Bali shopping

Find the good places to shop in Bali

Bali offers a number of different diversions for the shopper in its island markets and upscale shopping malls. A number of different items are popular buys in Bali. The most well-selected tourist items are artisanal trinkets made in Bali; among them are the colorful indigenous masks, statues and carved jewelry that are such popular Bali shopping items. And while most people don’t come to Bali to shop, it is an inevitable activity on almost any trip to Bali because of the wealth of cheap goods and great buys.

One element of Bali shopping that sometimes confounds and frustrates visitors is bargaining. Most Balinese shopkeepers expect their customers to be savvy bargainers, so come to the market with a patient, humorous spirit and be prepared to haggle. If you see an item that you desire, do not show your interest too much or else the shopkeeper will know you want it and ask a higher price. Decide on a reasonable price before you ask the shopkeeper how much it is and then bargain down in increments from there.

There are plenty of Bali shopping centers, the most popular of which are the many streets and markets near the beaches in Bali. If you’re looking for upscale fashion, for instance, on Main Street in Legian Beach, you’ll find shops like Hippichic London (Jl. Raya Legian Kelod 396, Kuta; www.hippichic.com), a modern Bohemian clothing company that operates its factory in Bali and one retail shop here in Legian Beach.

One wonderful, unique souvenir to bring home from Bali is traditional embroidery. Balinese lace is both intricate and delicate, usually appearing in bright white that offsets the lush, colorful landscape of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago. White has also been a traditional color to wear in Bali because of its reflective nature, which is most comfortable in the hot tropical climate. Uluwatu is an upscale lace company that operates boutiques all over Bali, including along Poppies Lane in Kuta (Poppies Lane Shop, Jl. Poppies II, Kuta; +62 361 758 604; www.uluwatu.co.id).

A number of large shopping malls also operate in Bali, housing major name brands and department stores, including Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta (Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta; +62 361 755 522; www.discoveryshoppingmall.com), a traditional American style indoor mall, where you’ll find the likes of Nautica, Quicksilver and Tommy Hilfiger, among others.