Cultural Skills ‘Library’ In Bali Perfect Day Trip For Families

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Traveling with young children is often said to be one of the most exciting things a family can do, but it can also be one of the most stressful.

It can be difficult to find child-friendly activities while on vacation abroad, but thankfully, Bali is one of the world’s best family-friendly destinations.

With activities that will keep little ones learning, inspired, and connected to the culture, grown-ups can rest assured that the vacation is creating positive lifelong memories for everyone. 

There are plenty of family-friendly and educational activities for young children in Bali. In fact, there is one very special cultural library located in central Ubud, hidden in plain sight, that tourists must explore this festive season. 

Pondok Pekak was founded in 1992 by Laurie Billington & Made Sumendra. Co-founder Laurie Billington is a lover of literature and was shocked to find out that Bali’s arts and cultural capital of Ubud did not have a single library during one of her early visits, so she decided to make one.

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The founders said, “Pondok Pekak not only promotes literature but also focuses on the preservation of Balinese Arts & Culture by offering lessons for various crafts of Balinese art taught by local master artisans.”

Art classes are not only super affordable but incredibly engaging and open to children and adults who want to join in the fun.

Classes include learning the Balinese Gamelan, Balinese dance, wood carving, silver jewelry making, and fruit carving. Classes on Balinese painting and Balinese ceremonial offerings are also available. 

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During the gamelan class, which lasts an hour can be booked as a group workshop for IDR 100,000 per person or as a private class for IDR 200,000. Guided by Pak Nyoman, attendees learn the basis skills needed to play Bali’s classical orchestra instruments, from the gangsa to the bamboo rindik. 

Ibu Ketut runs the Balinese dance class, again offered at IDR 100,00 as part of a workshop and IDR 200,000 for private classes.

Having been dancing since she was just 9 years old, Ibu Ketut has an intimate knowledge of Balinese dance, and her enthusiasm for the craft shines through. 

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Wood carving sessions, lasting a highly focused 3-hours costs IDR 175,000 as a workshop and IDR 350,000 in a private class.

With over 20 year experience, Pak Nyoman Setiawan is considered a master artisan and has been working with some of Bali’s most highly regarded sculptures since he was a child.

During the class attendees have free reign to create whatever they find inspiring and Pak Nyoman will be on hand to guide and support. 

One of the most in-demand activities in Bali over the last few years has been silver making, which is also on offer at Pondok Pekak.

In the 3-hour class, guests work with local silversmiths to make a necklace pendant or a ring of their own design. Silversmithing classes are a fantastic way to create a meaningful memento to take home with you from a vacation in Bali.

Pondok Pekak is open every day from 9 am until 5 pm, and classes and workshops should be booked in advance either via the website or via WhatsApp.

During December and through to mid-March, it’s always good to have a few rainy-day activities ready on the Bali vacation itinerary.

Though many of Bali’s most famous attractions and cultural landmarks can be enjoyed come rain or shine, sometimes the rain just keeps falling, and it’s best to stay inside until the clouds have rolled on.

Ubud is perfect for rainy days in the monsoon season; not only are there heaps of cultural centers like Pondok Pekak to explore by drop-in yoga, breathwork, and meditation classes to enjoy and, of course, an incredible selection of coffee shops, cafes, and tea houses to snuggle up in with a good book or simply to chat with like-minded travelers and arrange tomorrow’s big adventures across the island.