Ubud is undisputedly the centre of the artistic scene in Bali. It has changed remarkably from the small artist’s village it was ten years ago to a bustling centre of activity with a wide range of Balinese paintings on offer. Respected galleries such as Neka, Agung Rai and Rudana are worth visiting. Western artists Antonio Blanco has his collection displayed at his gallery and home and Hans Snel exhibits his painting at his restaurant and hotel off the main road. Read more…
Sukawati has a new art market and a traditional market on the main road and side streets. A large assortment of woven baskets can be found here along with Balinese ceremonial items made from colourful “Prada” – gold painted cloth. These include dance costumes, fans, umbrellas and clothes worn at tooth filings and weddings. Read more…
Continuing on the road to Ubud, you will pass through Celuk, home of silver and gold artisans. Huge stores house a wide variety of all types of intricately designed pieces. The silver filigree work in quite amazing. Bargaining is a must. If you can go off the main road into the village where the craftsmen work and live you’ll get better prices. Read more…
Batubulan is renowned for stone carvings. Traditionally, stone sculptures carved from soft volcanic rock (paras) were used to adorn temples and palaces. Now they are sold for export too. The craftsmen can make practically anything you request from a Garuda to a garden gnome. Recently many “Antique” shops have sprung up on the same road, selling items from all over Indonesia. Discerning buyers may well find a bargain. Read more…
Sanur’s main shopping street is Jalan Danau Tamblingan and it is somewhat more peaceful than shopping in Kuta. There’s still a few hawkers about but they’re not as aggressive, except at the beach market. Sanur has an interesting variety of shops with lots of nice restaurants dotted between. There’s also an Art Market (Pasar Seni) with wood carvings and other handicrafts.Shopping In Kuta/Legian/Seminyak Bali Read more…
Proceeding on the main road (the bypass) from Nusa Dua to Sanur you will see on either side of the road, many pottery, wrought iron and furniture stores. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and bargaing hard. Read more…
Nusa Dua has a small market at the entranceway to Nusa Dua where you can still find some bargains. If you venture out of the gates there’s also the Tragia Supermarket and Department store and some leathershops and tailors close by. The main shopping complex, the Galleria has just been renovated with a wide variety of restaurants and stores. Read more…
The capital of Bali is not generally a tourist area but there are a few main areas worth checking out. The Kumbasari market near the river gives an interesting overview of an Indonesia market with household wares and clothing on the third level, spices and dried goods on the second level and fresh produce in the basement. Read more…
The main road in Kuta has a multitude of shops and restaurants on each side selling a wide variety of goods including swimwear, sarongs, handicrafts, cassette’s, CDs, jewelry, clothing, furniture and leather goods. You’ll also get hit for watches, transport and bracelets from the ever present street hawker. If you’re not interested in their wares, don’t make eye contact. If you look at the goods, they will follow you for the next kilometre or so even if you insist you’re not buying! Read more…
