Sukawati Art Market is one of Bali’s most established and well-known markets. Locally known as ‘Pasar Seni Sukawati’, it is the perfect place for visitors to find distinctively Balinese artworks, handicrafts , sculptures and other traditional hand-crafted items. The market was opened in the 1980s and is made up of two storeys. You can find it on the Jalan Raya Sukawati main road in Gianyar, about a 20-minute drive from Kuta and Denpasar.
The market is often crowded with tourists and locals looking for household items and necessities. Visitors will generally find a selection of framed paintings, handmade bags, accessories, wooden figurines, traditional kites, clothing and ceremonial items, all at hard-to-beat prices. On the ground floor you’ll find stalls selling mainly clothing like shirts, sarongs, and all kinds of fabric. The turnover is quite high, meaning that the selection of patterns and shirt motifs changes frequently. At the back of the market you will find aromatherapy goods like incense, candles and oil-infused fans, and at the front you can browse a huge range of bedcovers of all colours and patterns.
The prices for items usually vary depending on quality, so it’s a good idea to wander around the market and compare prices of similar products to get an idea. A general guideline on bargaining is to start at half the requested price, which is probably the production cost, and work up. A great deal of patience can be handy as peddlers pester visitors and constantly offer their wares, and you will need to repeatedly say no if you’re not interested.
Compared to other similar markets in major tourist areas, Sukawati Art Market is generally viewed as having the most reasonable prices. The market is open every day from 8 am – 7 pm and is conveniently included on most tour itineraries to the central and northern areas of Bali.
