Ubud has always been known as the cultural soul of Bali. When people talk about traditional art, handmade crafts, local creativity, and the peaceful charm of Balinese village life, Ubud is almost always the first place mentioned. And right in the center of this artistic town stands one of the most iconic spots in the area — Ubud Art Market.
For many travelers, Ubud Art Market is not just a place to shop; it’s an experience, a cultural moment, and a window into the artistic spirit of Bali. This market offers everything from beautifully handcrafted souvenirs to lively interactions with local artisans, all wrapped in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring Bali for the first time or returning for the tenth, visiting this market is something you simply shouldn’t miss.
A Market That Reflects the Heart of Ubud
Unlike modern shopping centers, Ubud Art Market has a soul. The market sits across from Ubud Royal Palace, also known as Puri Saren, making it part of the historical and cultural center of the village. Locals have been coming to this area for generations — first to trade daily necessities, and later to sell their artwork as tourists began visiting Ubud.
Today, the market is divided into two main sections. The eastern side is the traditional morning market where locals buy fresh vegetables, fruits, daily ingredients, and temple offerings. It opens as early as 3:00 AM and feels like a completely different world — busy, lively, and filled with the aroma of fresh spices.
The western side, which most visitors know as Ubud Art Market, is where hand-crafted products, colorful souvenirs, and artistic items are sold. These two markets sit side by side, reflecting both the modern tourism era and Ubud’s original local life.
Walking here, you’ll see how Ubud blends tradition with creativity. It’s a place where local artists sell their crafts directly, visitors mingle with the community, and every corner feels like a piece of Balinese culture.
A Short History of Ubud Art Market
The origins of Ubud Art Market go back to the early 1800s, during the time of Ida Tjokorde Kandel, the King of Ubud. The area in front of the palace was designed as a public trading space, allowing villagers to exchange goods long before money became widely used. Over time, especially after Ubud began welcoming international visitors in the early 20th century, the market transformed naturally.
As tourism grew, local craftsmen started bringing their artwork — wood carvings, paintings, silver pieces, sarongs, and woven products — to sell to curious travelers. What started as a simple village market slowly became one of Bali’s most famous destinations for art shopping.
Yet, even with this evolution, the market never lost its identity. It remains a place for local residents to shop for daily needs while also serving as a center for Bali’s artisan community.
This natural blend of old and new is what makes Ubud Art Market so charming today.
What Makes Ubud Art Market So Special?
What sets Ubud Art Market apart from other shopping spots in Bali is its authenticity. The products sold here are mostly handmade, created by skilled local artisans from Ubud and surrounding villages such as Mas (famous for wood carving), Celuk (known for silver jewelry), and Tegalalang (known for statue crafting and woodworking). Each item carries a little piece of Bali’s cultural identity.
When you visit, you’ll find everything from traditional rattan bags, sarongs, dreamcatchers, batik clothing, wooden masks, and bamboo crafts, to paintings and handmade accessories. No two shops are exactly the same, and walking through the market feels like browsing through a living gallery of Balinese creativity.
Another thing that makes this market unique is the bargaining culture. Unlike modern stores with fixed prices, many sellers here expect a friendly negotiation. Don’t hesitate to smile, talk politely, and ask for the best price — it’s part of the local experience and usually done with good humor from both sides.
With so many options at affordable prices, Ubud Art Market becomes the perfect place to bring home meaningful souvenirs for family and friends.
A Famous Spot Featured in International Film
Many travelers know Ubud Art Market because it appeared in the famous Hollywood movie “Eat, Pray, Love” starring Julia Roberts. In the film, Julia Roberts explored the market, met locals, and walked the same pathways that thousands of visitors now love to follow.
Since then, the market’s popularity has grown even more, attracting people who want to experience its charm just like in the movie.
But beyond the film, the market’s real charm lies in its everyday activities — the laughter of sellers, the sight of artists arranging their handicrafts, and the joyful energy of visitors capturing memories.
Location and How to Get There
Ubud Art Market is located in the heart of Ubud at Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, right across from Ubud Royal Palace. If you’re staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, or Sanur, the trip usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Finding the market is very easy, as the area is a major tourist district with clear signage and well-known landmarks. If you prefer a comfortable trip without the stress of navigating the roads yourself, you can book a private Muslim-friendly driver from balidrivermuslim.com.
Our drivers are patient, experienced, and ready to take you not only to Ubud Art Market but also to nearby attractions such as Ubud Monkey Forest, Saraswati Temple, and other beautiful spots around the village. We can also take you to halal restaurants in Ubud so you can enjoy your meals comfortably throughout the day.
Exploring the Traditional Market Side
If you come early in the morning, you can experience a different side of Ubud. The traditional market opens before sunrise and offers an authentic glimpse of local community life. Here, you’ll see mothers buying vegetables, villagers purchasing offerings for temple ceremonies, and sellers chatting happily as they prepare their goods.
It’s busy, lively, and full of character. This part of the market is less about souvenirs and more about daily essentials — making it perfect for travelers who want to experience real Bali, not just the tourist side.
The Art Market Experience
Once the sun rises higher and the morning market slows down, the art market becomes the main attraction. Shops begin opening around 8:00–9:00 AM, displaying handcrafted goods in vibrant colors. The atmosphere becomes cheerful and energetic as tourists explore the stalls.
Some items you might find include:
- handwoven rattan bags
- Balinese-style dresses and sarongs
- wooden carvings
- paintings from local artists
- batik and ikat textiles
- handmade jewelry
- sculptures
- decorative home items
Every product has its own story. Many sellers are directly connected to the artists who make the items, and some even create the goods themselves. This personal touch makes shopping here more meaningful than buying factory-made items at generic stores.
A Place for Culture, Food, and Local Interaction
One of the best parts of visiting Ubud Art Market is the cultural interaction. The sellers are known for their friendliness, warm greetings, and genuine smiles. Many of them speak basic English and are always happy to introduce their work or share the story behind their crafts.
If you’re traveling with a Muslim driver, you can also ask for recommendations for halal food around the market. Ubud now has many halal-friendly restaurants and cafés that serve delicious meals, making your day trip easy and enjoyable.
Opening Hours
Most shops in Ubud Art Market open from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, although some open earlier and some close later depending on the season. To enjoy the market comfortably, the best time to visit is around 09:00–11:00 AM or after 3:00 PM when the weather is cooler.
What About the Ubud Night Market?
While the official art market closes in the evening, you can still enjoy a taste of Ubud’s night market atmosphere at Sayan Night Market, located just a short drive away. Operating from around 7:00 PM to midnight, this market is where locals buy street food and snacks. It’s a great place to try traditional dishes at affordable prices and experience Bali’s night-life culture from a local perspective.
Facilities at Ubud Art Market
The market offers several convenient facilities such as a spacious parking area, public toilets (with a small donation), snack stalls, and many shaded spots to rest. Because the area is well-developed, visitors can walk comfortably from shop to shop without feeling overwhelmed.
A Memorable Stop on Your Bali Trip
Visiting Ubud Art Market is more than just shopping — it’s an experience filled with culture, creativity, and warm interactions with the local community. Whether you’re buying souvenirs, exploring the artistic environment, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this market adds a special touch to your Bali adventure.
If you want a smooth and enjoyable trip to Ubud with a Friendly Muslim driver, halal-friendly stops, and flexible travel times, balidrivermuslim.com is ready to assist you. We’d be happy to take you to Ubud Art Market and other beautiful destinations around the area for a comfortable, memorable, and stress-free day.
Ubud Art Market is a place where art, tradition, and modern creativity come together — and once you visit, it’s easy to understand why so many travelers fall in love with it.