Sure, Bali is home to beautiful beaches and resorts. But at some point during your trip, you’ll need a glimpse of the local scene. Badung Market is where you can go to experience Bali beyond the tourist bubble.
This traditional market in Denpasar is bigger than some shopping malls in Bali, and exponentially more hectic. The main building features several floors of local vendors and the famous night market outside.
About Badung Market
Badung Market (or Pasar Badung if you want to sound like a local), is the largest traditional market in Bali. The main building sits on a massive property and spans 4 stories of absolute sensory overload.
Located in the heart of Denpasar, this market operates for a majority of the day, making sure that whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s always something happening.
- Location: Jl. Sulawesi, Denpasar
- Entrance fee: free
- Parking fee (scooter): IDR 2,000
- Parking fee (cars): IDR 3,000
- Operating hours: 5am – 5pm, night market after 6pm
Exploring the Market
Pasar Badung is the size of a metropolitan shopping mall. It’s divided into 3 main sections. The main 4-floor building itself, the night market, and the street market in the back. Connected by a bridge is the Kumbasari Art Market next door.
The Night Market
The night market is the main attraction – Kuliner Pasar Badung. This is where you’ll find all the Indonesian street food you can handle. It opens up after 6:00 pm but some food vendors might open sooner.
As the sun sets, loads of vendors set up their food stalls, filling the air with absolutely irresistible aromas. It has a vibrant energy and the food is sold at wallet-friendly prices – a perfect spot for a cheat day.
Ground Floor
The ground floor is dedicated to fresh produce. Expect a wide range of smells – fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices. There’s also a separate section for chicken and another for beef and goat meat.
If you get grossed out easily by raw meat, it’s probably best to avoid this section and head straight to the second floor. However, if you’re cooking in your villa, the meat prices here are some of the best in Bali.
Second Floor
Heading up to the second floor you’ll find traditional snacks and household goods. This is a good spot to score some edible souvenirs. Just a fair warning, once you try Indonesian snacks (Jajan), regular candy will never be up to par.
Third Floor
The third floor is mostly textiles and handicrafts. If you’re looking for something that says “look at me I went to Bali,” without resorting to a Bintang singlet, this is a good spot. Here you’ll find traditional textiles, woven baskets, and intricate jewelry.
Top Floor
The top floor is for clothing and accessories. The clothes here are quite affordable so don’t get carried away. The view of Denpasar City and the surrounding market area is also quite beautiful. It gives you a perspective of an old Denpasar that had time to develop without considering tourism.
The Second Hand Market
After sundown, the back alleys of Badung Market are flooded with second-hand vendors who are selling imported used clothing at some ridiculously low prices. Expect to find shirts at IDR 20k (AUD $2) and Jeans for IDR 50k (AUD $5).
Most of the clothing are piled up on a sheet on the floor so you’ll need to do some digging. Also, there aren’t any changing rooms here so you’ll need to eyeball it or hide behind some back alleys to try them on.
Behind the Market
Located in the backyard of Pasar Badung is an even more hectic street market. This is mostly for locals with vendors serving fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional goods for ceremonies and homes. It’s a fascinating atmosphere to be in.
Denpasar Street Food Tour
The best way to immerse yourself at Badung Market is to book a Denpasar Food Tour. This is a private tour that takes you on a journey through the market with your own driver and guide.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel or villa in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV, and taken to explore the chaos of the market alongside a friendly, English-speaking driver. Come hungry!
Street food at Badung Market
The main reason you’re probably planning to visit is the night market, so let’s talk about food. Badung Market’s pasar malam (night market) features a range of savory and sweet food all under one roof.
- Bakso – Indonesian meatball soup
- Babi Guling – Bali’s famous suckling pig dish. Roasted pig showered in herbs and spices.
- Sate – Pronounced “sah-tay.” Meat skewers that’s either fish, chicken, or pork.
- Jaje Bali – Traditional Balinese sweets and snacks
- Pukis – Small cakes usually topped with sweet spread.
I highly recommend grabbing a sate ayam (chicken skewer) at the Sate Godzilla stall. It’s so popular that you will likely need to line up – but it’s totally worth it! They offer massive foot-long sates at just $1.50 a piece with a generous amount of meat on the skewer.
How to get to Badung Market
Badung Market is located in the middle of Denpasar on Jalan Sulawesi, Denpasar City. It’s about 45 minutes out of Ubud and 30 minutes from Seminyak. Sanur is just a 10-minute ride away.
By Car
Book yourself a private car and driver to make your way there without the hassle of navigating Bali’s chaotic traffic. Your driver can also help you navigate the market during your visit.
By Scooter
Renting a scooter in Bali is another option. If it’s your first time riding a scooter, I wouldn’t recommend it. Bali’s roads can be unforgiving to beginners.
By Bus
Bali’s public transporation, Teman Bus, does have a stop near Pasar Badung. However, depending on what part of Bali you’re coming from, you will likely need to connect a few routes. There are currently no bus routes running from Canggu, Uluwatu, or Seminyak.
Pro tips for Visiting Badung Market
History of Badung Market
Badung Market’s origins traces back to the early 20th century when Denpasar was still in the emerging phase as Bali’s economic center. During this time, Bali was still under Dutch colonial rule.
Before it formally became the market it is today, the area near the Badung River had already been a lively trading zone where local farmers, fishermen, and artisans gathered to barter goods. The Dutch then decided to officially organize the market in an attempt to regulate commerce and taxation, and shaped it into a structured trading hub that would support Bali’s growing population.
During the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, the market suffered from food shortages and strict controls over essential foods. But when Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Denpasar rapidly jumped back on its feet and Pasar Badung reestablished itself as the island’s primary marketplace.
Another major setback happened in 2016 when a massive fire broke out and destroyed a significant portion of the market. The fire forced thousands of vendors to relocate to temporary stalls and, as you might expect, caused some financial hardship for those who relied on daily sales to feed their families.
Badung Market Facilities
The facilities are quite impressive for a traditional market. Most night markets in Bali have little to no facilities, and if they do have, it’s not well-maintained. The management at Badung Market defintiely stepped up their game.
For starters, since it’s a 4-floor building, you can use the elevator or escalator. Or if you’re old-school, you can use the stairs. There are also toilets on each floor and are decently maintained. At the front by the main entrance, you can find the main office which serves as a help desk.
In terms of parking, there are tons of scooter and motorcycle parking in the front, and basement parking for cars. You can also ride around the side and park there. On the rare occasion it’s full, you can park outside of the market.
Final Thoughts about Badung Market
What I like the most about Pasar Badung is that it’s relatively cleaner than most other traditional markets – the keyword here is relatively. If we’re being honest, many local markets tend to be dirty and smelly due to lack of proper sanitation and trash disposal.
However, Badung Market is quite well-maintained for its scale. They have an organized parking lot system, most street food vendors wear gloves or use tongs, and the pressure from vendors to buy something is quite tolerable.
This is Bali’s largest traditional market, so if you only have time for one market trip during your visit to Bali, this is it. Dress light, grab some bottled water, stash your wallet some extra Rupiah, and enjoy!
Badung Market FAQs
What is the entrance fee to Badung Market?
There is no entrance fee to Badung Market. Aside from parking fees, it’s completely free.
Is it tourist-friendly?
While it’s primarily a local market, vendors are used to having international visitors and are quite friendly. The signs are mostly in Indonesian but many sellers can understand basic English. Just brace yourself for a lively atmosphere that doesn’t cater to tourism.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on why you’re visiting. If you’re headed to the night market, then aim for 6:00 pm. If you’re there to shop for fresh produce and goods, 6:00 – 8:00 am is better.
Can I bargain at the market?
Not only is bargaining accepted, it’s encouraged. Have fun negotiating the price of several kilos of bananas. However, the food at the night market have set prices. Don’t try to haggle the price of a plate of Babi Guling from $1.50 down to $1.20.
Is the market suitable for kids?
Yes, of course But keep in mind that it can get quite crowded. The narrow aisles, fast-moving sellers, and the occasional scooter zooming through might be overwhelming for younger infants. If you’re bringing the little ones with you, I recommend a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
Should I bring cash or credit cards?
Most vendors at Badung Market operate as cash-only. It’s better to bring IDR cash.
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about Bali’s rich culture.
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