Situated on the riverside, the Badung Traditional Market, well know with “Pasar Badung” is the epicenter of shopping and is far more interesting that many Chinese style shops and department stores around.
History
In the past Denpasar was Kabupaten Badung’s capital city. This was what gave the logical name of Pasar Badung to the traditional market. The name has stuck although the administration of the city of Denpasar has long been separated from that of Kabupaten Badung. The market was inaugurated on 24th April 1984 by the Governor of Bali Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. Under the then governor of Bali, Dewa Made Berata, the traditional market was repaired and revamped after a fire had destroyed it partially. The traditional market is flooded with people before important holidays like Galungan, Nyepi and Kuningan.
How to Get to the market
The market is bordered by the Jalan Gajah Mada, Denpasar’s main road on the north, Jalan Sumatra on the east, Jalan Hasanuddin on the south and Jalan Bukit Tunggal on the west. From the international airport or Kuta, you have to drive on Jl. Imam Bonjol to get to the Badung Market. The drive would be in the direction of Denpasar. You have to go straight until you get a turn at the Gajah Mada where you have to turn right. A huge building with lot of activity all around it marks the traditional market area. It may take over 15 minutes if you are visiting from Kuta. You can also check out the Kumbasari market on the other side of the river, which houses some smaller traders. This market is a round the clock market that operates 24 hours. The morning market starts at 5 am in the morning and closes at 5 pm in the evening. The evening market opens at 5pm in the evening and closes at 5 am in the morning. The Senggol Market (Pasar Senggol) in Kumbasari, across the river opens at 2 pm and closes at 11 pm.
Major Attractions
The Badung traditional market or Pasar Badung which has been in place since the 19th century is just a kilometer away from the palace of Badung which is now the Bali museum and city square. Traditional as it is, you can find almost everything traditional related to Bali in these markets. From daily use items to sale stuff and also garlands and flowers for ceremonies, one can find everything at the Badung Traditional market.
On the ground floor you can see older Balinese women selling snack foods made of ground chilly and vegetables. The first floor of the building is for meat, fish, vegetables and fish. The upper floors of the building are reserved for traditional Balinese and Muslim attire, spices, ceremonial equipment for traditions like baskets, sarongs, umbrellas etc. This is a good spot for visitors to peep into Bali traditions. You can also find cutlery and jewelry here. Other products that you can find in the market include, kitchen tools from Java including blenders, wooden spoons, screens etc., farming tools, coconut leaves, yam, coffee, basketry, poultry products, clothes etc, articles that come from various directions to be sold in the traditional market.
Pasar Badung
Now don’t get too excited if you haven’t visiting and shopping in Seminyak Square, because they also has Sunday market concept which is so amazing. Just come to Seminyak Square’s Sunday Market from 9am-5pm. And just for info, Seminyak Square’s Sunday Market is also available on Saturday from 10.00am – 10.00pm with live jazz at the same place.
There are many booths which opened in Seminyak Square’s Sunday market. In fact, there are several booths in Seminyak Square’s Sunday market which are providing much kind of gifts for their customer. One of them provides “Wheel of Fortune”, so if you are lucky enough you will get a free t-shirt. Otherwise, you will get some cute lollipops and stickers. When you shop in Seminyak Square’s Sunday Market, don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag to support B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Bag) Campaign. Most stands here have done this program. This is a must program, if you still want to live in this pretty world.