Have you ever imagined shopping in a vibrant traditional market, surrounded by high-quality handicrafts, while feeling the true pulse of Balinese culture? Welcome to Ubud Art Market, a shopping destination that has become a major magnet for tourists from all over the world.
Located in the heart of Ubud, this art market is more than just a place to buy souvenirs. More than that, Ubud Art Market is a reflection of Bali's rich culture and artistry that has captivated travelers for decades. This market has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Bali, offering an unforgettable cultural experience for every visitor.
Strategic Location in the Heart of Ubud
Ubud Art Market boasts a highly strategic and easily accessible location. The market is situated on Jalan Raya Ubud, directly across from the famous Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace). Its position in the center of Ubud ensures that the market is always bustling with tourists.
From various parts of Bali, this market can be reached with ease:
From Kuta: approximately 1.5 hours by car (32 km distance)
From Uluwatu: approximately 2 hours by car
From Ngurah Rai Airport: approximately 1.5 hours by car
Its location at the pempatan agung (a sacred four-way intersection) makes this area the center of the village as well as the economic, social, and cultural hub of the Ubud community.
Opening Hours and Access
Ubud Art Market is open daily with the following schedule:
Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM WITA (Central Indonesia Time)
Entry fee: Free
Parking: Available with rates of Rp2,000 for motorcycles and Rp10,000 for cars
The best time to visit is in the morning around 8:00–9:00 AM. During these hours, the market is not yet too crowded, allowing you to shop more comfortably. Additionally, there is a tradition called "pegarus dagangan" where vendors believe that the first sale of the day brings good luck, making them more willing to offer lower prices.
Main Attractions of Ubud Art Market
A Hub of Balinese Handicrafts
Ubud Art Market is renowned as a center for high-quality handmade crafts created by artisans from surrounding villages such as Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan, and Peliatan. The items sold here are largely handmade, adding artistic value and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere.
Variety of Products on Offer
At this market, you can discover a wide array of fascinating products:
1. Handicrafts and Art
Wooden statues and carvings typical of Bali
Traditional paintings with vibrant colors
Balinese masks
Pottery and ceramics
2. Textiles and Clothing
Batik and woven fabrics with distinctive Balinese patterns
Beautiful silk sarongs and shawls
T-shirts featuring Barong designs and Balinese motifs
Casual shirts and classic elephant pants
3. Accessories and Jewelry
Handmade silver jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets)
Round rattan bags—the Instagram-famous Balinese trend
Woven hats
4. Souvenirs and Gifts
Keychains, magnets, and postcards with local designs
Various Balinese keepsakes
Two Distinct Market Wings
Ubud Art Market is divided into two main areas, each serving a different purpose:
West Wing: This is the main art market selling various handicrafts and souvenirs for tourists. Here is where you will find an array of art items and Balinese keepsakes.
East Wing: This functions as a traditional market serving the daily needs of the local community. Here, locals shop for vegetables, spices, ceremonial supplies, and other everyday necessities.
This division makes Ubud Art Market unique because visitors can experience two different atmospheres in one location—the bustling tourist-oriented art market and the authentic traditional market.
Historical Significance That Adds to Its Charm
One of the Oldest Markets in Bali
Ubud Art Market is one of the oldest markets in Bali, with a history that can be traced back to the 1800s, coinciding with the construction of Ubud Palace. The market was established during the reign of Ida Tjokorde Kandel, the King of Ubud at the time, to improve the welfare of the local community.
Transformation from Traditional Market
Initially, this was a traditional market that operated only once every three days, aligning with the pasah (market day) cycle. Transactions at that time still used a barter system before gradually shifting to monetary transactions.
A major transformation occurred when King Tjokorde Agung Sukawati welcomed the arrival of the first foreign tourists to Ubud. From that point on, the market grew rapidly—locals began selling handicrafts, textiles, and artworks. Over time, the market evolved from a traditional marketplace into the renowned art market known to tourists today.
A Touch of Hollywood
Did you know that Ubud Art Market once served as a filming location for a Hollywood movie? The market appeared in the film "Eat Pray Love" starring Julia Roberts. This has further boosted the market's appeal among international travelers.
Shopping Tips at Ubud Art Market
The Art of Polite Bargaining
One of the most enjoyable experiences of shopping at Ubud Art Market is the bargaining process. Prices at this market are typically flexible, and bargaining is part of local culture. Here are some effective bargaining tips:
Bargain politely and always show respect to the vendors
Start with an offer around 30–50% of the initial price
Smile and engage in friendly interaction—it often helps you get the best price
Don't hesitate to compare prices at several stalls before making a purchase
Preparation Before Visiting
Bring cash in small denominations as many vendors do not accept cards
Come early in the morning for better prices and a more comfortable experience
Check the quality of items before paying
Bring your own shopping bag if possible
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The market's strategic location allows you to visit various famous attractions in one trip:
Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace) – Right across from the market, this palace showcases beautiful traditional Balinese architecture.
Pura Taman Saraswati – A beautiful temple with an Instagram-worthy lotus pond.
Sacred Monkey Forest – A sacred forest home to hundreds of friendly monkeys, about a 15-minute walk away.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – A trekking trail with stunning views of hills and valleys.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Iconic stepped rice fields with popular swing photo spots.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Travel Experience
Ubud Art Market is not just a shopping destination—it is a cultural tourism attraction that offers an authentic experience. Here, you can truly feel the essence of Bali—from the scent of frangipani flowers, the warm smiles of vendors, to the beauty of handicrafts rich in cultural meaning.
For those visiting Ubud, taking the time to explore Ubud Art Market is an absolute must. After satisfying your shopping cravings and experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere, you can continue your journey to Hibiscus Warung on Jalan Karna to enjoy authentic Balinese cuisine while resting from your shopping adventures. The combination of shopping at the art market and dining at a traditional warung will create unforgettable holiday memories on the Island of the Gods.
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