Bali Night Markets: Where to Find Authentic Local Food and Souvenirs

Bali, a province of Indonesia, has been one of the most iconic destinations for people to visit. Every year, millions of travelers visit this beautiful province and indulge in the various festivities, delicacies, and beautiful locations that Bali tourism has to offer.

People love to bring souvenirs from the markets and try some of the authentic local food that Bali has to offer. Speaking of night markets, here are 4 night markets that are a must-visit for every traveler.

Gianyar Night Market

Situated just 10 kilometers away from the main city of Ubud, the Gianyar Night Market has some of the finest things to offer. To get that perfect evening vibe, travelers reach the market at 4 P.M. and enjoy till the market closes at 11 in the night.

Some of the local delicacies that are available at night include Dim Sum, some Temulawak Soda (made from ginger in Java, Indonesia) and the sweet sweet treat of Es Campur (a dessert made from tapioca, coconut milk and ice).

Sanur Night Market (Sindhu Night Market)

In the city of Denpasar, there is a village called Sanur. Once you reach that village at 4 P.M., make sure to head over to the Sanur Night Market (also referred to as Sindhu Night Market). Although one of the finest, there is a catch for this iconic place.

The market stays open from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. only and the crowded days are friday, saturday, and sunday. So make sure that you reach the place accordingly and have enough time to explore the market.

Kuta Night Market

Blambangan Senggol Night Market or Kuta Night Market for travelers, is a night market situated near Denpasar. The food stalls are set around 5:30/6:00 P.M. and by 7:00 P.M., you can see the shimmering lights of the various stalls lining up the road.

The market is specially known for the variety of street foods and local delicacies of Bali and thousands of travelers come to relish in its taste. The beautiful Kuta Beach is situated near the market so make sure to head on down for a late night stroll.

Badung Night Market

Badung is the largest night market that Bali has to offer. The traditional market is situated in Denpasar and it is as historical as it is modern. Badung Night Market has something for everyone including souvenirs, delicacies, and a play area for children.

If you are exploring this iconic site to explore that night-life, be sure to reach Badung by 6:00 P.M. as the market offers a spectacular view of tradition meeting modernization. The market stays open till 12:00 A.M. and if you’re looking for some Balinese souvenirs or fresh fruits from the farms of Bali, this is the place to go.

Also Read: Nightlife In Bali: Must-Visit Bars, Clubs, and Night Markets!

What to Eat: Must-Try Local Foods

Balinese delicacies are some of the finest and most-craved for delicacies in the world. Every year, millions of travelers flock to the markets to try the local food or taste what this island has to offer. Here are some of the iconic dishes of Bali that travelers love to try:

• Nasi Goreng

Nasi (rice) and Goreng (fried) is one of the most tried dishes of Bali. Although the key components are rice and onion, the magic is kecap manis aka sweet soy sauce.

• Mie Goreng

Mie Goreng or “Fried Noodles” is a street food favourite. Although there have been different variations of the dish, the one common thing is the sweet sticky sauce.

• Pisang Goreng

So far, we know that goreng means “fried”. Therefore, Pisang Goreng (or fried banana) is a sweet and savoury dish with crispy batter on the outside and sweet banana on the inside.

• Various Satay Skewers

Grilled meat on a skewer is often called Satay or Sate in Bali and parts of Indonesia. The dish is often served with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and peanut sauce.

Shopping for Souvenirs: What to Buy

So, you want to bring a piece of memory from Bali to your home. Luckily, the Indonesian province is known for its various collectibles and souvenirs. But what would make for the perfect souvenir for your home? Here’s your guide on what to pick:

• Handmade Jewelry

Perhaps a handmade necklace or a silver bracelet that shines in the night. The handmade jewelry from Bali is one of the most bought souvenirs from the island.

• Wooden Carvings

Balinese people often create iconic scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata on a piece of wood with great attention and intricate details.

• Traditional Textiles and Sarongs

The traditional textiles of Bali makes for a great souvenir to bring back to your homeland. Pick up some Sarongs (traditional Balinese dress) to remember your iconic trip.

• Balinese Paintings

A piece of traditional art from Mahabharata or Ramayana on a piece of canvas or paper makes for the perfect memory to bring back home.

Tips for Visiting Bali Night Markets

With the vivid culture and traditionalism that Bali possess, here are some tips for visiting these night markets:

• Very few places accept online payments.
• Keep some change for stall foods and shopping in the night market.
• Try haggling with the vendors to get that authentic Bali experience but don’t push it too far.
• Book a food tour to experience the finest cuisines in the night markets of Bali.

Conclusion

Well, there are thousands of things to do while you’re out exploring the beautiful beaches of Bali or simply walking through the crowded markets. Make sure to check out the various Bali Tour Packages to get a detailed itinerary for your next trip to this exotic and beautiful province.