A melange of customs, traditions, colours, and of course locales is what makes this island interesting and unique for a traveller. Bali is inviting and enticing and you’re sure to want to bring a piece of it back with you.
And if that’s the case, hop across to one of their mesmerising street markets. The proud locals don’t shy away from sharing their unique creations, inspired by the world around them with you and me. Pick from their range of beach inspired clothing with loud batik prints, or explore the handcrafted range of home decor products and jewellery or simply enjoy some casual banter with a local seller.
To help your shopping experience be seamless, here’s a guide to some of the best street shops to look up here:
1. Ubud Art Market, Ubud
Conveniently located in the city centre, facing the Royal Palace is Ubud’s very own art market. An absolute must visit, walk through its narrow lanes hemmed with colourful stores selling everything from handcrafted masks, pieces of art, and even local produce. While you consider your pick, definitely check out the famous Ubud Bag – a fat round sling made from reeds – this one’s a real showstopper and eco friendly too.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Kumbasari Art Market, Denpasar
Love to buy travel souvenirs for everyone you know? Then this 4-storeyed wholesale wonderland of Denpasar – Kumbasari Market is sure your calling. With floors dedicated to food, clothes, and handicrafts, wandering here is a delightful experience – and we don’t say that only because it’s cheaper on the pocket!
Stroll through hundreds of stalls, and explore the market’s collection of ornate silver crafts, dreamcatchers, art paintings, and even I-heart-Bali T-shirts! If you fancy some Ikkat (a Balinese style of weaving and dyeing on fabric), then this is a good place to pick them up. The fabric is found in abundance here.
Timings: While the market is open 24 hours, the various stalls have different timings. We recommend going here after 10 a.m. as all the stalls will be open by then.
3. Tegallalang handicraft centre, Ubud
Sitting close to Ubud’s local beauty of Tegalalang Rice fields, is its namesake market. Handicrafts sold here are made in the quaint village of Pakudui, which is a stone’s throw away. Home to a long stretch of shops selling an eclectic mix of craft and home decor items, this street market scores brownie points for the scenic views. A perfect mix of shopping and leisure, stroll through the stalls as you soak in the beauty of majestic hills enveloped by rice paddies.
Pick some local fancies like the conical hats woven from coconut leaves or colorful traditional jewellery strung together with shells, beads, wood, and mother-of-pearl. If you’re in the mood for some home decor, then the wooden carvings of mythical Balinese creatures is also a great pick. Among those too, the one of Garuda – the legendary mount of Lord Vishnu – is the most famous.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
4. Kuta Art Market, Kuta
Complete your Bali shopping experience with a visit to a beachside street market.- – The Kuta Art Market. – a tiny shopping complex, this market sits amidst the chaos of everyday city life, lining the shore of Kuta Beach. From Balinese masks and hippie clothing to fridge magnets, this market is filled with all stuff quirky that’s sure to leave you content.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Sukawati Art Market, Sukawati
If you’re in the mood to pick some art, then head to the Sukawati Art Market. Standing tall since the 80s, this market offers a large variety of art pieces at great bargain rates. Besides art, you’ll also find clothes (colourful sarongs) and souvenirs (aromatic jelly candles) in abundance here!
Good to Know: Before you give in to the temptation of picking up the first piece you lay your eyes on, survey the whole market so you pay the right price.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
6. Jalan Pantai Mengiat Shopping Street, Nusa Dua
A refreshing change from the high-end boutiques and branded stores of upscale Nusa Dua, Jalan Pantai Mengiat village market is a pleasant amalgamation of art shops, small bars, and restaurants. Soak in the sweet aroma from the spa products as you sift through reasonably priced souvenirs and clothes. Oh, and while you shop, don’t forget to eat at a ‘warung’ (food stall). They are famed for their fingerlicking Balinese eats.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Merta Nadi Art Market, Legian
From ornamented fans to knock-off brands of sunglasses, Mertanadi Art Market is sure to indulge every shopping whim of yours. The many stores here are accompanied by restaurants and cafes, which are ideal pit stops in between all the shopping. Merta Nadi is sure to spoil you for choice with its traditional Ikat and Batik and clothes on sale.
But the must-pick up item here is ‘wayang’ (shadow puppets). Propped on bamboo sticks, these are mythological figures used in the ancient Indonesian art of shadow puppetry. Look for the majestic familiar characters from Ramayana and Mahabharata – you’re bound to find plenty. A piece born from a blend of Indian and Indonesian cultures, you can select a grand one to adorn your home.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bali’s street markets are an enchanting plethora of sights and sounds with stalls selling a variety of local food, handicrafts, and other trinkets that make for fantastic ‘Oleh-Oleh’ or souvenirs. So what are you waiting for? Hit the markets and scout for a piece of Bali you can take home.
