Bali Shopping

  08 December 2008, 12:22:07 (1835 hits)

Bali Shopping
Where better to practice your bargaining skill than in Bali? Unless, the product is price-tagged in Bali, ….bargaining is the norm. Try not to accept the first price offered, as the most vendor charge 30 % extra. You will get for money, if you are prepared to spend time and a smile, when bargaining. Although tempting, try not to make a major purchase for the first few days. Look around, take your time, bargain hard and then buy…,, What to buy and where to ?

Kuta, Legian and Seminyak
In the tourist hubs of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak you will found almost everything is available. And to whom not wander to far from the beach, Kuta, Seminyak and Legian have more than enough to appease any shopper’s withdrawal symptoms. There is Legian street, filled with shops for all needs and tastes. The streets running to the sea or parallel to Legian street, a number of smaller, market-style shops where you can bargain for great price !
Far end of Legian street, you will find designer boutique, offering reasonably priced designer/labeled-wear and a great range of “street smart” fashion. Buy original gifts in one of the eco-friendly shops with items from many excellent antique or interior-design shops. Bali Mal Galeria – one of the Bali’s recent shopping mall extensions. In Tuban, Bali Discovery Mall is an impressive complex of stores and restaurants right on the beach. Here traveler can buy a whole array of goods – Equal to the selection back home.

Denpasar
Gajah Mada street offers many handicraft and souvenir shop stocking similar items as can be found everywhere on the island, but also a few Chinese medicine shop. An off shoot of Gajah Mada street, Sulawesi street stocks a wide range of textile. Denpasar city has a number of well priced department store (Matahari, Bali Mall and Robinson) and electronics centre in Rimo.

Sanur
Most shops are located along Danau Tamblingan street and in the Sanur Art Market Local handicraft, export quality fashion, and home ware outlets all cater to both the residential and tourist market. For the Sanur beach Market, go to the beach-end of Danau Toba street.

Nusa Dua
Within the Nusa Dua complex is The Galena, a huge open-air shopping mall with stores selling fixed priced, high quality items. The Kris Gallery is also worth a try for things uniquely Bali. It is also good to know that all hotels have their own shopping areas with fairly exclusive products.
Tragia Supermarket and Department store and some leather shops and tailors close by.

Batubulan
This is the place where the stone sculptures were traditionally carved. From Bali's rich source of soft volcanic rock, or paras stone, used to decorate palaces and places of worship.
Bali's skilled craftsmen can make virtually anything, well-known character in a Balinese story, to a little garden gnome. Items from all over Indonesia can really be found here.

Celuk
Celuk village is the famous home of silver and gold artisans. Items upon items of all types of intricately designed pieces can be found. The silver filigree work is simply astounding, with days of painstaking work in each piece. Do remember to bargain when buying works of art from Celuk. Off the main road, in the villages is where the craftsmen work and live.

Sukawati
It’s a Pasar Seni or Art Market in Sukawati and grab some bargain handicrafts and fabrics. The traditional market of Sukawati is located on the main road and side streets, with a vast variety of woven baskets and Balinese ceremonial items made from colourful "Prada" or gold painted cloth. Don't miss out on the great paintings, at really good prices.

Ubud
Ubud is the place to go if you are looking for an original picture. Renowned for artists, wood and paintings. For those of you looking for the art works, we recommend a visit some museums there then buy at one of the gallery or art shop. Stretching out along Raya Ubud street and Monkey Forest Rd, numerous shops cater to all collectors of Bali memorabilia. The village atmosphere of Ubud makes it one of the more relaxed places to shop at.