Pasar Badung market in Denpasar Bali

Denpasar means, ‘by the market’ and the biggest market in Denpasar, is Pasar Badung. Pasar Badung has 4 floors in a giant concrete structure that is rather like a parking structure. Different floors carry different goods, starting with the fruit and veg market outside. Inside the first floor is a large fish market and let me tell you, today it smelt like an Asian fish market.

Organized chaos reigns outside, with cars and motorbikes trying to find a place to park, people carrying bushels of produce of every kind imaginable. Come in the morning and check out the food vendors. Satay and hot spicy Balinese snacks are made right there by weather worn Balinese women, some who have been working the market for 30 years. Others come her to sell ceremonial offerings.

You might see the odd westerner here, but by no means is this a tourist destination. Above the fish market are floors containing spices and ceremonial equipment, including sarong and umbrellas. Parking for a motorbike here is 500rp.

Denpasar has a decent sized Muslim population, and they sell in the market too, along with Chinese traders. Pasar Badung is apparently open 24/7, although I have not been there at 3am to confirm this. To get to Pasar Badung from Kuta, drive on Jl. Imam Bonjol towards Denpasar. You keep going straight until you are forced to make a left or right turn at Jl. Gajah Mada. Turn right and its just around the corner. You know its the market when you see the huge building with all the activity around it.

Pasar Badung
•Where it is: Its in Denpasar of off Jl. Gajah Mada
•When it is open: Open all the time, but different activities happen depending on the time.
•Best time to visit: A day its not raining, between 8am-12 noon. Plenty of snack food vendors.
•How much does it cost to get in: Free. 500rp for motorbike.
•What’s there for a westerner: You might find a sarong or tishirt on the 3rd floor for a girt. Great photo opportunities.
•Distance from Kuta: Taking Jl. Iman Bonjol it takes maybe 15-20 minutes to get there, depending on traffic.