Just like all other Southeast Asian destinations, when it comes to shopping in Bali, bargaining is expected. Lively market stalls thrive on the daily chaos of trading and negotiation. Offering a spot of respite from the searing heat and hectic hawker scene, shopping malls sell brand name clothes and cosmetics to satisfy the expanding western market.
Small villages dotted around the tourist districts of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Ubud specialize in artisan crafts. Here you will find you will find an intriguing assortment of stone statues, spun ceramics, hand dyed fabrics, carved wooden furniture and carefully constructed silverwork. If it’s a taste of the local shopping experience you’re after, these areas are the best options for authentic buys. Niche markets are also catered for in Bali, with specialist shops packed with surf items, sportswear and bridal collections.
Kuta/Legian/Seminyak
Chock-full of souvenirs, surf kit, sarongs and shoes, the south of Bali has plenty of shops to tempt tourists from the beach. Lining the streets of Kuta’s main road is a treasure trove of eclectic hawker wares. Alternatively, two nearby shopping centres - Kuta Square and Discovery Shopping Mall - found on Jalan Kartika Plaza, offer a relaxed alternative to the hurried pace of these bustling hawker stalls.
Ubud
Once a sleepy town where locals relaxed in rice-terraced surroundings, today Ubud has transformed into a rich shopping district. Jostling with competitive prices aimed at travelers, street sellers along Jalan Hanoman, Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raya Ubud all jostle with vibrant wares. Regarded as the artistic centre of Bali, handcrafted items fill workshops and gallery windows here, showcasing the skill of local artisans. For your fill of backpacker bargaining, head to the Ubud Market to explore exotic items set against the heady smells of pungent spices.
Sukawati Art Market
Located on Jalan Raya, Sukwati Art Market has endless shopping appeal. A shopping arcade filled with street-side fabrics, souvenirs, paintings and home decorations blending in a technicolored blur of sensory overload, be sure to bring your best bargaining when visiting this spot.
Tegallalang
Specializing in softwood sculptures and painted wooden figurines, Tegallalang houses a popular handicrafts village. Stretching all the way along a 12-kilometer road, enticing displays of ceremonial masks, tribal figures and ceramic homewares target curious shoppers browsing for bargains to be had.
Denpasar
Perhaps not the first spot that springs to mind when you think of shopping in Bali, however, the capital of Bali is expanding into a commercial hub. Occupied by a large selection of department stores, supermarkets and local groceries, Denpasar has a clear shopping agenda.
Bali shopping tips
Expect to bargain when visiting Bali; it’s part of the local culture. Never accept the first price offered at market stalls as most street sellers add somewhere between 30% – 50% to their wares. If the hawker scene scares you, however, head to one of the Balinese shopping centres to discover a more relaxed and fixed price approach to shopping.
