The charming Indonesian island of Bali is a heavenly kingdom popular among visitors from across the world. The spectacular beaches, coral reefs, religious shrines, yoga and meditation retreats, and the sheer natural beauty of the densely forested volcanic mountains are what attract most tourists. Bali is famous for its many luxurious villas, resorts, and thrilling watersports. Sayan is a small village close to the town of Ubud that is well-known for its mesmerizing museums and vivid markets. The vibrant night market here offers a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience. Immerse yourself in the local culture and have the wonderful opportunity to mingle with the amiable Balinese. This place is a favorite among locals for a night out and has an amazing selection of street food. Here’s a guide to Sayan Night Market, so you can discover the best traditional food to try and know all about what souvenirs to shop for!
Things to do / Highlights
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping and eating at this vibrant market. Many fluorescent lights brighten up the market and create a pulsating ambiance.
Food stall delights
This place is the ultimate destination for food lovers. With over 20 small food stalls as well as a smattering of food trucks and other types of food outlets, for sure there will be plenty of delicacies you’ll like here. The venue is a wonderful treat for foodies who want to enjoy street food, and the options give great value for your money. Delicious cuisines, along with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, are available. However, there are not many selections for vegans. The vendors also offer meals for takeaway upon request. Note that this market sells raw as well as cooked food items.
Fresh produce
This market sells an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Women from nearby villages throng the market for their household supplies and contribute to the bustle. One good way of snagging great bargains is to wait till the early-morning closing time—when perishables are sold at throwaway prices!
Miscellaneous items
This is a splendid market to pick up clothing items, along with plenty of beautiful scarves, simple T-shirts, and handmade dresses. Sunglasses, toys, accessories, watches, bags, and comfortable slippers are just some of the other items available here.
Entertainment
The bustling market offers music, fun rides, games, and other activities to make shopping more enjoyable and fun. This is also a great way of keeping the younger visitors occupied!
What to eat
This special market is a great place to have dinner at an affordable price. In fact, it might be your cheapest dinner in town! Sweets, corn, gourds, sweet potatoes, and fried bananas are some dishes for vegetarians that are not only tasty but filling as well. Fried chicken and noodle soup, chicken omelets, dumplings, sates, kebabs, meatballs, and roasted pork are some mouthwatering dishes on the non-vegetarian menu. Large jumbo pieces of chicken with a spicy sauce are a must-try when here! Also, do not miss ordering some luscious Balinese and Javanese snacks, including the large pancakes. Do try a few drinks too, as well as roti bakar (a popular local treat) and terang bulan (a sort of muffin cake rich in ingredients and flavor).
Things to buy
Famous for night shopping in the beautiful island, this market sells anything and everything. Branded shoes, hardware, furniture, handicrafts, stone statues, wood sculptures, splendid paintings, jewelry, clothes, and food are some things shoppers prefer to buy while here.
Travelers tips
Only a few tourists visit this spirited marketplace, and hence it is not too busy. The best time to come is in the month of August. Parking is easy and free for scooters and bikes—on the road. The parking-lot guide is friendly and courteous. There are ATM machines and adequate toilets on-site. A few vendors are not conversant in English, but sign language can come to your rescue. This is also a good chance to mingle with the locals. Most of the food is deep-fried and may not have labels or signs. As the bulk of eatables is of the street-food category, there may not be many options for those with dietary restrictions. Furthermore, beware of dogs that can be found sniffing around the stalls in search of food. Bargaining is acceptable in this market, but in case you are not good at haggling or if you are afraid of being cheated, buy from stalls that have a clear price list.
How to get there
Sayan Night Market is not too far from the center of Ubud, just down Monkey Forest Road. It is convenient if you have a vehicle to move around. The place is only 10 minutes from Ubud by scooter or motorbike. Tour buses, cars from travel companies, cars from hotels, and taxi booking through online websites or from the airport are other options that can get you to this colorful market. Parking is allowed on the corner of the road or in front of shops.
Sayan Night Market information
Sayan Night Market
Address: No. 80571, JI. Raya Tebongkang No. 39, Singakerta, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia.
Opening hours: 6pm - 5am (daily)
Unofficial website: Sayan Night Market
Department of tourism: Bali Tourism Board
History
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