Ubud Art Market Guide

During the reign of King Ida Tjokorde Kandel of Ubud in the early 1800s, the Ubud Art Market flourished alongside the construction of Ubud Palace. It served as a traditional market where locals could buy and sell food, clothing, and other essentials. Buying and selling were initially done using a barter system and then money. Its original purpose was to provide for the community. Tjokorde Agung Sukawati encouraged travellers to visit Ubud, and the market steadily evolved. While it continues to serve people by purchasing and selling everyday products, it has also evolved into an art market that sells handicrafts and artworks to tourists while maintaining its original purpose.

Today, the market plays a dual role:

• Morning: Traditional market selling daily essentials to locals
• Late morning onwards: A colourful art and handicraft market for visitors

This organic transition is what keeps the Bali art market Ubud experience rooted in local life rather than staged tourism.

Ubud Art Market is located in the heart of Ubud town, right across from Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) and a short walk from Saraswati Temple. Because of its central location, most visitors naturally pass by it while exploring Ubud, making it a simple and must-see stop on any Ubud itinerary.

• Address: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

The entrance to the market is completely free, and no entrance fee is required. You only need to pay for the things you buy, and it is highly recommended to bring some cash for the same. If you plan to visit by scooter, parking often costs around IDR 2,000(₹10). Car parking costs around IDR 10,000(₹54), depending on where you park nearby.

One of the most searched questions is about Ubud art market timings, and timing truly matters here.

• Daily opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Best time to visit:
  • 8:00–10:00 AM for fewer crowds and better bargaining. The temperature during this hour is cooler, the mood is more relaxed, and vendors are just setting up their stalls, offering you first pick of the day's handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • After 4:00 PM, if you enjoy a lively, bustling vibe

Getting to Ubud Art Market is very easy, with journey durations varying depending on your starting destination. Here are a few ways to reach the market from different locations:

• From Seminyak: It's roughly 31.3 kilometres by car and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes to get there. The motorbike journey takes approximately 50-60 minutes.
• From Kuta: It is approximately 33.4 kilometres from Kuta and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive here. If you prefer a scooty or motorbike journey, it is roughly 35 kilometres long and takes around an hour.
• From Denpasar: The market is approximately 23.3km away from Denpasar and takes around 1 hour and 15 mins to reach.

Since it’s right in the city centre, Ubud Art Market is super easy to find. Many visitors use it as a starting point to explore nearby spots like the famous Ubud Water Palace.

Note: The timings may vary depending on the traffic.

Ubud is famous as the green heart of Bali, and for good reason. Ubud offers lush greenery along with a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Balinese craftsmen live in these areas, passing down their skills through generations. However, these days, most of what you find at Ubud Art Market is imported goods. If you’re wondering what to buy in Ubud Art Market, here’s a curated list of items that are worth your money and suitcase space:

• Handwoven baskets and bags: The most popular items at Ubud Art Market are rattan and bamboo baskets and bags. These lightweight, handwoven items are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some types completed with seashells or bead detailing, ideal for both everyday use and souvenirs.
• Silver Jewellery: Ubud is well-known for its silversmithing traditions, and the market is an excellent place to acquire locally made rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Many designs incorporate traditional Balinese motifs, making them valuable keepsakes rather than generic ornaments.
• Wood carvings: From small decorative figurines to larger sculptures and home décor pieces, wood carvings are a highlight of the market. You’ll find everything from masks and statues to functional items like shelves and small tables, all showcasing detailed hand craftsmanship.
• Paintings and Art Pieces: The market sells a variety of artworks, including traditional Balinese paintings and modern prints. These vibrant paintings are painted on canvas, paper, and occasionally wooden surfaces, making them easy to take back home.
• Batik Fabrics: Batik fabrics are a traditional Indonesian cloth recognised for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. These textiles are widely sold at Ubud Art Market as sarongs, scarves, or ornamental pieces, making them flexible purchases.
• Clothes & Beachwear: The market has an extensive collection of easygoing, tropical apparel, including flowy dresses, loose pants, cover-ups, and casual shirts. Some stalls also sell macramé tops, shorts, and outfits with a homemade touch.
• Organic Beauty Products: Several vendors sell locally produced organic beauty products such as soaps, essential oils, and skincare items. These usually contain natural substances like coconut oil, aloe vera, and traditional Balinese botanicals.
• Souvenirs: Alongside handcrafted items, the market also has standard souvenirs commonly found across Bali and Southeast Asia. These include keychains, magnets, bottle openers, small figurines, paper fans, and decorative signs.

Never be afraid to bargain at the Bali markets. Bargaining is expected here, but it should always be respectful.

Smart bargaining Tips:

• Start at 40–50% of the asking price
• Smile and keep the conversation friendly
• You can bundle a few products. When you buy many items from the same merchant, they usually offer you a good discount. 
• Try to learn the basic local language. Knowing some basic Balinese phrases to communicate with the vendors impresses the sellers and helps in the more friendly negotiations.
• Walk away politely if the price doesn’t work. Often, that’s when the seller calls you back.
• Avoid aggressive negotiation; it ruins the experience for both sides

Remember, a small difference in price means more to the seller than to most travellers.

As you walk around the market, you'll see a few unique stalls selling food as well as beverages. You can enjoy snacking on these, but if it doesn’t fill your stomach, you can visit a restaurant just outside the market to enjoy a good supper. Here are a handful in close proximity:

• Cafe Lotus 
• Cherry Pepper Ubud 
• Queen’s of India 
• Tropical Restaurant Ubud 

Here are some of the important tips for you to know before you explore this market.

• Start early or late: It is highly recommended to visit the market early in the morning, as there will be fewer crowds and the vendors offer better deals.
• Must bring cash: The vendors in this market are usually of a small scale, so they typically don't accept cards. It is always suggested to bring large and small denominations for easier transactions.
• Polite bargaining: While it is always suggested to bargain here, make sure you negotiate here with a smile and work up to a fair bargain.
• Compare prices: Check out multiple stalls for the greatest deals, as many vendors sell comparable things. Remember that stalls along little alleys and on the outskirts of the market are usually cheaper than those on the main thoroughfare.
• Watch your belongings: Be mindful of your personal items.
• Keep a waterbottle: Bali's heat may be extreme, so always bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the visits. 

While Bali has many markets, Ubud stands out for its artistic focus.

• Compared to Kuta markets: Less commercial, more authentic
• Compared to Seminyak boutiques: More affordable and locally rooted
• Compared to night markets, Focused on crafts rather than food

This makes it the ideal market for travellers who value culture over convenience.

The Ubud Art Market is not about impulse purchases or souvenir shopping; rather, it is about understanding Ubud through its craft. Every stall symbolises generations of talent, everyday living, and artistic expression, which continues to thrive beyond tourism. Whether you leave with a handwoven bag, a work of art, or simply a greater respect for Balinese culture, the experience will linger with you long after you leave Ubud. For travellers who seek culture-led experiences, markets like this often become the most memorable part of a thoughtfully designed Bali tour package.