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Discover one of Bali’s oldest cultural treasures with the Balinese Arak Making Experience at the Living Museum, located in the peaceful heritage village of Jungutan, Karangasem.

Highlights

• Learn the full traditional process of Balinese arak distillation
• Discover the cultural, ceremonial, and historical importance of arak in Bali
• Watch the authentic wood-fired distillation using bamboo pipes and clay pots
• Hands-on activities: sap tapping, stirring, and observing fermentation

Description

This immersive experience invites you to step inside the world of traditional Balinese distillation a craft passed down through generations and deeply connected to local rituals, agriculture, and daily life. At the Living Museum, arak making is more than just producing a drink it is a living tradition rooted in the wisdom of Bali’s ancestors. Surrounded by lush hills, bamboo huts, and preserved village architecture, you’ll witness how local farmers transform natural ingredients into Bali’s iconic spirit using completely traditional, eco-friendly methods. Your experience begins with a warm welcome from the museum’s local hosts who will introduce you to the cultural significance of arak, its use in ceremonies, traditional medicine, and community celebrations. You will then walk through the museum’s garden, where locals cultivate coconuts, palm nectar, and other raw materials used in the distillation process. Guided by experienced arak makers, you’ll see every step of the traditional method from collecting tuak (natural tree sap), fermenting it in clay jars, to slowly distilling it over a wood-fired clay furnace using bamboo pipes and coconut shells. You’ll observe how the aroma, color, and strength of the arak change during the process, and learn the careful techniques required to produce a clean and high-quality spirit. This hands-on cultural workshop also allows you to try tapping the sap, stirring the fermented mixture, and observing the distillation fire giving you a true “behind-the-scenes” experience into one of Bali’s most iconic heritage crafts. The session ends with a tasting of traditional arak (optional), or a herbal arak infusion while the host shares stories of Bali’s ancient distillers and their connection to nature and spirituality

Includes

Guided arak-making workshop with local experts All traditional tools, materials, and equipment for demonstration Welcome drink (herbal tea or infused arak) Samsara Living Museum entrance ticket Cultural tour of the museum’s traditional houses, gardens, and activity areas English-speaking local guide Photos allowed throughout the experience Complimentary water

Important Information

• Please arrive 10 minute before activity start

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund