Bali
is the place to practise your bargaining skills. Unless the product
is price-tagged, bargaining is the norm. It will prove to be an exciting
venture if this is your first time while the experts will find it
exhilarating, especially when a good deal was struck. Many come to
Bali with a 'shop till you drop' attitude, so you would probably end
up buying a few things anyhow. There are numerous western-style department
stores and shopping centers in Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa
Dua that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear,
and toys. The service is generally good, and the low value of the
rupiah ensures excellent prices. Balinese arts and crafts are the
most popular purchases but you can also get value-for-money goods
such as clothing, music, musical instruments and watches.
Bedugul
This
is known as a farming area and is a great place to buy the choicest
fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Celuk
The home
of silver and gold artisans, Celuk presents huge stores that house
a wide variety of all types of intricately designed pieces. The silver
filigree work is quite unbelievable but bargaining is a must.
Denpasar
The capital
of Bali is not exactly a tourist area but there are a few main areas
worth checking out. The Kumbasari market near the river gives an interesting
overview of Indonesian markets with household wares and clothing on
the third level, spices and goods on the second level, and a traditional
market in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanudin, a whole street
of gold shops selling 18 to 22 carat gold jewellery. Not far is Jalan
Sulawesi where all manner of fabrics are available. The entire street
has fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware shops in
between. If handicrafts are your aim, then move along to Jalan Gajah
Mada where items similar to those sold in Kuta are found, but without
the presence of hawkers. It is a good idea to visit the government-run
handicraft center in Tohpati, Sanggraha Kriya Asti, which offers a
range of handicrafts at fixed prices. You can also shop at department
stores such as Matahari, Libi, MA, Tiara Dewata, Tragia, or Ramayana.
Duty
Free Shopping
Plaza
Bali and DFS have duty free shopping outlets in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa
Dua, and the airport in Bali. A wide range of designer label boutiques
can be found but bear in mind that some products in Indonesia do not
have high duties, such as cigarettes.
Gianyar
Located
in eastern Bali, Gianyar is a major textile center with a number of
factories where you can witness sarongs being woven. You can buy directly
from the factories but prices are usually inflated during tourist
seasons.
Kuta/Legian/Seminyak
The main
road in Kuta boasts of a multitude of shops and restaurants on each
side, selling a variety of goods including swim wear, sarongs, handicrafts,
cassettes, CDs, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and leather goods. You
will also be thronged by street hawkers with their wares, but if uninterested,
do not make eye contact. The upper end of Jalan Legian from Seminyak
to Krobokan has somehow transformed into an enclave of boutiques,
which specialize in fashion, interior decoration, furniture, and a
few interesting delis.
Klunkung
Klungkung
is home to some of the oldest antique stores in Bali. There are krises,
songket sarongs, and good quality 22-carat gold jewelry in Balinese
designs to be bought. A busy traditional market is also situated in
Klungkung.
Kamasan
Traditional
Balinese 'Kamasan' paintings are found here. These paintings use a
special technique where black ink is first used to outline the subject
and then subsequently colored in with natural pigments. Eggs, banners,
bags, hats and other goods are decorated with this unique painting
style. The Kerta Gosa or Hall of Justice features impressive displays
of Kamasan paintings.
Nusa
Dua
At the
entrance to Nusa Dua, there is a small market in which you can still
strike some bargains. Outside the gates is Tragia Supermarket and
department stores, while a few leather and tailor shops sit around
the vicinity. The Galleria, the main shopping complex, has a good
selection of restaurants and stores that sell high quality items at
fixed prices. The Kris Gallery is worth checking out for unique paraphernalia.
Sanur
The major
shopping street in Sanur is Jalan Danau Tamblingan and it is clearly
more peaceful than shopping in Kuta. Hawkers are present but not as
aggressive, except at the beach market. There are interesting shops
and restaurants in Sanur and an Art Market to appease those in search
of art pieces and souvenirs.
Sukawati
Sukawati
offers a new art market and a traditional market on the main road
and side streets that sell a large assortment of woven baskets and
Balinese ceremonial items in prada (gold-leaf decorated cloth), which
include dance costumes, fans, umbrellas, clothes worn during tooth-filing
ceremonies, and weddings.
Tegalalang
A woodcarvers'
haven, this village and surrounding villages specialize in the art
of carving softwood figures. Subjects featured are usually brightly
painted flowers, frogs, fruits and animals.
