Pasar Badung Market is the largest market in Denpasar, with four storeys overflowing with produce, handicrafts, clothes, fabric, homewares and accessories. Situated in Gajah Mada Street, it’s only one kilometer from the city centre. Not only is it popular with locals, but visitors travel from all over the island to get their hands on the hugest range of goods and groceries.
The market, gorgeous to look at with its traditional Balinese architecture, is crowded in the mornings and evenings, but pretty quiet from about 2 – 4 pm. You can find a huge variety of fruit and spices from all corners of the island, as well as dried fish and practically every vegetable you can think of. Be warned that starting prices will be set high for tourists, so be prepared to haggle. As soon as you enter, a guide will likely start following you around and offering their services, and if you would prefer to wander alone, then you’ll have to repeatedly decline and move on. However, if time is an issue and you know exactly what you’re looking for, a guide can be extremely useful, taking you straight to the stalls that sell what you need and saving you plenty of time.
Pasar Badung market is also set apart from other traditional markets by the fact that many people come to make offerings and pray in accordance with traditional Balinese Hinduism. So as you amble along amongst the vibrant stalls, the heady scent of incense and flowers will greet you at every turn. It’s an unforgettable, colourful market to visit, and the perfect place to meander along, browse and bargain.
