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.