Bali: Quench your Thirst for Shopping
Bali, Indonesia
The city of Bali is not only known for its colorful and exciting population, but it’s also considered to be one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the world. The spectacular rock formations, mountains, beautiful and pristine beaches, dense forests and relaxing hot springs are just some of the attractions it offers. This fantastic tourist attraction is ideal for those who would love to get away from their monotonous office jobs and bustling cities.
Bali is famous for the wide range of tourist attractions and adventurous activities it offers. Visitors will have lots of fun horses riding, elephant tours, buggy rides, bungee jumping, hiking, forest hikes, etc. The pristine sea also offers numerous activities namely snorkeling, deep-sea diving, water sports, cruises, etc
However, you should have a plan of action in mind if you plan on visiting this exciting spot. Work to get the maximum adrenaline rush by planning activities you normally would never do. Getting out of your comfort zone in this place will only heighten the pleasure of the trip. This is an important step to take because Bali has a LOT to offer for both thrill seekers and ‘calm’ seekers. Stick to traditional activities, for the time being, and then try your hand at the more ‘risky’ ones.
Before you start making that list though, check how much you’re willing to spend. This is going to be a trip of a lifetime after all. Check your budget and plan your expenditure accordingly. This will help you remain calm and happy throughout the trip. A good way to do this is to compare the prices of those activities with other hot spots. Visiting Bali may be a once in a lifetime experience for you if you can’t splurge on yourself. Spend your money wisely on the trip and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Shopping in Bali, Indonesia
Bali is usually known for sun, sand, sea and fun, including the drinking and partying kind. What people who have been to Bali have also found out is that it is a good place to go do some shopping. For those who especially love exotic stuff and items and enjoy bargaining for a good price, Bali is famous for producing a wide range of handicrafts such as wood carvings, paintings, cloth and clothing, necklaces, friendship bracelets etc.
There are shops and stalls all over the place where you can find these items and products. Even down at the beach you will encounter people selling their wares.
That is why a leisurely walk in Bali can be very interesting. The shopkeepers would wave at you with a smile and invite you to their shops. The restaurant’s staff, taxi drivers would call your attention and say “kemana,” meaning where are you going?
Your shopping experience at Bali can be further enjoyable, depending on your skills and determination to bargain down the price. Bargaining or haggling down the price is an accepted practice. It is even expected. You might be surprised at the onset that the prices are already quite reasonable in the first place, however, don’t feel guilty and go try to get more value for your money as you possibly can.
It is suggested that you never accept the first price offered as adding 30%-50% extra is a common practice. In case you offer a too low price, the shopkeepers often use the word “Bankkrut” which means bankrupt. However, hang in there, usually if vendor stops smiling, it means you have hit the right figure.
Shopping is fun at Bali but a game of patience as well. Although you will be tempted to buy something at first sight, it is best that you go get a good look around before making a decision. Many shops sell similar items; you can compare quality and prices. If you’re savvy enough, you can use this information to bargain for a better price by playing the vendors against each other. Get them to offer you a better price than their competitor so they get the sale.
Friendly gestures with the vendors, smiles and a sense of humor can also help you get a better price
Handicrafts and Paintings
There is a remarkable variety of goods and each area has its own specialty and competitive edge. If you are interested in buying handicrafts, Gianyar is the place for you. However, those who are interested in watching the work places of these craftsmen and observe their work style should visit Mas and Kemenuh.
Ubud is the land of painters and you can even visit the painters at their home.
Not only the handicrafts, but textile products are also in abundance. Gianyar, Klungkung, Karangasem (Tenganan), Kuta and Denpasar are best known for cloth and clothing.
Shopping Malls
Kuta has the best shopping malls such as Bali Mall Galleria, Carrefour Plazaand Discovery Shopping Mall. However, for real good bargains, go explore the various shops and little stores in the area. Traffic jams are common in Kuta. The best way is to hire a cab to downtown and shop to your heart's content. While in Kuta, don’t miss out the neighboring sights such as Legion and Seminak.
Antique, Stonework and Ceramics
Not so Antique
The people at Bali make antiques. However, some of the antiques sold here are not necessarily very old. They would carve a piece of wood and bury it in the ground for some time to give it an antique look. So be careful when you are purchasing antiques in Batubulan, Klungkung and Kuta.
Stonework and Ceramics
Stonework and ceramics are best found in Pejaten in Tabanan. Ceramics shops are also found in Kapal, Sanur Jl. D. Tamblingan, Kuta and Ubud.
Jewelry, Souvenirs and Batik:
Design your jewelry:
If you have some design ideas for jewelry, or want a customized piece for yourself, you must visit Celuk, Kamasan and Bratan. The highly skilled craftsmen of this area can make any designs of jewelry in gold and silver. If you wish, you may also take a picture of a designer’s jewelry piece that you have longed wish for and get it crafted there at much cheaper rates (bargaining is a must).
Souvenirs for all:
Souvenirs have a vast variety as well, handicrafts, ornaments from coconut shell, bamboo art, key chains, clothes, etc are found in abundance at shops in Pasar Sukawati and Ubud. Leather products are also now making their place in these shops. Don’t forget to get a good number of souvenirs at cheap rates to bring back home to friends and family.
Traditional Batik
A traditional geometrical textile design known as Javanese Batik is seen everywhere in Indonesia. However, when in Bali, be careful of the clever shopkeepers who sell tablecloths with painted designs on them and refer to them as Javanese Batik. High quality Javanese Batik can be found in Tohpati. If you wish to visit the factory, visit Batik Populer and Kartika Candra.
So, what are you waiting for? Bali has all that can quench your thirst for shopping. Book your vacation today and enjoy this small tropical island in Indonesia.