Tag

bargaining

Browsing

Smart shopping: the island’s weekend markets, art bazaars and garage sales

Markets are a huge part of everyday life for Balinese people – a fun part of it; shopping, socialising, gossiping, meeting neighbours. And now the expat community has brought their own market tradition to the island – the culture of weekend bazaars, where all the liveliness of the local markets happens. Just in English.

Every market feels like a little celebration, and that’s why we love them oh-so-much.

Samadi Sunday organic produce market

Samadi farmers market Bali Canggu

shopping at Samadi market Bali Canggu

The Canggu neighbourhood is booming, with more and more cool places popping than you can possibly fit into your schedule. Samadi , a beautiful space with a yoga pavilion so modern it would compliment any design hotel and a cosy open-air vegetarian cafe with an eco Ubud style pile of young coconuts in the corner, is worth cramming in.

As the owners are very serious about their healthy lifestyle, the idea of the farmer’s market came…well, organically. Every Sunday, the independent farmer’s from the emerald hills of Bedugul bring their just-off-the-veggie-patch young asparagus, cherry tomatoes, beetroots, strawberries and even mulberries, down to the south.

There is also a fresh fish stall, where shiny bouncy snapper and silky squid can be found in all their salty glory. A homemade jam stall complete with baked scones, brownies and the most delicious hummus on the island is also a draw card; this stall’s goodies made even sweeter by their charity profit share.

But the most popular market maker at Samadi is the one selling organic chicken, eggs and goat milk. There is always a line of regular customers waiting, happy to fork out the steep prices for good quality.

To round it all off, there’s vintage clothing aplenty, a paint-a-tee activity stand for the little ones, and some homemade, all-natural cosmetics up for grabs. The trade opens up at 9am, and you need to get in early as all the best foods sell out like hot cakes.

Samadi
39 Jalan Padang Linjong (Echo Beach)
samadibali.com

Old Man’s Canggu mix bag market

markets in Bali old mans

Oldman's market in Bali Canggu

On one sunny Saturday of each month, everyone’s favourite beachfront beer garden at Batu Bolong transforms into a whirlpool of small stalls where everything from homemade ‘Granny’s’ Oreo cookies to odd bric-a-brac can be found.

The biggest hit is the corner where Kevala Ceramics, Bali’s original fine-pottery studio that collaborates with Australian designers, sell off their samples and leftovers. Nobody can go past them without buying a couple of zigzag patterned bowls or tea cups or a vase…or all of them! And how can you resist when they cost around 50k (while the same would cost you a minimum of 250k in their official outlets)!

Old Man’s market is the favorite playground for the Canggu community; so if you wish to make some new friends or catch up with the old ones, don’t miss it!

Old Man’s
Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu

Deus’ weekday farmer’s market

fresh fish food shopping at Deus farmers market canggu bali

food shopping from the North of Bali

Yet another food bazaar in Canggu, but this one completely ignores the weekend, daytime staple and pops up weekly on a Wednesday night. Deus stands out in everything they do – be it their custom bikes or trimming of beards – so why should their market be a mundane event? Trade is organized in a cozy inner yard and, being in its early days, is still fairly simple. Let’s face it; you’re here to mingle more than meander the markets anyway.

DEUS Temple Of Enthusiasm
Jalan Batu Mejan, 8, Canggu
deuscustoms.com/flagships/temple-of-enthusiasm/

Biasa+ eccentric art space Market

market Biasa+ Bali Seminyak

food shopping market Biasa+ Seminyak Bali

Twice a month on Saturdays, the most famous art space in Seminyak, Biasa+, becomes a market meeting spot. The main gallery area remains intact, while the inner yard with the spacious green lawn transforms into a cozy bazaar square. Everything about this market is artistic – even the posters announcing the events are cool enough to be sold at an auction.

The atmosphere is uber sophisticated and the crowd is a melting pot of the noble ‘first wave’ expats and their children and even grandchildren, almost all of them artists or designers of some sort.

At the Biasa+ Market you can find greens and vegetables straight from the farm; potted plants, ready to go to their new home; scrumptious meat pies (that are alone worth a visit); a little sushi corner; well brewed coffee and some extras, which vary at each event.

This one gets a tick for its lovely laid-back environment and the eclectic mix of people to make friends with while lining up for your hot pie.

Biasa ArtSpace
Jl. Raya Seminyak, 34, Seminyak
biasagroup.com

Sanur Sunday Market

shopping market bali Sanur

The spacious restaurant, Sand, hosts this weekly market in quiet, residential Sanur. It’s quite a drive for those coming from the Canggu and Seminyak regions, particularly given similar markets can be found much closer. But if you’re based in Jimbaran or Ubud, this might be the perfect way of spend your Sunday.

Apart from the batiks, neon Buddha statues, wild-patterned kaftans and homemade brownies, you can find some curious artisans presenting their works; fixed and vaccinated puppies waiting for adoption; and various fun activities for the little ones such as mask painting, bracelet making and even exotic snake patting.

The vendors change every week, a rotation that keeps the market attractive to its regular visitors. Live music performances start from midday – a nice opportunity to listen to some young local talent while doing your grocery shopping.

Sanur Sunday Market at Sand
Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur

Black Market creative gathering

markets in Bali Seminyak Black Market

market Black market Seminyak bali

The regular gathering of the local and expat hipsters: rock stars, indie jewelry makers, graphic designers, vintage collectors and other young bright things. The risk of creativity overdose? Very high. An alien visitor might feel uncomfortable being not-so-cool in this pond: you’d better check if you have enough random tatts on your skin and holes in your clothes before you step in. Intimidation aside, this is probably the best way to catch all the creative forces in Bali at one time.

The location varies. It was tucked away in the patio of t-shirt store on Jalan Drupadi for a while, but has now relocated to the Warehouse 82 space at Jalan Mertanadi, close to the legendary Kerobokan Jail. Check their facebook page for the relevant info regarding the next event.

Warehouse 82
Jalan Mertanadi, Seminyak-Kerobokan
thewarehouse82.com

Pasar-Pasaran art market at Hubud, Ubud

weekend art market pasar-pasaran Ubud

This is a stray event that is really going places. The next installment is set to happen in Hubud, a popular co-working space in the centre of Ubud. Organized by local Balinese artists, this market is the most original of the lot: it’s the free spirit of Yogyakarta (the artistic capital of Indonesia) that reins in Bali. Crafts and more crafts, all beautifully displayed by the creators themselves who are always open to a friendly talk. Paradise for the kids, as there is so much to do. The next one is November the 7th – mark it in the diary!

Hubud
Jl Monkey Forest 88x
hubud.org

Garage sales

cafe Seminyak Petitenget Bali

The Western tradition of a garage sale is quite new to Bali. The ‘all must go’ and ‘moving sale’ kind of trade is happening mostly online in expat Facebook groups. But flea markets and their variations are starting to pop up around the island. Locations are quite varied, from the small Hotei warung in Umalas, to the parking lot of Blue Glue bikini store, and Chat cafe at Sunset road, you just never know where you’ll spot one next. The Bali Expats and Bali Unlimited groups on Facebook are the best place to hear about them.

The little cafe Drop.The Coffee Spot at Jalan Petitenget in Seminyak is probably the only one that keeps a regular schedule: their Garage Sale event happens on the last Sunday of the month religiously. Bali residents bring clothes and shoes they don’t wear, children’s clothes that their kids have outgrown, books, DVDs and handmade jewelry.

Every time the Garage Sale happens, the Drop cafe transforms into a joyful mess of coffees being delivered, kids running around, beers being sipped, patrons sitting on bikes when there isn’t enough space inside, and clothes being tried on within public view. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

The Drop folk even host a special event from time to time called Bling Bazaar; jump onto their FB page or Instagram account and they’ll keep you posted.

Drop.The Coffee Spot
Jl Petitenget 888x, Seminyak
facebook.com/Drop.Bali

Street bazaars of Seminyak

Even in the universe of cool boutiques that is Seminyak’s Petitenget and Oberoi streets, there is an opportunity for bargain shopping.

There are two street market spots you don’t want to miss when looking for obligatory souvenirs for extended family and must impress friends: one sits on that curve of Jalan Petitenget right in front of Hu’u Bar and Baba restaurant and the other, which is way bigger, occupies the square next to KuDeTa Beach Club, at the foot of Townhouse – the clubbing giant of the hood. The assortment is the same: bright-colored, perfect-for-beach-strolling tropical caftans, breezy dresses, exotic-skinned pouches and belts and some silver jewelry.

The quality is not top-notch, but it’s bright and fun and will make you (or your friend/mum/nonna) happy for at least one season. These markets are actually a smart choice for the bargain-seeker as some shops in Legian, Seminyak and Kuta sell all the same goods but their prices are almost twice as high. Our suggestion? Start your shopping route from here just to check out what’s available.

More markets and market tips

While some of the markets in this guide have fixed prices, the street bazaars are still a haggling free for all. Stay calm and smile, even if the vendor is stubborn and make a joke or two. Ask for the ‘morning price’ if it seems you’re amongst the early birds or an ‘afternoon price’ if it’s later than 3pm. When all else fails, drop the line ‘Saya minta harga local‘, which means you’d like a price that locals get.

If all that doesn’t get you at least 30% off the initial price, walk to the next stall where you will more than likely find a similar garment with a more flexible seller. Use this technique at any local market, from the seafood stalls in Jimbaran to Ubud’s central bazaar.

The traditional markets of Denpasar are worth visiting too: for fruits and vegetable shopping, searching for the perfect piece of batik, sampling the original street food, observing the colorful everyday life of Balinese, practicing your Indonesian (even very basic knowledge will be much appreciated by the locals) and understanding more of the island’s culture and traditions.

Find more about Denpasar’s daytime and night markets , and find more info about shopping in Seminyak.

From manic markets to swanky boutiques: a comprehensive guide to shopping in Bali

Even if you’re not “planning” to make your Bali trip a shopping bonanza, chances are you will leave with more in your suitcase than when you arrived. Whether you’re just after a couple of cheap souvenirs to take home for the kiddies or you’re seeking some unique designer threads – there is a perfect destination for all discerning shoppers in Bali. The trick is to know your shopping style, and to then find the right destination to match.

The markets

A modern authentic Bali experience – a little rough around the edges perhaps, but chock full of vibrancy and local charm.

If you want to get intimate with the Balinese shopping culture – get thee to a market asap. The markets are a good place for travellers to meet the locals and get to know a bit more about Balinese culture. Pros: A modern authentic Bali experience – a little rough around the edges perhaps, but chock full of vibrancy and local charm. An opportunity to get your bargaining strategy sorted so that a good price is yours for the taking. Cons: Balinese markets can be intense. There is often a lot going on at once, including foot traffic, music and sneaky pedestrian potholes. If you are looking for a relaxing shopping experience, the markets may not be your cup of tea. Here are our market hot spots:

Sukawati Art Market, Jalan Raya Sukawati, Gianyar

The Sukawati Art Market is Bali’s most well-known and long-standing art market. If you are looking for traditional handmade products for your home or as gifts, then this two-story market is where you want to be. It has everything from wooden sculptures and paintings to handicrafts, textiles and accessories. You will find it on the Jalan Raya Sukawati main road in Gianyar.

Sukawati Market stall

Ubud Art Market

The Ubud Art Market is located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily. Ubud is well known for its artistry and here you will find everything from silk scarves to baskets, woven goods and clothing such as shirts and sarongs. Known for featuring items of high quality and variety, this colourful and intoxicating market is perfect for finding special mementos – just make sure that you are getting a fair price that works for both you and the seller.

Map

[poimultimap ids=”4411 ,4413″]

Department stores

If haggling at the markets for the best price on a Bintang singlet isn’t your idea of a happy shopping experience, perhaps a western-style shopping experience might be more up your alley. Here you will find the at-home comfort of price tags and brands you know and recognise. Pros: Air conditioning and decent public toilet facilities. Cons: Bargaining for a better price is not really appropriate here. Prices may be a little better than they are at home, but don’t expect to pay next to nothing, particularly for imported merchandise. Here are a few department stores you shouldn’t miss in Bali:

Bali Collection, Nusa Dua

If you are looking for some high-end retail therapy, then make your way to the Bali Collection. Set over eight hectares in the same ‘hood as Bali’s best international five-star hotels, the Bali Collection offers luxury fashion brands, exotic souvenir gifts, spa facilities and restaurants. It’s advisable you get changed out of your beach towel and thongs before venturing into this department complex.

Mal Bali Galeria, Kuta

This large shopping complex is located right near the Simpang Dewaruci landmark. This self-proclaimed ‘family mall’ is popular with both locals and tourists. It features the Planet Hollywood Bali restaurant (yes, they still exist), the DFS Galleria Bali duty free shop and the Galeria 21 Cineplex, Bali’s premier cinema complex. The cinema is a great place to kill a few hours before heading off to the airport for an international flight.

Discovery Shopping Mall, Kuta Beach

This three-story shopping destination is one of the largest shopping malls in Bali. Here, you will find a load of recognisable retail brands and food franchises. If you have a hankering for Pizza Hut or a Starbucks coffee, you will find it here. The mall is located on the Jalan Kartika Plaza, but you can also access it from the beach.

Discovery Shopping Mall Entrance

If you are looking for something a bit different or unique to clothe the bod or enhance the home – boutique shopping might be your perfect match.

Boutiques

If you are looking for something in between the massive retail complexes and the heady hustle of the markets, Bali has some great boutiques featuring both local and international designers. If you are looking for something a bit different or unique to clothe the bod or enhance the home – boutique shopping might be your perfect match. Seminyak is well known as Bali’s designer hub. You will find knots of shop fronts on Jalan Laksmana and Jalan Raya Seminyak. Kerobokan, north of Seminyak, has a lot more to offer than the infamous Kerobokan Prison. JI Raya Kerobokan in particular has a great selection of home-wares to explore. Legian offers a bit of a reprieve from the hectic shop fronts of Kuta; try the main Jalan Legian for fashion boutiques and art shops. Don’t be afraid to explore little laneways and streets off the main drag. Some of the best treasures are often found of the beaten track. Pros: Locate something distinctive among the crazy mass-produced tourist market finds. Something that you would actually wear when you return home. Cons: Bargaining is subjective here. There is no harm in trying your luck, but be prepared for a shut down of epic proportions.

Main street shop fronts

This is where you will find boulevard-style shop fronts boasting everything from low-grade designer fakes and pirated DVDs to beachwear and sarong shops. Here, you are pretty much expected to haggle for the best price. A friendly note, however: if a local business is blatantly selling designer knockoffs such as handbags, sunglasses and jeans, you have some room to bargain. A shop that stocks boutique and original stock? Proceed with respect and caution.  Pros: Lots of tourist merchandise and souvenirs if you are looking for those knock off beauties such as Ray Bans, leather goods and anything with the name Bintang emblazoned on it. Bargaining required. Cons: See ‘pros’. We suggest Kuta Square, which offers a bit of everything and is 50 metres from Kuta Beach. The two-way avenue is full of fashion stores and places to sit and grab a bite. Any main city street near the beach or tourist attractions will usually serve you well.

Village shopping

There are a number of villages in Bali that are dedicated to certain arts and crafts that sell locally and export internationally. Here you will get long roads filled with Balinese artistry and handiworks that are often a stop on tourist tours. Pros: If you after that certain something special, then going to an area that specialises in it should skew the odds in your favour. Cons: Seeing streets upon streets of traditional handicrafts can be overwhelming. Here are a few amazing village shopping experiences not to miss:

Celuk Gold And Silversmiths, Celuk Vill

If you are hunting for some unique holiday bling, the main road of Jalan Raya Celuk is lined up with galleries and workshops filled with high quality and intricately designed gold and silver jewelry and Balinese ceremonial adornments. If window-shopping is more your thing, then you can check out how the artisans actually make their wares by having a sticky beak at the production processes.

Tegallalang Handicraft Centre, Ubud

Tegallalang handicraft centre is famous for arts, crafts and curios. Located in the district of the same name just several kilometres north of the main area of Ubud. Numerous shops feature assorted ornaments, jewelry, furniture, and traditional souvenir bits and pieces. If you are looking for stone carvings, then Batubulan Village, situated in west gate of Gianyar Regency, is well and truly worth a visit. Batuan has great paintings and Mas is famous for its woodcarvings.    

handicraft shopping bali

Main photo by carmenandnatasha.