When you visit Bali, the unique exotic Balinese atmosphere will greet you. Bali presents the beauty of nature, the uniqueness of their culture and traditions, and the commemoration of its citizens. Apart from pampering yourself at a hotel or enjoying an exciting night at a nightclub with friends, don’t lose the thrill of trying the “traditional experience” in Bali, namely visiting a traditional market.
Every country has their traditional market, and I’m sure they provide a different local atmosphere and experience. So when you visit a place, one thing you shouldn’t miss is having an exciting experience at a traditional market. You can see stalls selling local products, traditional foods, which of course are cheaper and taste no less delicious than those sold in malls or restaurants.
There are several traditional markets you must visit in Bali, namely:
1. Badung Traditional Market
Badung traditional market is located in the city of Denpasar. Initially, the Badung Traditional market was an ordinary traditional market that operated 24 hours and became a center for trading and shopping for daily necessities. This market is located west of Kumbasari Market which is separated by Tukad Badung (Badung River) and is connected by a unique bridge between the two markets. History says that Tukad Badung is one of the historic rivers during the colonial era because it was used by the Dutch as a logistics channel from Denpasar to Puri Pemecutan during the Battle of Puputan Badung, 20 September 1906.
Badung Market is also a historical sign of the center of trade and business during the Badung Kingdom. The name Denpasar is taken from the words DEN – meaning north, and PASAR – meaning market.
Badung Traditional Market is divided into 2 operating hours. During the day (5am-5pm), this market will be full of stalls selling daily necessities, food and all the necessities for Hindu religious ceremonies. Also during the day, many tourists visit here for a city tour around the heritage area on Jalan Gajah Mada.
Night market hours start at 3.30pm-6am. During the night hours, there are lots of goods for sale that are fresh from the farm at good prices and quality.
When visiting the traditional market of Badung, you will find the uniqueness that you will see many “tukang suun”. This tukang suun is a person who offers her services to carry your groceries, and she will carry these items on her head. Most of these tukang suun are women. The price offered by the tukang suun for her services is 5k – 10k.
2. Kedonganan Fish Market
Maybe the word Kedonganan is not too strange to you, especially for you seafood lovers. Because in Kedonganan, there are many restaurants that serve seafood. Kedonganan fish market is located in the south of the island of Bali. Kedonganan fish market is the center of fresh fish. There are many types of fish, shrimp, shellfish, crabs, squid are found there. The prices offered at this fish market tend to be cheaper when compared to the many seafood stalls lined up there. Especially at the end of the year, the Kedonganan fish market is filled with many people because they will hold a seafood barbeque party to celebrate the new year.
Besides being able to bring home fresh fish directly, you can also ask the seller for help to grill the fish you have bought. The cost for grilling the fish is from 20K/kg. At that price, you also get chili sauce, which is Balinese sambal matah or sambal terasi.
So for those of you who are on vacation with friends and staying at a villa, you must come to the Kedonganan fish market and then grill the fish that you bought with your friends at the Villa. For the grill? Don’t worry because the Kedonganan fish market also sells tools for grilling. Your vacation will be more exciting.
3. Legian Market
One area on the island of Bali that is never quiet is Legian. There are many hotels, restaurants and bars that are crowded with tourists. Legian Market or Merta Nadi Art Market is located on Jalan Melasti, near Kuta beach. There are many shops that sell souvenirs and clothes of local products and become a shopping destination for tourists. Don’t forget that you can bargain on the items sold there.
4. Sanur Night Market
Yup, although this market is located a bit hidden, but the night market in Sanur is always crowded with tourists. There are many local foods sold and of course they are much cheaper than the price at the restaurant. Many tourists come there to experience the local style and taste such as chicken satay, babi guling, fried rice, toast and many more.
The Sanur market operates from morning to noon for traders of basic commodities, vegetables, fish, and other household needs. At night, this market transforms into a night market that sells a variety of delicious local foods. You can visit there during the day or at night depending on your wishes and needs. If you want to taste local dishes, you can go there at 6 pm.
5. Sukawati Art Market
No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to the Sukawati art market. Sukawati art market is famous among local tourists. Sukawati Art Market is located on Jalan Sukawati, about 30 minutes from central Ubud. There are many souvenirs sold there such as paintings, key chains, belts, clothes and so on. Your bargaining skills are needed here.
6. Ubud Art Market
Besides the Sukawati art market, you should also visit the Ubud art market. Just like the Sukawati art market, the Ubud Art market also sells various handicrafts, paintings, clothing and more. Its location in the middle of Ubud makes the Ubud Art market always the main destination for tourists. Window shopping from one store to another is an interesting experience there. If you want to shop, it’s better if you go in the afternoon because the price in the afternoon is cheaper than in the morning 🙂
