Whether you are an expat living on the island and looking for some super fresh, affordable groceries, or a tourist seeking some culture and sneaky souvenir shopping, the local markets in Bali are a great place to start.
Bustling with locals going about their day to buy groceries for their dinners, you can get in amongst the action to purchase delicious local produce from eggs to meats and veggies.
These are a few of the best local markets in Bali for all different kinds of shopping, but most importantly doing as the locals do.
Local Markets in Bali
Markets, or pasar in Indonesian, play a big role in the everyday life of the local people. Far from merely being places hawking souvenirs or tourist traps, most of Bali’s markets continue to be the backbone of local communities.
Most towns and smaller villages have their own central marketplace. Generally these sell a variety of fresh produce – think vegetables, fruit, meat, spices and everyday household items. These are normally purchased every morning, daily, and cooked the same day for lunch and dinner. The fresher the better!
Visiting a local market in Bali gives you an insight into this still quite traditional way of life. There are also night markets in Bali where you can sample a whole range of street food and snacks.
That being said, markets in Bali are not only for produce and food. You can also find many local crafts, pieces of art and antiques, not to mention textiles, clothing and all manner of ornaments to take home as souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family.
Best Local Markets in Bali
Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud)
Ubud Art Market is known by locals as Pasar Seni Ubud. It is one of the most well-known local markets in Bali that takes place every day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
This is where you can pick up a whole selection of colourful products and crafts that have been handmade in nearby villages such as Payangan, Pengosekan and Tegallalang.
If you want to find things like hand-painted wooden boxes, a whole range of intricate textiles, and baskets woven out of grass, this is your spot. They have some of the most beautiful souvenirs from Bali.
In the morning there are much fewer crowds and you can browse all the wares without being pressured along.
Located here.
Kreneng Market (Pasar Kreneng)
You’ll find this market in the urban sprawl of Denpasar.
Kreneng Market is one of Bali’s night markets, with a big focus on food and busy, bustling atmosphere. Come here hungry and be prepared for crowds!
They’re here (as you are) to eat their way around the stalls, trying snacks and street food as they go. But there’s also a wide choice of clothing, tools and sporting goods – among other things – on sale.
Try your hand at bartering here as you can pick stuff up at a pretty low price.
Located here.
Badung Market (Pasar Badung)
Another of Denpasar’s bustling marketplaces, Badung Market is actually the largest of its kind in the area.
It’s the place to come for all manner of everyday items, from fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables grown in the villages in the central highlands and further afield.
What you’ll see is a new and improved Badung Market. That’s because it was rebuilt and modernised following a fire in 2016.
The new building is spread across multiple floors – upper floors cater to shoppers searching for fabrics, utensils and tools while the lower levels are all about the food.
Located here.
Gianyar Night Market (Pasar Senggol Gianyar)
Gianyar local market in Bali can be found right in the heart of Gianyar – no surprise there.
It’s a night market where foodies can dive right in and see what tasty snacks they can sample. Satay, anyone?
Alongside the plethora of local eats to try out, there’s also non-food items for sale. Clothes, toys and kitchen utensils can also be picked up.
For families, there’s even a children’s play area out the back. It’s not overly touristed, so rock up and see what you can find. Be warned, weekends can be a bit hectic.
Located here.
Sindhu Market (Pasar Sindhu)
Situated in Sanur, Sindhu Market is another of the local markets in Bali dedicated to all things food.
While the night market iteration is fairly well known, there’s also a day market version (known as Pasar Ramah Dan Segar), which sells fresh produce as well as souvenirs.
The night market is a popular place for visitors to sample a variety of local Balinese dishes, like tipat cantok (vegetables with rice cake) and rujak bulung (seaweed salad).
Around 2,000 people come every evening to eat their way around the various stalls. Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Located here.
The Flea Market Bali
Of all Seminyak’s markets, the Flea Market is probably the best for picking up some fashionable, not to mention unique souvenirs.
The sizeable market opens every day at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. It’s organised and there are little cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, too.
You’ll find stalls packed with woven handbags, collections of earrings and other jewellery, as well as toys, ornaments, bottle openers, keyrings… you name it, it’s probably on sale.
Feel free to haggle, as bargaining is the name of the game (prices tend to be inflated). It’s a great spot for some shopping in Seminyak.
Located here.
Baturiti Market
Baturiti Market is a central market in the town of the same name.
It’s an important place for locals to shop for staple, good-quality fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and spices. If you come in the morning, you’ll get an insight into traditional life.
Generally, it’s a good place to be to see traditional life play out. If you want to eat, come later in the day. It’s in the afternoon that food stalls begin opening in Baturiti Market, so you can sample a few local eats too.
Located here.
Kedonganan Fish Market (Pasar Ikan Kedonganan)
If you want to see what a traditional fish market in Bali looks like, then head on over to Kedonganan Fish Market. You’ll find rows upon rows of freshly caught fish and seafood, laid out for customers to peruse.
Expect tubs full of interesting shellfish, piles of seaweed and tanks filled with crustaceans. It’s a fascinating spot.
The market opens at the crack of dawn and kicks into life later in the day. If you want to sample it, head to the seafood restaurant just south of the market (they source their ingredients from the market).
Located here.
Kumbasari Art Market (Pasar Seni Kumbasari)
One of the best local markets in Bali to pick up arts and crafts made on the island, Kumbasari Art Market is located just over the river from the bustling Badung Market.
It’s the place to go if you’re in the market (pun-intended) for wind chimes, paintings, batik fabrics, ceramics and silver crafts.
Simply put, Kumbasari Art Market is the ideal spot for souvenir shopping. Or if you’re looking for gifts to give to people who you know would love something Balinese for their home.
Be aware that haggling is ok at some stalls, while others have fixed prices. Morning is the best time to go.
Located here.
Pasar Wisata Jabe Puri Gede
This wet market really is local. Set away from any kind of souvenir shopping or tourist-oriented stalls, Pasar Wisata Jabe Puri Gede is a classic sort of market. At this off-the-beaten track market, stalls are piled high with a rainbow of fresh produce.
This is where people come to pick up their staple goods from the local area. It’s not just fruit and vegetables, but also flowers and items for offerings, as well as soap and shampoo.
Located here.
Final Thoughts
Local markets in Bali come in a whole range of different shapes and sizes. Some are more touristy, while others still continue to be the mainstay of local communities.
If you are after your daily groceries, a tasty snack, some souvenirs or arts and crafts for your home, you’ll find just about everything and anything at one of these local markets.
Featured image: Bali Traditional Market
