Street Shopping In Bali
by Chandrika Ghosh on 17/08/18 at 7:24 am
As unlikely as it may sound, street shopping has now become synonymous with Bali. This popular holiday destination has become home to a plethora of markets, where you can find everything from home decor and jewelery to clothes and souvenirs, all handcrafted by local artists and craftsmen.
Teeming with irresistible goodies, some of these markets also sell island attire like sarongs, hats and lightweight shirts, prepping you for the Bali way of life.
In addition to these, Bali also has markets that sell tropical and fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables and flowers. Besides the ensemble of shopping spots, the bargaining sessions and casual banter with local sellers add to the thrill of Bali’s street shopping experience.
Take a leaf out of our book and visit these street markets in Bali for the best shopping experience.
1. Ubud Art Market, Ubud
Conveniently located in the centre of Ubud, facing the Royal Palace, this widely popular market sells art products, souvenirs and accessories, all handmade and sourced from the surrounding villages of Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan.
This is one of the most visited markets in Bali, because of the unique items on sale here and the overall ambience of the market – exciting, colourful and vibrant! If you’re not much of a shopper, this market is well suited for a leisurely stroll, too, to take in all its chaotic vibes. Put your bargaining skills to test here, as the prices are only as good as you are!
Best For: Silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats, statues, kites and many other handcrafted goods.
How To Get Here: Jalan Raya Ubud main road, opposite the Puri Saren Ubud palace
Timings: 8am to 6pm
2. Kumbasari Art Market, Denpasar
This wholesale market receives most of its handicrafts from the art-producing areas of the island, such as Ubud and the central Bali highlands, but they also have a selection of arts and crafts from some of the on-site artists.
You’ll find anything from souvenirs to Balinese paintings at the 200-odd kiosks that are spread over 4 levels. While the market is open 24 hours, the various stalls have different timings. While the fruit and vegetable vendors appear in the morning, followed by the art stores, the food stalls open later in the evening. Once again, put your bargaining shoes on.
How To Get Here: Located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Central Denpasar, the market is opposite the Badung river, only half an hour away from the resorts in Kuta and Sanur
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Tegallalang handicraft centre, Ubud
Famous for arts and crafts from the district by the same name, Tegallalang handicraft centre possibly has the longest stretch of art shops in the world, a feat not to be undermined at any cost. Home to hundreds of shops selling an eclectic mix of craft and home decor items, this street market scores extra brownie points for the scenic views of the neighbouring rice terrace fields it provides.
A perfect mix of shopping and leisure, this market and its adjoining areas are a breath of fresh air for visitors and inspiration to local artists.
How To Get Here: Continue up north from the eastern end of the Jalan Raya Ubud main road and head to Jalan Raya Tegallalang
Timings: 8am to 10pm
4. Kuta Art Market, Kuta
Is your trip to Bali even complete if you haven’t visited a beachside shopping street? The Kuta Art Market is a relatively small shopping area located near Kuta beach, with the backdrop of waves lapping against the shore.
If you can ignore the hustle bustle of traffic here, this market will turn out to be a treasure trove for all things quirky. Balinese masks, paintings, hippie-style clothing and souvenir pieces like fridge magnets and keychains are some of the most popular items on sale at the Kuta Art Market.
How To Get Here: You’ll find this market where Jalan Bakung Sari and Jalan Kartika Plaza streets meet, adjacent to Kuta Sidewalk
Timings: 8am to 10pm
5. Sukawati Art Market, Sukawati
One of the most popular street markets in Bali, Sukawati Art Market is a great place to shop at if you’re looking to pick up art pieces at a bargain. Standing tall since the 80s, this busy marketplace is a hub for buying a wide array of items both by locals as well as tourists.
Before you give in to the temptation of picking up the first piece you lay your eyes on, it’s a good idea to survey the whole market so you pay the right price. Because of the multitude of options available here, the Sukawati art market is also a great place to pick up souvenirs in bulk to take back home.
How To Get Here: Sukawati Art Market is located along the Jalan Raya Sukawati main road, 20km northeast of Denpasar; 4 km from Batubulan’s performing art centres, and 10 km south of Ubud.
Timings: 8am to 7pm
6. Jalan Pantai Mengiat Shopping Street, Nusa Dua
Located in the upscale neighborhood of Nusa Dua, the Jalan Pantai Mengiat shopping street is a pleasant amalgamation of art shops, small bars and restaurants.
Sourced via BaliThe shops on this street are teeming with not only souvenirs but also reasonably priced jewellery, spa products and island wear, and are a refreshing change from the high-end boutiques and branded stores Nusa Dua is otherwise known for.
How To Get Here: Located on Jalan Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua, in the southern of the island, over 1.5 hours away drive from Ubud, 30 minutes from Kuta, 10-15 mins away from Nusa Dua beach.
Timings: 8am to 10pm
7. The Taman Sari Market, Seminyak
The list of street shopping markets in Bali will remain incomplete without a mention of a traditional fresh/wet market. Although located in the posh Seminyak area, the Taman Sari market offers local fresh tropical fruits and flowers at a bargain and causes a sensory explosion of sorts from all the sights, sounds and smells.
During the day, the market sells necessities like fruits, vegetables, flowers, household items, meat and other groceries and, after sunset, transforms into a local night market flooded with food stalls offering delicious local cuisine like ‘bakso’ meatball soup, grilled chicken satay, and rice porridge.
How To Get Here: Located on Jalan Tangkuban Perahu, it is a 1-hour drive south from Ubud and a 30-minute drive north from Kuta.
Timings: Opens at 5am
8. Guwang Art Market , Gianyar
With a close resemblance to the Sukawati Art Market, its neighbour provides a better shopping experience for those who want to avoid the crowds at the former.
A quintessentially Balinese art market just like its neighbour, the shops here also sell a variety of wooden handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Divided into 3 separate blocks each selling different kinds of products, visit this street market to get a taste of Balinese shopping experience, minus the crowd.
How To Get Here: Located in Gianyar, 40 minutes south from Ubud central and 5-10 minutes from Bali Zoo.
Timings: 8am to 5pm
9. Merta Nadi Art Market, Legian
Located on Jalan Melasti which is known to be pedestrian-friendly, this market is well-suited for a relaxed stroll while you browse through the wide range of items. Like any other Bali street market, the variety of goods from household decor to apparel to souvenirs will leave you spoilt for choice.
The dozens of shops and stalls are accompanied by restaurants and cafes where you take refreshing breaks between your little shopping sprees. While visiting this traditional Balinese street market, don’t get bullied by the overly eager sellers – haggle your way around to get the right price.
How To Get Here: Located on Jalan Melasti in Legian, it is a 1-hour drive south of Ubud and walking distance from Kuta beach.
Timings: 9am to 9pm
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