Art Market Kumbasari — Attraction in Denpasar Barat

Visited Kumbasari Market today with the intention of finding some cheap Xmas gifts to take home. First thing to say is there is at least 4 floors crammed with little units selling their wares. It’s small, it’s cramped, it’s hot and humid, but there are bargains to be had! We were immediately latched on to by a woman who wanted to show us around... we didn’t ask for her! She seemed to think she was the ‘go between’ between the shop owners and us. She tried to get us to talk to her by asking a unending amount of questions, all of which we declined to do! When we finally got round to deciding on some nice wooden bowls, there she was with a calculator working things out! I took absolutely no notice of her, instead I dealt with the shop owner directly! I’ve heard said that often shop owners will increase the prices just to balance out the commission these people earn, on top of the ‘tip’ they expect/demand from the tourists themselves. We purchased 13 bowls of various sizes and then the haggle process began! I’m quite adept at this, having visited many places where haggling is the norm. I ended up paying around a third of the starting price and I was very happy with the eventual deal, although we had to walk away three times before we finally settled on a price for the lot. DO expect to do this! At then end of the day, if YOUR price isn’t enough, they won’t sell to you... simple as that. And don’t be taken in by sob stories better served on ‘X Factor’... it’s very sad that ‘their Mother is very ill’ and that ‘they have no food to feed their family this weekend’... When we finally paid up, there was the annoying woman again, this time trying to take my purchases and carry them to the car. I didn’t allow this and we had quite a few choice words shouted at us as we left the market! It’s water off a duck’s back to me... we didn’t ask for her help, didn’t need her help, so there it is! People less savvy then us, or easily intimidated, will find this Market a chore, but there are many things to see and buy, and there many real bargains to be had. Not for the faint hearted maybe, but a faint heart never won... ...a stack of wooden bowls at a...

I read the reviews about Pasar Kumbasari before I went shopping there. I thought I was prepared to avoid being followed by the 'ladies' that follow you around wanting to help you but instead they bargain up the price and then take a commission from the owner of the kiosk. Alas, I was not so fortunate.

The first place I shopped, one of these ladies presented herself as an employee of the kiosk where I was shopping. When I asked the price of things, she gave me such high prices that I walked out. She was very aggressive and came after me and lowered the price so that I was willing to enter the kiosk again. Still, her price was Rp. 25,000 more than I thought I should pay. But, I thought, "I guess prices have gone up since the last time I was in Bali." But then when I agreed to pay the price, this same lady became quite aggressive and ugly to the little old lady sitting in the corner. She spoke in Balinese, which I don't understand, but her facial expression was ugly. It was then I realized that this lady who posed as an employee even to the point of determining the price was, in fact, one of these ladies the reviews had warned me about, and now she was browbeating the owner of the store, a little old lady, for her commission.

I paid and left that kiosk, but this lady showed up again and gave me a price as I shopped in a different kiosk. I told her directly in Bahasa that I didn't want her help. She kind of faded away, but showed up again in a different shop offering to help me. I told her again I didn't want her help at which point she insisted she was not a 'guide.' I didn't believe her for a minute and kept my back to her. When I was ready to make my purchases, I went straight to the couple behind the counter and did my bargaining at the cash register. I was pleased with the prices I paid, and it confirmed that the lady in the first kiosk I went to had succeeded in raising the price by at least Rp 25,000.

Thankfully, I was done shopping after my second purchase. Next time, I will be more insistent that I only want to speak to the owner of the kiosk. These ladies who follow you around are, in fact, what Indonesians call...

Pasar Kumbasari in Denpasar, Bali, is a vibrant and eclectic market that offers a rich blend of art, culture, and local flavor. This market is divided into two main buildings, each serving a unique purpose and contributing to the overall charm of the area.

The first building is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. It houses numerous art shops specializing in a wide array of crafts and artworks. Whether you're looking for traditional Balinese paintings, intricate carvings, handmade jewelry, or unique souvenirs, you'll find an impressive selection to choose from. The vendors are often artisans themselves, providing an authentic and personal shopping experience.

Adjacent to this artistic haven is the second building, which transforms into a bustling fresh market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of locals, exploring a variety of fresh produce, meats, and spices. Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't miss the opportunity to try a local street snack called lumpia. These delicious spring rolls are freshly prepared and generously drizzled with a sweet tangy peanut sauce, offering a delightful burst of flavors.

Pasar Kumbasari is also noted for its cleanliness, a commendable aspect for a market of its size and activity. Adding to the market's allure is its picturesque setting along a river, complete with benches where you can sit, relax, and soak in the surroundings. The serene river views provide a perfect contrast to the vibrant market atmosphere, making Pasar Kumbasari a must-visit destination for anyone...