Ubud Art Market: Balinese Crafts & Shopping Guide

The Ubud Art Market should be on your list of the best things to do in Ubud. Located in the center of Ubud, the traditional Ubud market offers tourists the best shopping experience. Here you can buy all the good things for souvenirs or everyday use. You can find all kinds of goods, such as beautiful shirts with bintang signs, barongs, masks, silk scarves, statues, kites, handmade woven bags, baskets, hats, and many other handcrafted goods.

Ubud is known as one of Bali's art villages. Ubud’s local people always create art products that are competitive with other areas in Bali. Besides Ubud itself, the products you may have seen come from the surrounding art villages. The art villages around Ubud include Gentong, Sapat, Petulu, Sukawati, Mas, and Tengkulak.

A Brief Story of Ubud Art Market

Ubud Market has existed since ancient times, dating back to the construction of the Ubud Palace. It was around the 1800s, when Ida Tjokorde Kandel was the King of Ubud. For the welfare of the people around Ubud, the Ubud Market was built. In the past, the system used was barter, and since adopting currency, the payment system in this market uses currency as the medium of exchange. Since the first wave of tourists, brought by Tjokorde Agung Sukawati, visited the village of Ubud, this Ubud market has grown from initially selling household necessities to selling various handicrafts for tourists. Still, its function remains what it was originally.

It is a place for local Ubud residents to buy and sell necessities and everyday items. And the Ubud market, originally a traditional market, has gradually evolved into an art market selling a variety of artistic goods to tourists.

Things to Do in Ubud Art Market

Shopping is one of the main reasons to visit Ubud Art Market, with plenty of local products to browse, including hand-painted sarongs and batik fabrics, leather goods, paintings, and wood carvings. Take your time walking through the stalls and looking at the details of each item, many of which reflect traditional Balinese craftsmanship. If you find something you like, bargaining is part of the shopping experience, so don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller.

The market is also a good place to experience everyday Balinese culture beyond just shopping. You’ll see colorful displays, meet local vendors, and get a closer look at the work of Balinese artisans. The lively setting also gives you plenty of opportunities to take photos, whether it’s the market stalls, traditional artwork, or the surrounding streets of Ubud.

Opening Hours & Entrance Fee

The market is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, and some stalls are open until late at night. The market is divided into two main allotments. The western block is the main art market, and the eastern block is a traditional market serving daily groceries and necessities.

The entrance fee for Ubud Art Market is free. The parking fee for a motorcycle or scooter is IDR 2000, and parking is located in the market's basement. For those who are driving, the parking fee is IDR 10.000 and is available at Ubud Central Parking.

Best Time to Visit

For a more comfortable visit to Ubud Art Market, come around 8:00–10:00 AM. At this time, the market is not as busy as later in the day, so you can look around without having to move through crowded stalls. The cooler morning temperature also makes walking and shopping easier, and you may have more room to negotiate prices with sellers. If you want to shop at your own pace, getting there in the morning is a good choice.

Rainy Season Tips

Visiting Ubud Art Market during the rainy season is still possible, as the market remains open daily, but it helps to come prepared. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella, especially if you plan to spend time walking around the market. Some stalls may close earlier when it rains heavily, and the paths can become slippery, so take a little extra care when moving between stalls.

Nearby Attractions

When you visit Ubud Market, you can easily explore several of Ubud’s cultural spots on foot. Ubud Palace is located directly across from the market, making it a convenient place to visit after browsing the stalls. From there, you can walk west for around four minutes to reach Saraswati Temple, known for its beautiful lotus pond. Continue west for about ten minutes, and you’ll find Gung Lebah Temple, tucked beneath the bridge. If you’re looking for a little more nature, Ubud Monkey Forest is around a 15-minute walk south from the market.

For a more adventurous experience, you can head to Ubud ATV and Rafting, which takes roughly 15 minutes by car or motorbike from the market, depending on traffic. So, whether you want to experience Balinese culture, take a relaxing walk, or add some adventure to your day, you can easily combine these places into your Ubud itinerary.

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