I am lousy at shopping. I hate it and much prefer to avoid it as much as possible. But, there are times when it becomes a necessity. Food shopping takes me less like than Flash Gordon whizzing by and this is always much to the dislike of my wife, Candika.
It is just annoying and when one just doesn’t feel like tramping around the various markets in the tourist strip of Bali; searching for that relentless search for a cool T-Shirt or a pair of boardies or even handicrafts, I give up. In the markets the prices always vary from vendor to vendor and it really gets to be a hassle bargaining even though at times it can be enjoyable.
Take heart though because there are several factory outlets along the tourist strip that can accommodate all your shopping needs. These factory outlets sell just about everything you can buy in any of the markets and some of them even sell packaged Balinese delights. The prices, in general, are far cheaper and one can shop at one’s leisure without being hassled. Here are a few of them.
Joger: Located on Jalan Raya Tuban not far from the Supernova shopping centre, this place is extremely popular with domestic tourists and at most times crowded. Joger is an amazing place to shop with practically all handicrafts made in Bali on sale at great prices. They have a vast range of T-Shirts and bags.
Geneva: This two-storey complex is located on Jalan Raya Seminyak and set back off the road. The entrance is via a flight of stairs. Geneva has a good selection of knick-knacks and other woodcarvings.
Their clothing selection is extensive and all goods are stacked on shelves for easier access. Geneva’s prices are comparable with other factory outlets. Most of the Balinese handicrafts are on sale here including topeng (masks) and lukisan (paintings). They do have a good selection of bedspreads and other home items.
Kampung Bali: Located on Jalan Merta Nadi behind the Bali Bakery in Kuta, this place is one of the better factory outlets around town. The L-shaped building is huge with a vast array of clothing, handicrafts and packaged Bali food for sale. Kampung Bali is the kind of place that affords relaxed shopping at great prices.
Kampung Bali also has a good selection of hand-crafted musical instruments. It’s not only that, they also have a great selection of sandals and aromatherapy products as well as shelves and shelves of batik clothing and batik pieces. Their selection of bedcovers is fabulous. Do browse around the food section and buy some of the packaged nuts and krupuk.
Krisna Oleh-Oleh Khas Bali: In my opinion probably the best factory outlet in Bali. Located on the Sunshine Road, Krisna is massive in size and offers everything you will need as far as handicrafts and clothing are concerned.
This complex has an excellent warung just outside the main building serving delicious traditional food and there is even a small playground for the kids. Krisna Oleh-Oleh Khas Bali has a superb array of packaged Balinese delicacies at good prices. Their selection of Balinese handicrafts is the best and the choice of all manner of clothing, outstanding.
One could spend hours just shopping in air-conditioned comfort. There really is no need to tramp around local markets when you can purchase all that you need at Krisna.
