Ubud Market, always an exciting shopping experience...

Ubud Market is located at the junction of Jalan Raya and Jalan Monkey Forest. Early in the morning the local people of Ubud gather at the market to buy their daily groceries, offerings, cakes and clothes.

Later in the morning, the market transforms itself into the souvenir market where the Bali traveller can find all the things he or she can imagine: masks, bags, rattan-goods, paintings etc.

 

Early morning arrivals at the Ubud market

 

Once I woke up early and headed to the market. While I was still strolling around with my sleepy eyes, the market was already up and about and people were buying the goods they needed.

 

Up and about really early in the morning...

 

But soon my eyes were wide awake after seeing all the things that were sold; the colours were just beautiful to see. Fruit was piled neatly everywhere, while others sold big baskets full with flowers and flower petals used for daily decorations and offerings.

 

Women selling things made out of banana leaves

 

Flowers for sale for decorations and offerings

 

There were even women selling complete offerings...

Well, actually that is not surprising as Ubud life must have become more busier compared to the past.

 

Flower-offerings to go

 

Besides stalls outside, the market continues inside the building as well.

So you can actually stroll around the whole morning while watching the fascinating market scene.

 

You can stroll for hours on the market

 

I think I have found the fruit section…

 

Treat yourself to one of the colorful cakes wrapped in leaves. These are typical Indonesian cakes and a sweet way to start the day...

 

Sweet cakes for breakfast

 

Later in the afternoon there are still some stalls open that sell fruit and vegetables. So if you are a late riser, there is still a lot to see. But mostly around this time of day the market is more focused on the tourist.

 

Lunch is wrapped up as take away

 

On both sides of the narrow alleys are tiny shops selling their particular goods. Some shops only sell rattan products or sarongs and have their things stacked up till the ceiling. Others sell wooden crafts like masks and statues together with paintings.

 

The colorful baskets stacked all the way up...

 

Enough Bali Sarongs to choose from at the Ubud Market

 

There is too much to see and definitely too much to buy. Just stroll around Ubud Market a couple of times and if you see something you must start bargaining, usually at 50% of what the seller asks.

But don’t forget, if you think it is worth it and you are happy with the price they offer, just go for it.

 

Fruit and vegetables are sometimes still sold in the afternoon

 

Once a deal is made the seller usually says that you have brought luck to her that day and she hits the banknotes on her other goods so the luck will rub off on them too.

So despite the heavy bargaining that can often take some while, at the end both walk away happy.