Sukawati Art Market is the perfect place to get your shopping on in Bali. It’s an authentic local market that sells products that are locally made and sourced.
Better still, it’s where the Balinese people shop and that means you know the prices are reasonable (at least, if you learn to haggle, they are).
Where Is Sukawati Art Market?
It is found to the Northeast of Denpasar in Sukawati itself and it’s a short drive from most of the beach towns in Bali.
The address of Sukawati Art Market is Jalan Raya Sukawati, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582, Indonesia
How To Get To Sukawati Bali Art Market
The easiest way to get to the Sukawati Art Market is to take a Grab or Gojek from Denpasar or rent a private car and driver if you’re a bit further afield.
This is going to be relatively cash efficient and ensure that you’re safe on the journey which will entail being on some of Bali’s busier roads.
You can take a scooter but as with all things in Bali, we don’t recommend that you catch a scooter, it’s a recipe for accidents given the Balinese traffic and even experienced riders struggle here, it’s a bad idea to try and learn to use a scooter in Bali.
It’s also very hard to remain road-legal on a scooter and if you’re not legal, you’re not going to be insured in the event of an accident and medical bills can be very high, indeed.
If you must rent a scooter, you need a current driving license which must have a specific motorbike endorsement (a straight car license won’t cut it), you must also have a current International Driver’s Permit (IDP) which will be issued in your own country, you have to wear a helmet at all times and cannot drive drunk.
There’s also the option of joining a tour which can be a nice way to see more of Bali without breaking the bank and if you want to book a tour, try contacting the Bali Res Centre (their contact details are in the FAQ below).
When Is Sukawati Market Open?
It is open nearly every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You will find locals and holidaymakers alike rubbing shoulders and seeking out bargains.
It’s one of the most inexpensive places to shop on the island and because it’s so near to the most popular resort destinations, it’s really easy to get to.
It’s a 2-storey building that is absolutely packed with stalls and there’s a really wide variety of products inside.
Nearly all of them are made and sourced locally which means you’re supporting the Balinese economy with every purchase.
There is no entry fee and you’re free to wander around and browse at your leisure.
What’s For Sale At Sukawati Art Market?
What’s For Sale At Sukawati Art Market?
Sukawati Market in Bali offers a huge range of goods made by locals, and usually at very reasonable prices.
You can find framed artworks, carved figurines, handwoven textile products, Balinese kites, women’s clothing and accessories, delightful sarongs, and even ceremonial items for the temples, here.
If you’re looking to buy holiday shirts here, you should know that the prices will vary based on the weave of the cotton, the design and the quality of the material used.
If you’re into painted art then the paintings here are imitations of famous masters from around the world. You won’t get into any trouble taking them out of Bali and they are quite lovely, but they don’t have any real value beyond the artists’ time and materials, either.
If you love Arie Smit, Han Snel, Bonet, etc. then you’re going to be very happy picking up some reproductions in this place.
However, if you scour about a bit, you may find some works in the Kamasan style and these are worth tracking down as they are authentic art from Bali, which is why we come to Sukawati in the first place.
Around the ground floor of this place, you can find clothing and, in particular, sarongs. They also sell raw textiles and fabrics in various lengths, colours and designs.
It’s worth noting that this market is super popular and the turnover of wares in Sukawati is high, if you see something at this market that you want, we’d advise that you snap it up during your visit, as the next time you go, it will almost certainly be gone, never to return.
Head to the back of the market and you’ll find that they stock some amazing items based on aromatherapy and aromatic healing.
They do some amazing fans which have been infused with sandalwood and this section of the market smells truly amazing.
Look out for the sticks of incense and the jelly candles which come in a wide range of exciting and vibrant colours.
This is also a great market for bedding and you can find artistic bedcovers or ones that feature famous faces from around the world, like The Beatles or Che Guevara.
As long as it’s not raining, you will find the bedding on open-air displays right out of the front of the market.
Tips On Doing Deals At Sukawati Art Market
If you accept the offered price at Sukawati Market, you’re doing it wrong. Locals that shop here will tell you that you don’t just haggle on your visit to the market, you aggressively haggle.
Forget the whole “start at half price and meet in the middle” advice that is so commonly given in guidebooks.
If you want a fair price for the paintings you’re stocking up on the garments you want to take home – begin negotiations in each shop at 10% of the initial offer from the vendor.
At markets like this, you let the vendor do most of the discounting while you very slowly increase your initial offer.
Don’t worry about insulting anyone, if the vendor really believes you can’t come to a price that is profitable, they will walk away and if you don’t feel you’re getting a good price, you can walk away too.
However, it’s really poor form to walk away once a bargain is struck. So, after you shake on a price or otherwise agree to it, you can’t just wander off without an angry exchange.
Don’t Miss Sukawati Morning Market (Pasar Pagi Sukwati) Either
There are other markets around Sukawait and the Sukawati Morning Market is a great place for even better Bali bargains.
It stocks nearly all the same stuff as the regular market, but it’s built with wholesalers in mind. That means if you’re prepared to buy in bulk. They’re prepared to sell things very cheaply, indeed.
If you need to bring back presents from Bali for everyone in the office, for example, the Morning Market is going to make your life much easier.
Things to Do Near Sukawati Art Market
There are a few things within a short drive and they’re all worth seeing.
Bali Zoo
The zoo here is pretty good and it’s full of both local and exotic creatures. The zoo works with several conservation programs too and is helping preserve wildlife for future generations.
Tegunungan Waterfall
A stunning cascade of water down the cliffs and a pleasant pool to cool down in? It’s the perfect post-shopping experience.
The lush natural landscape of the island has never looked so good. Take a camera and enjoy communing with nature.
Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang Sukawati
This canyon is a striking beautiful place that remains something of a hidden gem on the island.
Bali Bird Park
Families love the brightly coloured tropical avian life here and it’s very reasonably priced.
Celuk Village Silver Craft Center
It’s only 15 minutes from Sukawati and an amazing place to get authentic silverware from the craftsmen (and women) who make it.
FAQs
Is Sukawati Art Market Worth Visiting?
Yes, we think it is! Sukawati Market is one of the few places in Bali where you can truly shop like a local, assuming you have the courage to haggle like the locals do.
It’s the ideal place to pick up some genuinely authentic Balinese souvenirs too. Unlike most markets across Southeast Asia, this Bali market tends to sell items made in the nearby Sukawati Village and other villages nearby.
That means that the paintings, scented candles, incense sticks, etc. that you buy on a visit to Sukawati Market are sold to promote a better life for the people of Bali. We think that’s important.
Sure, it’s not the place to search for household and daily necessities but a shopping spree here means supporting the locals and enjoying a real Bali market experience.
What Can You Buy In Sukawati Art Market?
Locally made products. From bedding to clothing to artwork, this is a truly authentic slice of Balinese life and you can be certain that when you spend money here, it’s all going to remain in the local economy.
We think that’s one of the big selling points of a shopping trip in this part of Bali, the chance to support the beautiful people of this paradise island.
What Is The Name Of The Art Market In Ubud?
Ubud Art Market and you can find our guide to it on the FINNS blog. It’s probably the biggest tourist market of its kind in Bali and it’s very popular with shoppers.
You won’t find as many bargains as you do in Sukawati but there’s no doubt that if you’re in Ubud for the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, etc. then it’s very much worth visiting.
The handicrafts sold at each of these markets are always drawn from local villages and thus, you will find they have many things in Ubud that you can’t find in Sukawati and vice-versa.
How To Book A Trip To Sukawati Art Market
Contact our friends at the Bali Res Centre. The local travel service that will ensure you have a great time.
Sukawati Art Market is what almost every shopper craves on a visit to Bali. A place where you can buy lovely local handicrafts without paying a fortune for them.
You’re bound to leave this place with a few bags of shopping but as long as you have the courage to haggle properly (and once you start, you will find it’s really easy to do) then you will also leave Sukawati Market with plenty of bargains.
A couple of hours spent at this market is a couple of hours well spent.
