After soaking up the Bali sun, aping around (pun intended) with the monkeys at the Sangeh Park, and satisfying your thirst for adventure with bungee jumping and rafting, it's time to go back home, recharged to take on the world again. But wait, what about souvenirs for your loved ones? Your journey to Bali won't be complete without traditional home made souvenirs, right?

If you're staying within the Ubud area, then don't forget to drop by at the Ubud Traditional Market at Monkey Forest Street, right in front of Ubud's Palace. Just like any other traditional market, its tenants provide every souvenir item imaginable, from silver jewelry, and precious stones to batiks, T-shirts, beach sarongs, wood carvings, and cane work bags. Each stall is packed with goodies; some items are even hung from the ceilings. Since it's a traditional market, expect crammed allies and unpleasant smells every now and then.

Haggling can be quite a challenge; some vendors can be very difficult to bargain with and they even set a higher price for foreigners. The secret to successful bargaining? Put your foot down; lower your asking price by up to 50 percent, and don't forget to smile! Take it from my own experience; I bought a finely crafted silver pendant originally priced at Rp 150,000 for only Rp30,000!

Weekends are their busiest day; the market transforms into one of Ubud's main attractions as loads of tourists disembark from tour buses in the area. Happy shopping!

Ubud Traditional Market
Wanara Wana ( Monkey Forest ) Street, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia