The rich artistic traditions of Bali have lead to the evolution of a vibrant handicraft industry, in which handicrafts are created to be sold in the local art shops and markets, as well as for export worldwide, providing employment and business opportunities for hundreds of thousands of local people.
Souvenirs and art objects range from everyday items, trinkets, fashion accessories, batik fabrics and shirts, sarongs, luxuriant silk scarves, kites, figurines and whimsical woodcarvings, parasols, paintings and homewares to iconic knick-knacks and collector’s treasures that you won’t find outside of the island.
A wide range of handicrafts, both useful and decorative – including rice spoons, salad servers, bowls, fans, woven mats, purses, bags, hats, baskets, lampshades, boxes, wind chimes, photo albums and candle holders are made from natural fibres and materials such as pandanus, rattan, banana leaves, bamboo, roots and grasses, bone, coconut shell and buffalo horn. Paint, dye, shells, beads and other natural ornamentation is used to embellish these items, many of which have developed over time into distinctive art forms. You will even find boxes and model ships made entirely from cloves.
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Bali is well known for its busy art markets, which are frequented by residents, tourists, retailers and exporters. Most present a rambling scene of small kiosks arranged within a semi-open-air complex. Others, such as the huge Kumbasari art market in Denpasar, feature a covered layout within a dedicated building. Crowded alleyways are crammed with vendors, buyers, artworks and handicrafts stretching in all directions. Haggling is essential and highly entertaining with a lot of theatrical gestures, “best prices,” “morning prices”, “raining prices” and laughter. The main art markets can be found in Kuta (open daily from 8 am until 10 pm), Denpasar (open daily from 7 am until 5 pm), Ubud (open daily from 8 am until 5 pm), Sukawati (open daily from 8 am until 7 pm) and Guwang (which is near Sukawati and open daily from 8 am until 6 pm). Each offers a unique shopping experience.
Meanwhile, every Wednesday and Saturday evening, to complement the cultural themed dinners and dance performances at Taman Gita Terrace, InterContinental Bali Resort hosts its own art market on the bridges over the lagoon. Here, local sellers are invited into the Resort to sell their wares. This private, hassle-free market will give you a glimpse into the wonderful artistry and creativity of the island’s craftsmen, while also offering you a chance to practice the art of haggling.
Come to Taman Gita Terrace, visit the art market, and enjoy a buffet dinner and a magical evening of music and dance at the Archipelago Dinner & Kecak Dance on Wednesday evenings, from 7 pm onwards. Visit the art market and relish traditional Balinese cuisine accompanied by ‘Okokan,’ ‘Tektekan’ and ‘Calonarang’ sacred dance rituals at the Spirit of Bali event on Saturday evenings from 7 pm onwards.
For further information & reservations, please contact our Reservation at Tel: +62 361 701888 or email at icbali.reservation@ihg.com
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Filed in: Art Market / bali / Handicrafts / Intercontinental Bali / travel
