Ubud, a hugely popular tourist destination where you can feel the pulse of Bali’s traditional culture and art. Along with its tranquil rice paddies and temple visits, what truly captures travelers’ hearts is the rich variety of ‘souvenir hunting’.
From lively shopping experiences where you can enjoy haggling at classic local markets, to high-quality traditional crafts, skin-friendly organic cosmetics, and large supermarkets where you can shop with peace of mind without bargaining, Ubud offers a diverse range of shopping delights.
This time, we’ve carefully selected 5 recommended souvenir spots in Ubud that even short-term travelers can visit efficiently and absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Ubud Art Market
📍 Address: F7R7+W9X, Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Located directly opposite the Ubud Royal Palace, the ‘Ubud Art Market’ is Ubud’s most energetic and vibrant shopping spot. Recently renovated, it’s now cleaner and easier to navigate, a fact widely praised by travelers.
Its biggest characteristic is ‘no fixed prices’. Once you find something you like among the tightly packed goods – magnets, pouches, Balinese-designed dresses and trousers, wooden carvings, and more – it’s time to start bargaining (discounting) with the shopkeeper. Initial asking prices are often 3-4 times or more than local prices, so aim for around half off as a starting point for negotiation. Many shops carry similar items, so a good tip is to browse a few to get a feel for the market price.
Also, the negotiation tactic ‘buy in bulk for a discount!’ is a golden rule. It requires a bit of patience, but the joy of purchasing at a satisfactory price while enjoying the communication is a unique pleasure of Southeast Asian local markets.
ASHITABA BALI
📍 Address: Jl. Monkey Forest No.92, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Ata products are traditional crafts woven from ‘Ata’, a fern native to Bali. While there are many shops selling Ata products in Ubud, ‘ASHITABA BALI’ is highly recommended if you’re looking for high-quality items that will last a lifetime.
The weaving is exceptionally fine, with minimal fluff or color unevenness. During the manufacturing process, the items are thoroughly smoked with coconut husks, which enhances their insect-repelling properties and fills the store with a pleasant smoky and aromatic scent. You’ll surely be impressed by the ‘authentic’ quality, which stands in stark contrast to the inexpensive imitations sold in markets.
Beyond the classic Ata bags, they also offer a wide range of household goods such as placemats, fruit baskets, and toilet paper holders. Prices are higher than at local shops, but this guarantees reliable quality that you can cherish for a long time. The designs are also sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for special souvenirs for loved ones or a well-deserved treat for yourself.
KOU BALI – Natural Soap
📍 Address: Jl. Dewisita, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Overwhelmingly popular among female travelers is ‘KOU BALI’, the only natural soap specialty store in Ubud. The small, stylish shop is filled with enchanting aromatic scents.
The soaps here are handmade one by one using the ‘cold process method’, which involves slow maturation without heating. Made without any additives like preservatives, and based on high-quality pure coconut oil, they offer exceptionally fine lather and a wonderfully moisturizing finish.
Particularly recommended are the mini-sized soaps (candy soaps) cutely wrapped like candies. Priced affordably at around 100-150 JPY each, they are perfect as a ‘slightly upscale, small gift’ for colleagues or friends. Please note that payment may sometimes be cash-only, so it’s advisable to prepare plenty of Indonesian Rupiah if you plan to buy in bulk.
Nadis Herbal
📍 Address: Jl. Suweta No.15, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
‘Nadis Herbal’ is a specialty store for natural cosmetics and herbs, founded by an individual who branched out from ‘Utama Spice’, a famous organic brand originating in Ubud. The store offers a variety of plant-based products at reasonable prices, including essential oils, face masks, relaxing balms, and detox teas.
The biggest draw of this store is its workshop where you can experience making ‘Jamu’, a traditional Balinese herbal medicine. It’s an authentic experience where you grind herbs, spices, and fresh flowers on the spot to create Jamu drinks, body scrubs, and massage oils.
The wonderful thing is that you can take home not just ‘products’, but also an ‘experience’ that directly connects you to local wisdom and culture. A workshop while being soothed by natural scents is sure to become an unforgettable memory of your stay in Ubud. (Advance reservations are recommended for workshop participation)
Bintang Supermarket Ubud
📍 Address: Jl. Raya Campuan No.45, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561 Indonesia
For those who find ‘bargaining at markets difficult or tiring’, the large ‘Bintang Supermarket Ubud’ comes as a savior. Recently reopened after renovation, the store is now bright and clean, offering a comfortable shopping experience.
It boasts a very extensive selection geared towards tourists, allowing you to find everything you need for souvenirs in one place: Balinese coffee, nuts, classic chocolate snacks, and even miscellaneous goods like hair oils (Ellips, etc.) and organic soaps. The biggest advantage, above all, is that all products have price tags, ensuring transparent transactions.
Furthermore, local seasonings (such as Nasi Goreng paste and Gado-Gado sauce) are available, making it recommended for those who wish to recreate Balinese flavors back home. Credit cards are accepted without issues, and with plenty of staff, the minimal waiting time at checkout is another welcome point for travelers.
Summary: Tips for Enjoying Your Shopping in Ubud Even More
To fully enjoy souvenir hunting in Ubud, there are a few points to keep in mind.
First, in small independent sundry shops and markets, many stores still do not accept credit cards and only deal in cash (Indonesian Rupiah). Especially for small payments of a few hundred yen or when buying multiple small gifts, it’s wise to prepare smaller denominations of banknotes for smoother transactions.
Also, Bali is actively working on reducing plastic waste, so supermarket and many shops may charge for plastic bags or not provide them at all. When shopping, it’s a smart traveler’s etiquette to always carry a large, foldable ‘eco-bag’ in your bag.
From the lively bargaining in bustling markets to the serene and elegant organic shops, Ubud reveals entirely different facets depending on the store. We hope you’ll use this article as a guide to find your own special souvenirs!
