Heri Sisworo
Ubud is known as the centerpiece of Balinese art and culture, classical or contemporary. Unlike the southern part of Bali that is being developed extensively for a tourism project, Ubud’s main charm is its natural landscape. That’s why you can find places like Moneky Forest, Tegallalang terraced rice fields, or the Campuhan ridge walk.
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Most tourists already know that Ubud is the best place to finding the best souvenirs in Bali. Most Balinese art and crafts are made by artisans here, in the cultural villages. Shopping in Ubud will get you many choices of authentic crafts. Here are some of the best places to shop in Ubud.
Sukawati Art Market
Established in the 80’s Sukawati Art Market is a two-story marketplace that exclusively sells art products. Located some 20 kilometers north of Kuta, Sukawati Art Market is always packed with tourists who want to buy some of the best Balinese crafts.
You can find items like clothes and fabric for paintings in this place. The price is negotiable, meaning you have to haggle the amount. You can start by offering half the price offered to you.
Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market is probably the most popular art market on the island. It is located in front of the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace. You can find almost every form of crafts here; from shirts, silk scarves, handmade woven bags, a woven hat, and many more.
Most of the items sold here are from artisans’ village-like Tegallalangan, Peliatan, Payangan, and Pengosekan. Many tourists think that the items sold here generally have more artistic value compared to the market in busy areas like Kuta.
Celuk Gold and Silversmiths
Celuk is a village that is one of the centers for goldsmiths and silversmiths in Bali. This village is usually included in many itineraries of a Bali Tour in Ubud or Kintamani. Celuk itself is located in a greater area known for its skillful artisans and craftsmen.
Almost every household in this village is home to jewelers and you can see them in action. Here you can find high-quality handmade gold and silver items like necklaces, broaches, rings, bracelets, studs, earrings, and many more.
Guwang Art Market
Guwang Art Market is a traditional market, located to the south of Sukawati. It is smaller than Sukawati, but it can be a great alternative if you want a more convenient shopping with less crowd. Since its location is relatively close to beaches, you can find more beachwear here. If you can’t find what you are looking for in the market, you might want to try your luck in the village of Guwang itself since there are many shops and galleries there.
Tegallalang Handicrafts Center
Tegallalang is a famous stopover for those who travel in Bali, mainly because of its famous terraced rice fields. Agriculture is still the main livelihood of the residents here, but tourism and creative economy start to take over. The roadsides in Tegallalang is filled with many art shops, making it like a never-ending art market. In some studios, you can even make your own arts!
Whether you want to buy a humble souvenir or you are a serious art lover, Ubud can provide you with artistic items. You will definitely be overwhelmed by choice is you come to a big market like Ubud Art Market. Just prepare to haggle the price when you are buying in a traditional market like that. Next
