Bali Commits Funds To Restoring Famous Ubud Tourist Market

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Leaders in Ubud have confirmed that funds will be issued to help restore and reconstruct the Ubud Art Market after part of the building was destroyed by a fire in August 2024.

The fire affected over 1,000 traders, with 400 businesses operating from the basement and ground floors of the building destroyed. 

Though much of the Ubud Art Market has continued to operate despite the fire damage, a large section of the east side of the building is still off-limits.

The blaze raged for over 10 hours and was one of the worst fires Ubud had seen in decades. The tragedy, many felt, was that the Ubud Art Market had only recently been formally opened after another fire destroyed much of the original building. 

The Head of the Gianyar Trade and Industry Service, Ni Luh Gede Eka Suary, told reporters, “The repair work on the Ubud Art Market after it burned down used the APBD [provincial budget] funds, not the central budget.”

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She confirmed that the repair work will be carried out by government contractors throughout the Department of Public Works and Public Housing, and coordinated by the Gianyar Regency Government.

Suary added, “This is still in process with the 2025 budget, this is mainly for the repair of the East Building of the Ubud Art Market which was directly affected by the fire.”

Tourists visiting Ubud Art Market in 2025 can expect to see and hear restoration work underway. However, since the market building is so vast, it is unlikely that any construction work will disturb visitor’s enjoyment of the bucket list experience. 

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Located in the very center of Ubud, the Ubud Art Market is a must-visit for tourists exploring Bali’s arts and culture capital. Inside tourists can find everything from traditional Balinese sarongs to incredible handmade wooden ornaments to jewellery and affordable souvenirs.

One of the joys of exploring Ubud is the myriad of opportunities tourists have to stumble upon souvenirs with real sentimental meaning and stories to behold.

While the majority of stall holders can be found in the Ubud Art Market, there are other hidden markets dotted around Ubud where tourists can chance upon the homeware, clothing, trinkets, and treats to take home with them. 

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In light of the fire, with over 1,000 vendors affected, some stallholders set up informal stalls in other areas of Ubud. One particularly happening informal spot can be found opposite the Jalan Tirta Tawar turning off Jalan Raya Ubud. 

Another must-explore market can be found along the lane that leads to the Juwuk Manis Rice Field Walk. Open every day, these stallholders sell a great range of products, from teas to soaps, sunglasses to dreamcatchers. It is well worth a wander.

For tourists who prefer a more boutique shopping experience, Ubud can cater to that too. Tourists looking for designer items or souvenirs with a serious artisan edge must explore the independent boutiques along Jalan Goutama and Jalan Monkey Forest. 

Perhaps what makes a shopping spree in Ubud so very special is that the retail therapy can be punctuated with pauses for culture and even spirituality. Directly opposite the Ubud Art Market is the magnificent Ubud Palace.

Free to enter, the palace is officially known by its Balinese name, Puri Saren Agung.

The best way to soak up the majestic of the Ubud Royal Palace is to visit for an evening to attend one of the nightly cultural shows. All shows start at 7.30 pm and cost IDR 100,000 per person.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or tourists will no doubt encounter a ticket seller on the sidewalks around the palace entrance. Since the Ubud Royal Palace is not a temple, it is not mandatory to wear a sarong and sash, however, modest dress is appropriate.