Not Just Pie Susu: 4 Unique and Aesthetic Bali SME Souvenirs
Any holiday feels incomplete without bringing back a local souvenir. This is especially true for Bali, where the choice of gifts is highly diverse, ranging from food to SME products that are unique, handmade, and full of stories from their owners. Choosing SME products as souvenirs indirectly supports local craftsmen and small business owners. These products suit all demographics, and you can easily find souvenirs that match your taste and needs.
Pithecanthropus Bali was founded in 1990 by Micky Indra, initially as a small souvenir shop in Legian, Kuta. The name “Pithecanthropus” was inspired by the owner’s desire to “re-excavate” and preserve Indonesia’s “buried” cultural wealth. The shop is not just an art store providing batik, but also explores other traditional textiles such as songket and tenun, which have developed into ready-to-wear clothing, silver accessories, and even antique home furnishings. It has locations in Ketewel, Canggu, and Ubud, operating daily from 09.00 to 21.30 Wita. Collections include modern kebaya, ethnic-motif dresses, linen collections, men’s batik shirts, various accessories and textiles, and home living items. Prices start from Rp 240,000, with discounted collections starting from Rp 50,000.
KunangKunangku Bali is an SME from Denpasar that produces handmade fabric plushies with diverse collections and unique, creative, and non-mainstream characters. These products are often an alternative Balinese souvenir and are popular among tourists because each doll is crafted in detail by local artisans. Located in Sanglah, Dauh Puri Klod, West Denpasar, it operates Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 Wita, with weekends reserved for online orders or certain exhibitions. Collections include various doll designs, custom characters, and bag charms, with prices starting from Rp 35,000.
Jenggala Keramik has been established since 1976 and is known as a producer of premium, handmade ceramics, the most popular in Bali. The designs are unique, combining traditional Balinese techniques with a modern and elegant style, as well as iconic tropical colours. The name “Jenggala” is taken from Old Javanese meaning “forest”, reflecting how the design inspiration is closely tied to tropical natural elements. Jenggala Keramik is a partnership project between a New Zealand artist and a local entrepreneur. It has won the UNESCO Awards of Excellence for handicrafts and was the official tableware provider for the G20 Summit 2022 state dinner. Located on Jl. Uluwatu II, Jimbaran, it operates daily from 09.00 to 18.00 Wita. Collections include tableware sets, bathroom accessories, and home decor, with prices starting from Rp 80,000.
Maharani Craft is a premium craft brand from Bali that combines the beauty of natural materials such as semi-precious stones with fossilised wood using traditional techniques of local artisans. This combination of techniques and skills creates jewellery collections and home decorations. The SME, established in 1989, has successfully penetrated the international market and was trusted to provide souvenirs for the G20 Summit delegation. Located in Kerobokan, it operates Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 Wita. Collections include jewellery (necklaces, rings, limited edition G20 Summit brooches), home accessories, and dining tableware, with prices starting from Rp 135,000.
When visiting Bali, do not forget to take the time to hunt for Balinese SME craft souvenirs.