Thing to do
Campuhan Ridge Walk
A paved path of about two kilometres along a grassy ridge above the meeting of two rivers at Campuhan, starting beside the temple of Pura Gunung…
Ubud Art Market
Pasar Seni Ubud, the central craft market opposite Ubud Palace, selling woodcarvings, paintings, ikat, baskets and bags made in the surrounding villages.
At a glance
- Type
- Craft market
- Area
- Central Ubud, Ubud, Indonesia
Good to know
- Bargaining expected
- Traditional market section
- Central location
Why we recommend it
The Ubud Art Market, known locally as Pasar Seni Ubud, sits on Jalan Raya Ubud directly opposite Puri Saren Agung, the royal palace, in the centre of town. It is part of the Ubud market complex, which was revitalised as the Ubud Thematic Market and officially reopened by the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, in April 2023. A statue of Cokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, the prince who did so much to promote Ubud's arts, stands at the market as its symbol.
The market has two main sections. The western block is the art market aimed at visitors, while the eastern block is a traditional market where local people buy groceries and daily necessities. Wandering between the two gives a sense of the market's double life, part tourist bazaar and part working town market.
The stalls sell a wide range of goods: silk scarves, light shirts, kites, woven bags, baskets and hats, ikat textiles, Balinese-style paintings and woodcarvings, as well as beachwear and souvenirs. Much of it is made in the surrounding craft villages, including Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan, which is part of the appeal of buying here rather than in the resort areas. Quality varies from stall to stall, so look closely at the carving, stitching or weaving before you buy.
Most stalls have no fixed prices, and bargaining is expected. Keep it friendly and polite, decide in advance what you are willing to pay, and compare prices at several stalls before committing, since the same items often appear in many of them. A common approach is to open at around half the asking price and settle somewhere in the middle. Shops along Jalan Monkey Forest, by contrast, tend to have fixed prices, which can be a useful benchmark. There is a lot to see, and many visitors find they come back on a second day to finish browsing or to return to a stall.
Allow an hour or more. The market's central position means it fits into almost any day in Ubud. Ubud Palace is directly across the road, and Jalan Monkey Forest runs south from the junction towards the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with shops and cafés along the way. The market also appears in the film Eat Pray Love.
Ubud Art Market FAQs
Where is the Ubud Art Market?
On Jalan Raya Ubud in the centre of town, directly opposite Ubud Palace.
What can I buy there?
Woodcarvings, paintings, ikat textiles, silk scarves, woven bags, baskets, hats, kites and souvenirs.
Where are the goods made?
Much of it comes from nearby craft villages such as Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan.
Do I need to bargain?
Yes. Most stalls have no fixed prices, so bargain politely and compare prices at several stalls first.
Is there a food market too?
Yes. The eastern block is a traditional market selling groceries and daily necessities.
Was the market renovated?
Yes. It was revitalised as the Ubud Thematic Market and reopened by the Governor of Bali in April 2023.
How long should I allow?
An hour or more is enough for a good look around.
What is nearby?
Ubud Palace is directly opposite, and Jalan Monkey Forest leads south towards the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.