CHECKED BY CHRIS

CHECKED BY CHRIS

Bali spoils you with a myriad of trendy souvenirs

Pratevi Devi
Contributor
Denpasar, Bali

Whether you're talking about handicraft, handmade fabric, or
decorative ceramics, stoneware, bamboo or woodwork, Bali provides
you with endless choices.

Every day, talented artists, artisans and craftsmen produce
innovative items to jazz up the interior of your home.

If you are fashion-conscious, designer labels and handmade
lace and embroidery are available throughout Kuta's shopping
complex as well as in the Seminyak and Kerobokan areas in the
Badung regency.

Lines of opulent boutiques and fashion houses offer a great
variety of fashion products, ranging from refined batik, hand-
woven and printed textiles, sequined gowns, beaded dresses,
handbags, shoes, sandals and leatherwork to surf wear.

Bin House owned by highly regarded textile artist "Obin" aka
Yosephine Komara will delight you with its ample choice of
sophisticated handmade silk batik, antique traditional cloth, or
kebaya, and other products.

Her boutiques at Kuta Square and Made's Warung in Seminyak are
open seven days a week. Other prominent boutiques at Kuta Square
and Seminyak include Milo's and Warisan.

Textiles and fashion are important industries in Bali and a
drawcard for both domestic and international visitors.

The island is also home to gifted artisans who produce a great
range of traditional handicraft and jewelry.

Bali also a market for products from Central Java, Lombok in
West Nusa Tenggara province and the traditional arts of Papua.

Homeware such as ceramics are easily found along Jl. Legian in
Kuta, Seminyak, Krobokan areas near Kuta to Nusa Dua, Jimbaran
and the resort of Ubud.

PT Jenggala Keramik on Jl. Raya Uluwatu in the Jimbaran area
sells a great selection of ceramics including vases, bowls,
dinner sets, tea sets and art objects. Visitors should inquire
about the free ceramic classes and other exhibitions and
performances on offer.

Another famous ceramic maker is Bali Moon Ceramics, which
produces beautifully designed earthenware. The company runs its
shop in the Sanur resort area.

Anyone looking for quality interior design items and gifts
should visit Palanquin Bali on Jl. ByPass Ngurah Rai in Kuta. The
shop offers high-end products for the discerning customer.

Other stylish artifacts and gift shops are located along the
Monkey Forest area and Sayan in Ubud village. Among the original
and charming art shops are Asia Style, Casa Lina, Toko East and
The Shop of Mozaic.

Most of these sell a wide range of ornaments and decorative
objects, antique products, gift items, interior and exterior
ornaments, lights, paintings, statues, along with textiles and
clothing.

There are also many places in Bali that sell original art at
the cheaper end. The Ubud art market is one example. Numerous
kiosks sell carvings, textiles, and handicraft at bargain prices
there.

Please be careful when choosing an item in Ubud. You may find
a genuine woodcarving by an old or famous artist piled among
inexpensive "communal paintings". Remember, you can bargain down
the price to half its original offer.

The Sukawati market located near Ubud is one of the important
fabric and craft centers in the Gianyar regency. Local traders in
the market sell various items such as cushions in retro colors,
quilt bed covers, beachwear, leather products, bamboo and wood
carvings and paintings along with other art objects.

Like other traditional markets, your bargaining skills and
patience will be tested. Visiting the markets early in the
morning is the best time to hunt for the best products at the
best price.

In downtown Denpasar, the Pasar Badung traditional art market
is a good place to buy gifts and souvenirs.

Situated along the Badung river, Pasar Badung is the trade
center for local artisans and merchants. The five-story market
offers you the cheapest prices for eclectic sarongs, gold thread
songket woven textiles, ceremonial utensils as well as
traditional and modern spa and aroma therapy products.

It is advisable to take a taxi or public transport if you want
to visit the Badung market as the parking lot is always full.

Last but not least, don't leave Bali without buying silver or
gold jewelry, cutlery or dinner and tea sets. There are numerous
exclusive silver and gold shops in luxury hotels and malls. But
visiting the Celuk area in Batubulan will be more exciting.

The Runa Gallery and Suarti Collections are the best silver
jewelry and homeware producers. But there are dozens of other
factories along the Celuk area, which offer sophisticated design
jewelry, luxurious silverware, cutlery trays, vases, and
candleholders.

As you can see, in Bali the choices are truly endless when it
comes to buying gifts, souvenirs and handicrafts.

So go ahead -- shop till you drop.