Kreneng Market, or Pasar Kreneng, is a traditional market in Denpasar where visitors can experience a glimpse of the real Bali. While it’s a bustling marketplace for shopping in the daytime, it’s a foodie haven at night.
Away from touristy hotspots, this night market is where locals gather for cheap, flavourful food like Bakso, Sate, and Babi Guling.
If you’re seeking a real, unfiltered Indonesian experience during your Bali holiday, Kreneng’s lively energy and delicious street food are a must-visit.
About Kreneng Market
Denpasar City, Bali’s capital, is home to tons of vibrant markets that showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage. Among these, Kreneng Market stands out as one of the most fascinating night markets – alongside the famous Badung Market, the largest traditional market in Bali.
Kreneng Market is Denpasar’s lively, slightly chaotic traditional market that barely sleeps. By day, it’s a buzzing hub where locals haggle over fresh produce and spice. By night, it transforms into a street food paradise, luring hungry foodies with meat skewers and steaming bowls of bakso.
The market’s three-story structure may look like an unassuming, boring old building from the outside, but inside, it’s a hectic marketplace that’s filled with lovely chaos. On the outside of the market, you’ll find a jungle of street food.
For food lovers, adventurers, and those looking to peek into the daily life of a local, Pasar Kreneng is a must-visit destination. If you want an authentic taste of local life in Bali, this is the one of the best places to be.
- Location: Pasar Kreneng, Denpasar City
- Entrance fee: free
- Parking fee (scooter): IDR 2,000
- Parking fee (cars): IDR 5,000
- Operating hours: 24-hours, Night market after 6:00pm
How to get to Kreneng Market
Kreneng Market is located in the center of Denpasar, so it’s easily accessible by scooter, car, or even taxi. If you’re staying in areas like Canggu or Seminyak, it’s about a 30 – 45 minute journey to the market. Pasar Kreneng is about a 1-hour drive from Ubud.
By Car
Book a private car and driver for the day to explore Denpasar with an expert driver who knows the ins and outs of the city. You won’t have to stress about navigating traffic on Denpasar’s hectic roads. Alternatively, you can also book a private car and driver – half day hire.
By Scooter
Renting a scooter in Bali is great to get to Pasar Kreneng if you’re traveling light. I recommend renting a scooter from Bikago, and you can add on a phone holder to your scooter so you won’t have to hold Google Maps in your hand while navigating through the roads. Scooter parking at Krenang Market is IDR 2,000
Pro tip: I recommend heading to the rear parking lot instead of the main entrance. Although you can find parking space early, you might have a hard time getting your scooter out later in the evening as it gets packed.
By Grab or GoJek
If you’re thinking about braving the journey alone, you can get a Grab or Gojek scooter taxi to the market. While getting there is no problem, returning is a bit of a headache – you’ll need to locate the driver among the many others. Not the best option if you’re holding several bags
By Public Bus
If you’re really keen on getting there by the cheapest option possible, you can catch Bali’s public transportation, Teman Bus. This will only set you back about IDR 4,400 but you’ll need to connect different routes. I wouldn’t recommend it for this trip.
Denpasar Food Tour
Our Denpasar Food Tour takes you on a guided journey through Badung Market at night – another vibrant marketplace where you can try just about any Indonesian food you can think of.
You’ll be in a private, air-conditioned SUV with an English-speaking driver who will act as your guide through the market. They will explain the ingredients and cooking methods and also be your translator if you have any questions.
The food tour is fully private half-day tour and includes pick-up, drop-off, fuel, and taxes for up to 6 people. It’s a great way to immerse yourself with the local food scene with the guidance of a local.
Why visit Kreneng Market
Kreneng Market is more than just a market – it’s a cultural adventure that exhibits a side of Bali beyond its beaches and fancy resorts. Here are 5 reasons you should visit at least once during your Bali trip:
1. A food lover’s paradise
If you’re a big fan of street food, Kreneng Market is an absolute must-visit. You’ll find a wide vareity of Balinese, Javanese, and even Chinese-Indonesian food – all freshly whipped up by skilled street vendors.
2. Cheap food
While you might be used to paying $10 for an avocado on toast at a Canggu cafe, the food at Kreneng Market is incredible cheap. Most dishes will cost less than IDR 20,000 (USD $1.50 / AUD $2.00). So you can feast a several dishes without even denting a 10-dollar bill.
3. A good shopping spot
While it may not be the best spot for souvenirs, it’s a wonderful market to shop for cheap clothes. Expect to find t-shirts and shorts anywhere from IDR 20,000 to IDR 40,000 (just a few dollars). If you’re buying a few pieces, feel free to haggle.
4. Experience local culture up close
One of the most rewarding parts of visiting Kreneng Market (aside from the food) is the opportunity to observe and interact with the locals. Whether you’re having a chat with a friendly vendor about their food, or simply watching these skilled chefs at work, the market offers a deep dive into local culture.
5. It’s open late
One of the drawbacks of Bali as a whole is that there’s not much alternative activities to do at night – other than parties, beach clubs, night clubs, and bars. Also, many markets in Bali close by the afternoon. But Kreneng comes alive at night! Consider this as something different to do after sunset.
Street Food at Kreneng Market
Let’s talk about food. This place is an entire jungle of street food where sizzling grills, bubbling broths, and harmonious clang of spatulas against woks create a symphony of chaos.
Savoury Meals
Babi Guling – Bali’s famous spit-roasted suckling pig, marinated and stuffed with a rich blend of spices. You’ll find dozens of Babi Guling vendors by the main food court area. This is a must-try if you can eat pork.
Bakso – Indonesia’s beloved meatball soup with either chicken, beef, or fish balls floating around in a savory broth. It’s usually served with tofu, noodles, and some crispy fried wontons.
Nasi Goreng – An iconic dish in Indonesia – fried rice with sweet soy sauce, shallots, chili, and garlic. It’s a simple meal that packs so much flavour.
Sate Kambing – Grilled mutton or goat skewers marinated with loads of herbs and spices.
Soto Ayam – The perfect bowl of soup if you’re feeling under the weather. Shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, lemongrass, garlic, and lime leaves. Ask for extra spice if you really need to get rid of that cold.
Tahu Campur – An East Java classic. Crispy fried tofu, beef stew, noodles, fresh greens, and sometimes rice cakes (lontong). It’s relatively rare to find this around Bali as it’s not as popular as the other foods.
Desserts
Molen – A tiny pasty made from flour and sweet banana and sometimes chocolate, deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a popular street snack in Bali.
Pukis – A soft, fluffy cake made from a mixture similar to pancake batter. When eaten fresh, it’s slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s usually topped with chocolate, cheese, strawberry, and sometimes Nutella.
Terang Bulan – aka Martabak Manis. It’s Indonesia’s thick, hefty pancake stuffed with guilt-inducing fillings like chocolate, peanut butter, cheese, and condensed milk. Brace yourself!
Jasuke – Jagung (corn), Susu (milk), and Keju (cheese). A warm combination that somehow takes amazing. It has a nostalgic taste that’s reminiscent of something you’ve had during your childhood.
Pro tips for visiting Kreneng Market
Kreneng Market: A Brief History
Kreneng Market has been around since the early 1980s and has since served as the central marketplace for Denpasar’s growing population. However, the market’s roots as a trading hub stretch much further back, as unofficial markets and street vendors had been active in the area long before its construction.
Over the decades, Kreneng market has evolved into a three-story market complex, accommodating hundreds of vendors during the day. But its real transformation happens after sunset when it morphs into a vibrant night market with an array of street food and other items to buy.
While it may not have some centuries-old legacy of some Balinese markets, Kreneng Market holds historical significant as a testament to Denpasar’s rapid urbanization and the important of traditional markets in local culture.
Nearby Attractions
Badung Market – The largest traditional market in Bali, a massive 4-story complex in Denpasar where locals shop for pretty much everything.
Kumbasari Art Market – Just across the river from Badung Market. Pasar Seni Kumbasari is a wonderful spot for a treasure hunt to find art, handmade crafts, paintaing, and souvenirs at decent prices.
Bali Museum – A museum that showcases Bali’s rich history and culture through ancient artifacts, traditional textiles, and preserved architecture.
Agung Jagatnatha Temple – The largest Bali Temple in Denpasar. It features a towering Padmasana shrine and intricate carvings. It’s quiet a peaceful escape in the middle of Denpasar
Bajra Sandhi Monument – The most iconic landmark of Denpasar in Renon Square (Lapangan Puputan Renon). The monument honors Bali’s struggles throughout history, with detailed dioramas illustrating its past conflict and triumphs.
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 this Bali’s rich culture.
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