Central Bali’s Clearinghouse for Affordable Artwork

Stand at the junction of Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Monkey Forest and you’ll find yourself at the very heart of Ubud – literally yards away from the royal palace, the town temple, and the Ubud Art Market, one of the most popular traditional markets in Bali.

The princes of Ubud were – and are – great patrons of art, and the market was an extension of the local nobility’s sponsorship of artists. For over a hundred years now, craftsmen from nearby villages have been bringing their wares to Ubud market to sell. As the tourist tide in Bali grew, word got around that Ubud market offered a better deal than most: the close access to craftsmen’s villages meant that tourists were getting real master’s handiwork at lower prices.

And so it is today; no shopping trip in Central Bali is ever complete without an hour or so browsing through the art market’s stalls. Check out the images below to experience a virtual walk through the Ubud art market’s aisles of inexpensive art.

Early Start at Ubud Art Market

The Ubud art market is open for business as early as 8am; if you value your time and money, come to the market at opening time and get your shopping done before the tourist rush begins at 10am or so. You can secure better prices if you’re the first buyers of the day.

The “art market” is actually confined only to the western half of the sprawling market complex – the eastern part is Ubud’s traditional market, which is open by 4am and sells the town’s market basics, from meat to vegetables to home implements.

Pro tip: If you stop at any stall, the seller will try to keep you interested for as long as possible – do not mistake this persistence for aggression. If being pursued by vendors isn’t your thing, then simply walk on over to Jalan Monkey Forest where boutique stores offer a more refined shopping experience, albeit at higher prices.

Religious Items at the Ubud Art Market

Hinduism in Ubud is quite syncretic, with plenty of input from animism and Buddhism. The religious artwork on sale in the Ubud art market reflects the local faith community’s eclectic beliefs: Buddha heads are prominently featured among the art stalls.

As you explore the merchandise, you’ll find a rich tapestry of religiously-inspired artwork including topeng masks, statues of Hindu deities, and traditional costumes displayed across the market’s two levels.

The Ubud art market also sells more everyday religious items for locals, including ingredients for making canang sari, the small offerings to the spirits you’ll find anywhere you go in Bali.

Homemade Fragrances at the Ubud Art Market

This fragrance stall near the Ubud market entrance offers a variety of natural scents and essences in oil, cologne, and soap forms. Ubud Art Market caters to a natural-minded tourist audience, attracted to local, homemade products. Ubud’s craftsmen and artisans are eager to provide such items.

In addition, Ubud Art Market sells plenty of batiks, sarongs, and assorted clothing, but you might find better deals on clothes when shopping in South Bali.

Pro tip: Don’t buy the first item you like at any stall. Instead, look for other stalls selling similar goods and compare prices. This strategy gives you leverage for haggling lower prices for your purchases and exposes you to alternatives that you might not have otherwise considered.

Picture Perfect at Ubud Art Market

Skilled craftsmen from the nearby town of Mas sell their wares in the Ubud Art Market – tourists on a budget can buy their carved products for about half or a third of the price you might pay when shopping elsewhere. The picture frames for sale here are particularly noteworthy, as they are almost as intricate and finely-executed as the actual paintings.

The late Antonio Blanco of the Ubud Blanco Museum was himself a big believer in the “big picture,” paying close attention to picture frame aesthetics, expertly choosing frames that complemented the artwork within.

Silver Bangles at Ubud Art Market

You’ll find plenty of finely-crafted jewelry in Ubud, but you need a practiced eye to ascertain if you’re getting actual value for your money.

The jewelry options at Ubud Art Market require careful examination; however, with some patience and legwork, you’ll be amply rewarded with beautiful pieces that will surely impress back home. You may find better deals at the stalls upstairs, as they attract fewer visitors than those downstairs, thus giving you an edge when haggling for lower prices.