BALI SHOPPING NIRVANA

From clothes and accessories to handicrafts and fine art. Bali is a shopping nirvana with unique gift ideas available at every corner. The shopping scene in south Bali is centered on Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta. The busy main road of Jalan Raya Seminyak is particularly well known for having everything from airy bohemian gear in eye-popping colors to bejeweled trinkets, and has become one of the trendies spots on the island with a gamut of specialized boutiques, interior decor stores, and upscale bars and restaurants. Establishments such as Milo's turns bold batik and trademark patterns into sexy silk dresses and beach tops, while sizzling resorts wear is on the meny at Biasa, where silk, cotton, and linen are infused with solid colors and teamed up with great accessories.

In Kuta and Legian, shops are predominantly surf-oriented (swimwear, sarongs, sandals) and attract a younger crowd. However, visitors can still find a multitude of paintings, crafted jewelry, masks, and carvings sold along the roadside.

Streetside Shops in Kuta - Legian

En route to Ubud from the southern coast, the two-story Sukawati Market makes a perfect stop for its lineup of souvenirs and handicrafts. Catching onto the ever increasing popularity of Balinese art on the international scene, the market has been expanding its art collection alongside various sculptures, dance costumes, and woven baskets available at reasonable prices. Look out for prada, the colorful gold-painted cloth seen at Balinese ceremonies. For fine jewelry, head to nearby Celuk, which is known as Bali's center for gold and silver crafts. Aside from scowing the huge storehouses for a wide variety of designed pieces, try going off the main road to the craftsmen's village for more selection and better price.

Traditional markets in Bali are a unique setting where you can find all kinds of local spices and vegetables alongside handicrafts made by local artisans. The Ubud Market, for example, features softwood carvings of flowers, animals, and fruits from nearby Tegalalang village. In the island capital of Denpasar, the riverside Kumbasari Market is likewise enticing.

Kuta Square - Main Shopping Center in Kuta Bali

For shopping in air-conditioned comfort, Geneva on Jalan Raya Kerobokan has inexpensive handicrafts while Kuta Square, Kartika Discovery Mall, and Bali Galeria House both local and international outlets. Duty-free shopping centers such as Plaza Bali cater to a wealthy, jet-setting crowd with exclusive branded items. Haute fashion house such as Hermes, Chanel, and Etro as well as homegown designs by Obin are found in outlets at both Ngurah Rai bypass and the airport.

If you happen to notice a particularly attractive table setting in one of Bali's many restaurants, chances are that the wares are made locally by Jenggala Keramik Bali. Their modern factory in Jimbaran has a showroom as well as a relaxing cafe and a demonstration area where Jenggala potters show off their skills. You can even paint or make your own pots for that ultimate custom-designed centerpiece.

Another destination for home improvement is the modern and lofty Gaya Fusion of Senses in Ubud. This non-government organization showcases original showpieces by local designers and artists that are guaranteed to make your houseguests back home green with envy.

BALI NAVIGATOR SHOPPING

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