Bali Traditional Market

A visit to a local market always provides a fascinating insight into the culture of the "Real Bali." Below are a number of traditional markets in Bali area:


Kuta Art Market
Situated close to the Kuta Beach on Jl. Bakung Sari, Kuta Art Market has a large number of shops selling a wide variety of merchandises including sarongs, clothes, shoes, jewelries, handicrafts, leather goods, and furniture. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and have a huge bargaining power.

Sanur Art Market
Located on Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur Art Market has a more relaxed atmosphere and is less crowded than Kuta. This art market has an interesting variety of shops selling a wide range of merchandises such as sarongs, woodcarvings, and other handicrafts. It is also surrounded by lots of nice restaurants.

Kumbasari Market
Kumbasari Market is located on Jl. Gajah Mada, Denpasar, near the Badung River. This traditional, non-air-conditioned market offers an interesting overview of an Indonesia market. In the basement, you will find the traditional market and lots of traditional kitchen crafts made out of woven bamboo on the first floor. The second floor provides spices and dried goods as well as a wide variety of Balinese printed batik, Balinese and Javanese hand-woven textiles and various batik textiles at reasonable prices, while the household wares and clothing can be found on the third floor.

Badung Market
This 24 hours traditional market is located on Jl. Gajah Mada, Denpasar, across the Kumbasari Market, separated by the Badung River. This largest and oldest market in Bali provides such local needs as fruit and meat to and, meat, fish, vegetables, tropical and subtropical fruits, groceries, spices, clothes, textiles, and many more. Apart from consumables, one can also find beetle leaves which are used in Balinese Hindu prayers, as well as fabrics and household supplies. Although it is rather unclean, this tent market attracts many local shoppers and wholesalers for its completeness and competitive prices. The peak hour is in the afternoon, when the big transaction occurs.

Pasar Burung (Bird Market)
Pasar Burung (Bird Market) is located on Jl. Pramuka, Denpasar. This colorful and noisy market provides a wide range of birds and other such small animals as monkeys, squirrels, small wild cats and other unidentifiable animals from the heart of the dark jungles of Indonesia.

Batubulan Market
Batubulan Market, situated at the border of Denpasar and Gianyar, is the home of stone sculptures. You will find various kinds of style here, from traditional to modern, small to large. Traditionally, stone sculptures carved from soft volcanic rock (paras) were used to decorate temples and palaces but recently they are sold for export as well. The craftsmen practically can make anything you request from small to large sculptures.

Ubud Market
Ubud is known as the cultural center of Bali and as a land of artists. It is a place where you have the opportunity to see the real Bali. Located on Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud Market has kept much of its traditional charm, with squatting Balinese sellers haggling loudly among spices and vegetables. The market also sells handicrafts which mostly were made in the neighboring villages of Mas, Tegalalang, and more.

Sukawati Art Market
Sukawati Art Market is located on Jl. Raya Sukawati, Gianyar, across the Sukawati Traditional Market. Set in a new two-story building, the art market sells a wide variety of merchandises, ranging from statues to dance costumes, all at reasonable prices. A large variety of woven baskets can be found here along with Balinese ceremonial items made from colorful prada (gold painted cloth).

Candi Kuning Market
Located in Bedugul, Candi Kuning Market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and such exotic flowers as delicate orchids and roses, creating an array of wonderful colors. Spices include nutmeg, pepper, paprika and turmeric. A wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables can be found here, as well as jeruk bali (pomelo) and durian.

Galiran Market
Galiran Market, Klungkung is known as the central market of Eastern Bali, because of its agricultural commodities from Karangasem, Bangli and Gianyar are mostly sold here. Before 1974, Klungkung traditional market was situated in the heart of Semarapura city. In accordance with the development of commercial activities, the market was moved to Galiran Village, 2 hours drive to the south. It was renovated to a three-story building, providing handicrafts, artworks, traditional fabrics and many more. The most crowded market day falls every three days on pasah (a three-day week based on Balinese calendar).

In 1994, the market area was extended to 3 hectares which consists of 14 building blocks each selling different goods. Block A, B and C sell consumer products. Block D and E are specialized in agricultural products, block F for vegetables. Food and beverages and various fruits are available at block G and H. While, block J and I sell various cattle and pottery handicrafts whilst baskets and salt can be found at block K. Block L and M sell meat and sugar, and block N for cakes and plaits.

Kreneng Market
Kreneng market is located on Kamboja Street, East Denpasar, about 3 km from the city center. Daily commodities at reasonable prices can be found in this market. At night, it becomes a night bazaar where various kinds of traditional foods at reasonable prices are also available.

Kreneng Market is also the terminal of mini buses. These mini buses are called ‘bemo’, public transportations which have routes around Denpasar area.

Sanglah Market
Sanglah market is located in south Denpasar area, about 2.5 km from the city center. Like other traditional markets in Denpasar, this market offers commodities for the daily needs. Although it is open the whole day, the busy activities are only in the morning around 6 am.

Satria Market
Satria market is located at the north side of Gajah Mada Street, in the corner of Nakula Street and Veteran Street. This market sells the art crafts such as wooden handicrafts, paintings, and other handicrafts on the second level; and daily commodities on ground level.



source : bali-directory.com

Tips for Travelling

Before Leaving

* Allow plenty of time to get the relevant visa.

* Read up about your destinations before leaving so you can enjoy yourself straight away on arrival. Check out travel deals that are available on the Internet.

* Don't buy loads of new clothes - be ruthless when packing - most people can manage with half what they take.

* Take an extra duffel bag - it can be used as a day bag and to bring back a few souvenirs.

* Don't pack your passport in your rucksack - keep it in your hand luggage with your tickets.

* Try and memorise your passport number incase you lose it!

* Write down addresses of friends and family, you may want to send postcards to, in a small address book.

* Arrange for diabetic/vegetarian/vegan meals for your flight with your travel agent.

* Remove old destination tags to avoid confusion

* On the day of your flight call the airport to check that your flight is on time.

* Find out how many 'carry on bags' your airlina allows - luggage 20"x15"x10" is average

* Purchase some water purification tablets if you are planning a stop over in a country with suspect water sources

* Pack essentials such as a toothbrush, clean underwear and money in hand luggage, incase your check in bags get lost.

During Journey

* Reduce the pain of popping ears; suck a sweet, swallow hard or gently blow your nose.

* Try to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated- the cabins highly pressurised air is very dry.

* Ask cabin crew if you can move to a row of unoccupied seats so you can travel in style.

* Minimise jet lag by adjusting your watch to 'local' time along your journey.

* Walk around a little on the plane to help circulation and make the most of any refuel stops for a good stretch.

* Try to sleep during the Australian night (the airlines normally turn the lights off to help).

On Arrival

* Try to be as alert as you can; weary travellers make easy prey for pickpockets etc.

* Avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room; it's likely to attract a huge premium.

* Make sure any taxi you get into is legitimate to avoid any shady goings on

* If hiring a car, collision damage insurance/waiver is a good investment

* If hiring a car carefully check it for dents, scratches etc and insist the rental company makes a written note to confirm.

* Carry a 2nd 'dummy' wallet with a small amount of cash in case you are mugged - not likely in Australia.

* Be aware of the fierce Australian sun - use sunscreen, wear shades and lip protection.

* Check for hazardous currents/ tides or dangerous marine life before swimming/surfing etc.

It is a Good Idea to...

* Book internal airline tickets at least three weeks in advance for discount.

* Open a bank account in Australia if it is your intention to stay for more than a month.

* Get vaccinations for other foreign destinations before leaving.

* Never let a stranger look after your bag - they may steal or put something in there.

* Use reduced rate phone cards to phone home.

* Travel in a group, it is safer, cheaper and more fun.

* Plan a rough itenirary of where you would like to go.

* Book internal flights or transport before you go, as sometimes discounts are available.

* Travel in the southern states during the Summer and the northern states during the Winter.

* Buy a map if you are planning on driving, or a relevant map if you are planning on doing some serious bushwalking.

* Find the suitable Insurance policy that covers money, medical and activities.

Equipment

* Camping/sports towels are extremely small and lightweight, they don't smell and can be packed damp.

* Shaving oil rather than shaving cream saves valuable storage space and weight.

* A small first aid kit could be very useful for minor injuries.

* Swiss army style knives are a good idea for peeling fruit, cutting toe nails etc.

* A wide brimmed hat or cap can be very useful for preventing sun stroke on very hot days.

* High factor sun cream will help to minimise the risks of sun burn and skin cancer.

* Good quality sun glasses will make you look cool and stop you from cooking your eyes

* Ear plugs can be a real 'God send' when there is a loud snorer in your dorm!

* Headache tablets for hangovers etc.

* A lightweight showerproof jacket can be useful as it does rain in Oz, sometimes very hard.

* Clothes that don't run (so you only have to do one washing load for everything).

* Comfortable shoes that don't take up much room, and are suitable for various occassions.

The Ruck Sack

* A 65 litre rucksack should definitely be large enough.

* A rucksack which opens up like a suitcase is excellent for keeping clothes crease free and easily accessible.

* A rucksack with a detachable smaller bag is desirable. They are ideal for day trips etc.

* Wire Ruck Sack security bags are available to safeguard your valuables.

* A rucksack with an additional removable water proof cover can be a good investment.

source : australianexplorer.com