Roland Lefevre
As Indonesia's artistic epicentre Bali is home to engaging art markets that showcase local crafts and artworks. Renowned as bargain hubs the must-experience art markets in Bali are as follows.
Locally known as Pasar Seni Sukawati, the Sukawati Art Market holds the distinct honour of being Bali's oldest art thoroughfare. As the island's most coveted and its most popular art market the thoroughfare received its curious name from the Thai village that is the home to the country's traditional artisans, dancers, painters and craftsmen. Ideal for tourists, the Sukawati Art Market retails stylish souvenir items at unbelievably low price points making it's a bargain hunter's dream come true. Occupying a two-floor structure visitors can pick up art work in the style of Kamasan, miniature garuda statues and other items with local flair at this market located down Jalan Raya Sukawati Road. Visitors based at the Intercontinental Bali Resort or any other luxury hotel Bali counts among its most conveniently located rests will enjoy easy access to the site.
The Kuta Art Market is also one of the oldest art markets in Bali and one of its longstanding cultural landmarks that is also considered a historic venue as well as a retail space. Locally known as Pasar Seni Kuta this thriving local art space is conveniently located in the junction between Jalan Kartika Plaza and Jalan Bakung Sari. Littered with row upon row of art stalls the market retails a variety of local handicraft items produced in various regions of Thailand with wares manufactured in the Gianyar regency workshops reigning supreme. Renowned as one of the pricier art markets in Bali shoppers are encouraged to haggle to get a good deal.
Dubbed Pasar Kumbasari in the local tongue the Kumbasari Art Market is another landmark art hub that has survived the test of time. As the main traditional market hub in Bali the venue is equally revered as the Badung Traditional Market which is located across the river from the venue. Occupying the western shores of the Badung River the two storey structure is home to a plethora of kiosks selling art, electronics and fabrics. Locals also flock to the market to pick up specialty items for temple visits such as sacred silver water bowls, modest temple garbs, parasols in silk as well as daily consumer goods for household needs. Other popular items available at the venue include silverware, souvenirs, batiks and sculptures.
Known as Pasar Seni Ubud across Bali the Ubud Art Market holds the honour of being the most frequented art market in all of Bali. Situated opposite the Puri Saren Royal Palace on Jalan Raya Ubud road the Ubud Art Market is divided in two departments with one dedicated to household goods and grocery items while the other contains art pieces and specialty items such as hand-crafted souvenirs, handmade cotton bags, woven wares, baskets, silk scarves, sculptures and hats. Open all year round the Ubud Art Market only closes during local holidays such as the Saka New Year. Open from 8am to 5pm the market is a cultural epicentre that is integral to the social landscape of Bali.
The Guwang Art Market or Pasar Seni Guwang is also a mammoth art market that is often compared to the . Sukawati Art Market in terms of size and the goods on offer. As a tranquil alternative to the Sukawati Art Market the Guwang Art Market is situated inside the Gianyar regency's Guwang village and is an integral part of the village community's socio-economic identity. Housing several stores and kiosks within its confines the main building offers a wide range of local food items and Balinese culinary offering served in conventional warungs. As more of an art village than a market the venue also contains several artisan workshops and sculpture studios in addition to a number of art galleries and art stores.
