used in traditional ceremonies but have also become popular decorative items.

Many galleries in Batubulan offer diverse and unique works, allowing tourists to select art pieces that suit their taste. These galleries are often operated by artisan families, giving each piece a personal touch that adds to its value.

For tourists looking to bring home a memorable souvenir from Batubulan, small stone statues, Balinese masks, or stone-carved decorations are great options. Besides being keepsakes, these items are often used as interior decorations. The stone carvings and Balinese masks sold in Batubulan are known for their intricate detail and high quality, making them special souvenirs.

Batubulan is indeed a fascinating area that offers a distinct charm to tourists visiting Bali. As a place with a unique culture, Batubulan represents one of the true faces of the island of Bali.

Touring the Villages of Bali with an ATV Adventure

If you enjoy the culture of Bali, you can tour the Balinese countryside with an off-road vehicle like an ATV. Ubud Quad Biking will take you on an extraordinary adventure.

We will take you through the scenic Balinese villages, passing lush rice fields and green plantations. The heart of this off-road ATV adventure is the rugged journey that will take you into the dense jungle, where you can witness its unique beauty.

We’ll guide you to the most exciting trails, providing a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. For full details, visit the main page of the Ubud Quad Biking website and choose the most thrilling tour package on the island of Bali.