Many claim that the bustling town of Gianyar makes the best spit-roasted suckling pig on Bali. In addition to babi guling, the Gianyar Night Market is the place to try such Balinese and Indonesian dishes as meatball soup (bakso) and spicy braised chicken (ayam betutu). Though easy to explore independently, the night market is becoming an increasingly popular stop on culinary tours of Ubud and its surrounds.
Gianyar is the name of both the district and its capital, so Gianyar Night Market is in Gianyar, Gianyar.
Bring plenty of small change, as vendors are unlikely to break 100,000 IDR notes.
Visit Gianyar Night Market with a group, if possible, so you can sample more dishes.
Gianyar Night Market is around 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Ubud and reasonably well signposted. Due to difficult traffic and driving conditions, most travelers choose to hire a driver or visit the Gianyar Night Market as part of an organized tour.
The Gianyar Night Market kicks off as night falls—between 6pm and 7pm depending on the time of year—and tends to peak around 8pm, although some stalls continue serving until late. For the widest choice of food and the liveliest atmosphere, head down once it’s dark and the lights are blazing.
Babi guling—a spit-roasted suckling pig served as succulent roast pork, crackling, satay, spicy sausages, pâté, organ meats, and more—is the national dish of Bali. Sample it alongside such treats as spicy cassava-leaf stuffing, salad with vegetables and coconut (urap), and, of course, sambal chili sauce at Pasar Malam Gianyar.