on the island of Bali, it never ceases to amaze me at the artistic array of handicrafts produced by the Balinese. The choice for tourists is somewhat overwhelming and varied and this would make it difficult for any money-spinning souvenir hunter. The Balinese are very creative and work in a variety of mediums.
You will see a maze of these handicrafts in the major shopping centres like Kuta Square and Centro Discovery, but, to get the best price and sometimes a better quality, head down to the traditional markets. In these intriguing places you will find paintings, wood carving, jewellery, stone carving and a plethora of others including a variety of colourful batik.
There are numerous markets and these include the Kuta Art Market, the traditional market in Sanur and the fabulous traditional market in Ubud; probably the most artistic market of them all. Of course there are many other markets across the island and all worth checking out. Have fun!
Shopping in Kuta Bali for first-timers is and can be overwhelming. It seems that everywhere you go all the vendors have virtually the same products for sale but, at different prices. This is principally due to the fact that most vendors buy their goods wholesale at the same place and that being in the village of Sukawati; a 40 minute drive from Kuta.
It is just annoying and when one just doesn’t feel like tramping around the various markets in the tourist strip of Bali; searching for that relentless search for a cool T-Shirt or a pair of boardies or even handicrafts.
In the markets the prices always vary from vendor to vendor and it really gets to be a hassle bargaining even though at times it can be enjoyable.
Take heart though because there are several factory outlets along the tourist strip that can accommodate all your shopping needs. These factory outlets sell just about everything you can buy in any of the markets and some of them even sell packaged Balinese delights. The prices, in general, are far cheaper and one can shop at one’s leisure without being hassled. Here are a few of them.
Kuta Art Market
Kuta Art Market is a traditional market where you can get souvenirs and goods crafted by local people. The prices vary, depending on your haggling skills. The most important thing to remember is to be polite and friendly (certainly not confrontational) and to treat it all as a kind of game. Haggling is expected and indeed encouraged as part of the fun of shopping, and as such theatrical expressions and claims of bankruptcy will soon have you laughing together with the shop owner. It is often helpful to decide upon the most you want to pay for an item before you start bargaining.
Then you should try offering one third of the price first offered, and wait for them to come down in price before slowly raising your own offer in small increments. Don’t be afraid to take your time: your patience will be rewarded with much lower prices. If the price offered is still much higher than your maximum budget, walk away slowly from the shop. Often the vendor will call you back and offer you a lower price. Make sure you check the quality of your item before you pay and move along to the next store. Once you have won the negotiation battle, you can bet you will be addicted and will have fun shopping at this kind of market.
So, what do first-time shoppers in Bali do?
- Don’t buy at the first place you come to. Check out the various vendors along the streets and at the markets such as Kuta Art Market in Tuban and if you are staying in Sanur then it will be the Art Market there.
- Don’t go paying the price the vendor wants! Bargain the price. It is customary in Indonesia to bargain and literally expected. How do you bargain? Whatever the price the vendor quotes, instantly halve it and bargain from there. Eventually you will come to an agreement. In the case that you don’t achieve a suitable price for the product you wish to purchase then simply apologise and move on. You will find that the vendor will relent 90% of the time. The ethical essence of bargaining is to be fair. By that I mean don’t go offering the vendor a ridiculous price. They have to make a living too and don’t forget, the product you are purchasing is that cheap compared to a similar product in your own country
Not everything in Bali can be bargained for. The majority of shops, those in shopping malls and plazas are harga pas or fixed price. Bargaining is a skill and eventually you will hone your skills. It is an enjoyable part of shopping in Bali.
Kuta Square
Just nearby the Kuta Art Market, Kuta Square is a shopping centre approximately 50 metres from Kuta Beach. Designed in boulevard style, Kuta Square is packed with a lot of international and local brands from surf wear outlets, dining areas, a hypermarket and fashion stores; such as Billabong, Quiksilver, Hurley, Giordano, Reebok, Nike, Levi’s, and two famous local brands – Milo’s and Animale
Discovery Shopping Mall
Discovery Shopping Mall, the only mall with a beachfront view, is located in Kuta’s prime area. This mall has facilities such as banks, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, opticians, pharmacies, amusement arcades, home accessories, jewelry and international brand outlets such as Sogo, Guess, Esprit, Giardano and many more. Live bands perform every Saturday and Sunday nights to liven up your weekend shopping
69 Slam Underwear
69 Slam offers lingerie and underwear for men and women, designed in funky and colourful styles. The products are created for a dynamic young stylish upscale market. For ladies, the prices range from IDR 99,000 to 199,000 and IDR 155,000 to IDR 225,000 for men. There are four other branches spread throughout Kuta and Seminyak.
Joger
Located on Jalan Raya Tuban not far from the Supernova shopping centre Kuta, this place is extremely popular with domestic tourists and at most times crowded.
Joger doesn’t mean anything, we’re oriented toward Nike, Adidas, Billabong and Quiksilver. Ika told me that Joger is a specialty t-shirt shop, famous for its slogans. Outside the shop, is a big sign saying ‘Pabrik kata-kata‘ (we have a factory of words). I parked across the busy street, which is lined with Javanese and other Indonesian food places. Inside Joger domestic tourists were funneled through the shop in prescribed direction. Joger sells Balinese handicrafts, t-shirts, bags, hats and other small gifts.
The prices are not cheap for locals, with a long sleeve t-shirt going for 119,000rp, a regular t-shirt 70,000rp, a ladies colored bag 75,000rp, small day-pack for 150,000rp.
Anyway, Joger is a famous brand in Indonesia, and if you show up in Java wearing one of their t-shirts, locals will make that connection with Bali. Joger is an amazing place to shop with practically all handicrafts made in Bali on sale at great prices. They have a vast range of T-Shirts and bags.
Joger is open from 11am – 6pm daily.
Geneva:
This two-storey complex is located on Jalan Raya Seminyak and set back off the road. The entrance is via a flight of stairs. Geneva has a good selection of knick-knacks and other woodcarvings.
Their clothing selection is extensive and all goods are stacked on shelves for easier access. Geneva’s prices are comparable with other factory outlets. Most of the Balinese handicrafts are on sale here including topeng (masks) and lukisan (paintings). They do have a good selection of bedspreads and other home items.
Kampung Bali
Located on Jalan Merta Nadi behind the Bali Bakery in Kuta, this place is one of the better factory outlets around town. The L-shaped building is huge with a vast array of clothing, handicrafts and packaged Bali food for sale. Kampung Bali is the kind of place that affords relaxed shopping at great prices.
Kampung Bali also has a good selection of hand-crafted musical instruments. It’s not only that, they also have a great selection of sandals and aromatherapy products as well as shelves and shelves of batik clothing and batik pieces. Their selection of bedcovers is fabulous. Do browse around the food section and buy some of the packaged nuts and krupuk.
