10 Best Flea Markets In Indonesia

Share

349

A friend I met in 2019 and I spoke of traveling overseas from America.

Both of us appreciate good food and quality merchandise, so I explored some possible destinations.

I found the 10 best flea markets rated by how unique I think they are. 

The 10 Best Flea Markets in Indonesia 

I researched lists of the best flea markets in Indonesia.

Then, I chose some of the highest-rated ones and reordered them according to my personal priorities.

I want to go to at least one of these markets if I have the chance, which I hope is soon.

1. Lok Baintan Floating Market

I have never seen anything like the Lok Baintain Floating Market before.

This is not your usual flea market.

If I were in this area anytime soon, I would want to visit this Indonesia flea market northeast of central Banjarmasin. 

Dozens of vendors sit in their canoes near the Martapura River shore.

I will not fully understand how this works unless I am there in person.

For now, I know you will need to arrange a 45-minute boat right from downtown Banjarmasin to the Lok Baintain vendor location. 

Here are the exact coordinates according to Google Maps: 

PM56+H73, Jalan Sungai Martapura Jl. Sungai Tandipah, Sungai Tandipah, Kec. Sungai Tabuk, Kabupaten Banjar, Kalimantan Selatan 70653, 

I do not know why, but I am fascinated by this market.

It is predominantly homegrown fruits and vegetables, and you must arrive by about 5 a.m. Indonesia time.

It usually runs every morning until about 9 a.m.

It opens and closes so early to avoid the scorching sun. 

Of course, you will probably need to find out what sanitation procedures they follow.

Still, it takes quite a bit of uniqueness to amaze me, and this does it.

Maybe I have lived a sheltered life, but I am excited because I have never even heard of a flea market on the water before. 

2. Gianyar Street Night Market 

Just like I have never been to a flea market that operates on the water, I have also never been to a flea market after dark.

I have seen people (in photos) walking around with flashlights on to brighten the view of some of the most tasty-looking entrees and appetizers I have ever seen. 

One visitor commented that you should visit the Gianyar Street Night Market if you want to “experience the real Bali.”

This area does not have that many tourists – maybe not at least until after I have told you about it. 

Signature food items sold at this flea market include the Chicken Satay, which is a type of “kabob.”

You eat it on a stick.

They also ordered a Baksa soup, which has meatballs in it. 

What to Expect at the Gianyar Market?

The Gianyar Market concentrates mostly on selling and serving hot food to eat immediately – food that looks yummy to me from what I can see.

Apparently, even locals from Jakarta, which is northwest of Bali, travel 18 hours to experience it. 

It is not the place for tourists to buy a bunch of travel souvenirs though.

They also do not sell much produce or items you can take home.

Although, one visitor did mention they have fruits and vegetables. 

It is mostly meant for gathering and eating like you would at a festival located in the area where you live.

The food and snacks sold at this market are affordable (approximately $2.20-5 USD per meal).

The inexpensive “eats” provided seem to attract people. 

By the way, the Night Market usually runs from about 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Another source did say 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. though, so check here for more information. 

3. Old Man’s Original Canggu Market

Maybe you cannot judge a book by its cover, but I will judge this Indonesian flea market by its title.

The title reminds me of my grandpa, who I just now passed on more than 30 years ago as of June 2022. 

The name of this market you will find in Canguu, Bali made me already want to visit.

Now, if you are looking for a place to shop for items – some of which will even pass customs – you should come here. 

I am not sure how many material things I would need, but this Canggu Market offers organic produce.

Here is where you can delve into buying local art and fashion items, and vendors here offer jewelry and household items.

Local and international performing artists also play live music here. 

You might want to verify the current hours.

However, an online listing says that it usually operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

4. Cibadak Street Culinary (Night Market)

When I learned about the Cibadak Street Culinary market in Bandung, West Java, I realized a pattern.

I did not know night markets were that common. 

The Cibadak Culinary Market does not even start serving until 7 p.m. Indonesia time.

I like the concept, and it stays open long enough to take in a well-cooked local meal and have time to socialize.

Google Maps indicates that this market is open until 2 a.m. 

Other sources say until at least 10 p.m.

All I know is if you want street food – which usually has that grilled taste that I savor – Cibadak is apparently where to get it. 

In addition to local cuisine, they also serve Chinese and other Asian food.

Keep in mind that it is usually closed on Thursdays though.

Otherwise, it serves every evening.

5. Sukawati Art Market

Think of the Sukawati Art Market as the art lover’s haven.

You do not have to be a collector to enjoy this flea market – I do not think.

I would want to go here to at least look around. 

If they sell some reprints, I would at least purchase those.

The locals probably consider the Sukawai Mark as a serious business though.

After all, this market is 50 years in the making after a long struggle. 

The Bali people fought for the right to sell their goods here.

Now, it lines at least three blocks.

Hundreds of vendors sell their handcrafted woven handbags, clothing accessories, wooden dolls, and other sculptures or carvings. 

6. Beringharjo Market

I figured maybe I would not spend my entire time in Bali, though I probably could.

The Beringharjo Market in The Special Yogyakarta Region looks like an ideal flea market for buying merchandise and eating on site. 

I’m impressed by its size, and it is an indoor market that takes up two buildings.

One side has two floors and the other three.

It is like a shopping mall but for flea market buyers. 

7. Jimbaran Fish Market

I do not eat much seafood but usually enjoy it when I do.

You can find all kinds of fish and shell creatures to eat here.

I chose this one as one of the best flea markets in Indonesia because it is a specialty market. 

I have not tried the food.

However, it at least looks palatable from what I see.

You may even see tables set up like a fine dining room.

It is about 13 hours from Bali and usually operates every day from morning to evening. 

8. Kodim Market 

This Pekanbaru market (Kodium Market) sells quite a bit of local produce.

Moreover, vendors offer books and other merchandise. 

You will not find that much publicly available information about the Kodim Market.

However, it made the news in August 2022 when the press Riau Police Chief Inspector General Pol Mohammad Iqbal showed up there.

9. Flea Market at Jalan Surabaya

If you arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia, you will find the Jalan Surabaya market.

When I think of what a “flea market” is where I come from (Wisconsin, USA), I think of this type. 

It seems to sell what I expect flea markets to sell – odd, rare, and antique finds.

It is like a large rummage sale but with high-quality goods. 

Items you may find there include batiks, which are a type of textile with waxed sections left undyed.

Silver coins and silver kitchen utensils, vinyl records, wood carvings, phones, and historical puppets. 

I like clocks.

I do not know if they have them, but I would take a chance to just find out.

This market has me intrigued.

It usually runs during the day, but people often go there in the early morning to avoid the heat. 

10. Pakuwon Food Festival

This Surabaya Pakuwon Food Festival just looks fun in the pictures.

I notice lights up at night, which is always a delight in my opinion.

It also has live music and a playground for children. 

You can find seating both indoors and outdoors.

In addition, you can find rides to the festival, which typically operates from 5 p.m. to midnight every day. 

The 10 Best Flea Markets in Indonesia – Summary Table

Indonesia Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Indonesia Safety Review

Safety Index:

58

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM