Kumbasari Art Market: An Affordable Hub for Balinese Art and Souvenirs

Art enthusiasts must know about Kumbasari Art Market. Long before the famous souvenir centers emerged, this market was a must-visit destination for tourists seeking artistic souvenirs for their family and friends. To this day, Kumbasari Art Market remains vibrant and worth visiting.

It is located on the west side of the Badung Traditional Market, precisely in the Gajah Mada Heritage Area. The market is separated from Badung Market by the "Korea" River, Tukad Badung. Having undergone three phases of revitalization, this market is referred to as the only art market in Denpasar. Kumbasari Market was established in 1977, experienced a fire in 2000, and was renovated, reopening in 2001.

The building is quite spacious, covering an area of 6,230 square meters. It consists of five floors, with four floors designated for art product vendors. The remaining floor is allocated for vendors selling basic necessities and religious ceremony supplies.

On the second floor of Kumbasari Art Market, various types of clothing are sold, including traditional Balinese attire such as udeng, kain, and destar. Bed covers, beach sarongs, and various woven crafts from Bali are also available. The third floor features an array of paintings, sculptures, and Balinese ornaments like carvings, shoes, sandals, and women's bags. On the fourth floor, you can find various handicrafts and souvenirs made from shells, paper, and some crafts from outside Bali.

Not many people realize how vital this market is, as it serves as a wholesale center supplying products to art vendors in Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud. Most locals are unaware of this because the majority of vendors here source directly from artisans in remote areas.

The range of crafts sold at Kumbasari Art Market is diverse, including brasswork, ceramics, glass, rattan, and wooden crafts. An important piece of information that tourists often overlook is the pricing. Don’t be surprised when shopping here; prices are significantly lower compared to souvenir centers. Since the products are sold wholesale, they are naturally much cheaper.

For those who know about these affordable prices, it’s worth a visit. Additionally, prices are negotiable, as is common in traditional markets. The location is also very accessible.