TIMES SINGAPORE, BALI – Bali is well-known for its rich culture and beautiful beaches. Besides being tourist attractions, these beaches also serve as a source of livelihood for many local residents. One place where the pulse of coastal life can truly be felt is Kedonganan Fish Market—a market located right on the shoreline, just steps away from the wet waves and the fishing boats returning with their fresh catch.

Kedonganan Fish Market sits on the northern tip of Jimbaran Bay, located on Jalan Pantai Kedonganan, South Kuta District, Badung Regency.

The Fresh Fish being Dislayed

Fresh catches from Kedonganan fishermen—ikan penpen/semenit/lemuru (a type of sardine)—being moved from the boat into large buckets to be sold directly at Kedonganan Fish Market. (Photo: Heliavita Jasmine/TIMES Indonesia)

As visitors enter the market, they are greeted by the salty smell of the sea and the lively, traditional atmosphere. Fishing boats line the beach, blending with the busy buying and selling activities taking place both inside and outside the market area.

The tables are filled with rows of fresh fish. Without long distribution chains—and without days of travel—most of the fish sold here come directly from fishermen who head out to sea early in the morning.

Fishermen usually leave around 4 a.m., casting their nets in the open sea to find their catch. Various types of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other seafood show just how rich the waters of Indonesia truly are.

“I usually leave at 4 or 5 in the morning and come back once I feel the catch is enough or the boat is full. During rainy season, most fish near the shore are small,” said Made, one of the fishermen at Kedonganan Beach.

However, not all fish sold at Kedonganan Fish Market come from Bali’s coastal waters. Some specific types are supplied from nearby regions such as Banyuwangi and Lombok.

Live Cooking

A transaction scene between a seller and a buyer at one of the stalls in Kedonganan Fish Market. (Photo: Heliavita Jasmine/TIMES Indonesia)

Around the market, there are also many seafood restaurants. With plenty of menu options, visitors can either choose seafood provided by the restaurant or bring their own fresh seafood purchased directly from the market to be cooked on the spot.

The market becomes especially busy from around 7 to 9 a.m., when sellers start opening their stalls and arranging various fish on their tables. As the day goes on, the choices of fish usually become more limited.

The market is easy to reach by vehicle, including ride-hailing services such as Grab, Gojek, or BlueBird. Cars normally have to stop or park near the dock or the main entrance of the market.

Because the market floor is often sandy and wet, visitors are advised to wear sandals or rubber-based shoes. Most vendors still only accept cash, so it’s best to bring enough money with you.

The traditional way of buying and selling, the bargaining process, the smiles of the vendors, and the wide variety of fresh fish give the market its own charm.

Kedonganan Fish Market may not be a polished tourist spot, but through its simplicity, it shows the real connection between people and nature—a connection that remains fascinating to see both for local and tourist visitors. (*)

Reporter: Heliavita Jasmine