Shopping in Bali is not simply walking into a shop, picking something from a shelf and paying for it. Shopping is an art. In every traditional market and art shop around Bali, it is essential to bargain. However, before you start your shopping spree, it is a good idea to bring some cash since most places do not accept credit cards.
Even if you are not the greatest negotiator, you should be happy to go shopping in Bali . There are various things you can purchase, from Batik to jewelry to artwork. One good tip to bargain is to bargain for one-third of the price. For example, if the vendor offer his/her goods for Rp. 100,000 (one hundred thousand), you should ask him/her if you can have the goods for Rp. 30,000 (thirty thousand) If he refuses, then you can bid a little bit higher, and ask him to go lower. This process could feel tiresome for some, but there is nothing more satisfying than walking away with the stuff you want at the lowest price.
Batubulan area
Batubulan, on the border of Denpasar and Gianyar, is the home of stone sculptures. You will be able to find various kind of stone product, from the traditional ones to the modern one. The craftsmen can make practically anything you request from a Garuda to a garden gnome. Recently, many antique shops have sprung up on the same road, selling items from all over the Indonesia. Discerning buyers may well find a bargain.
Bedugul
In the cooler mountain region, Bedugul is renowned as a farming area. The local market sells fresh fruits and vegetables and specialized in orchids and other plants.
Tucked into the long-settled of an old volcanic crater and on the edge of a large serene volcanic lake, this cool, slow-paced village is a world away from the hustle bustle and the heat and humidity.
Travelers will often pass through Bedugul on their way to the northern coast when they sometimes drive to the coastal beach town of Singaraja and Lovina.
Beside shopping, some visitors also choose Bedugul for a bit more adventure and go parasailing, water-skiing on the lake and golfing
Bono
This village is the home of bamboo artists. The villagers create furniture and mats made of bamboo. Aside from bamboo, the artists also make handicraft made of lontar leaf.
Bypass
The Bypass is the term for Ngurah Rai Street , perhaps the widest street in Bali . If you travel from Nusa Dua to Sanur, you will pass this road. Here, you will find many shops selling antique, pottery, natural stone and furniture.
Celuk area
On the way to Ubud you will pass Celuk, the area specialized in making jewelry made of gold and silver. The artisans in this area are famous for their work quality and their choice of designs. The silver filigree work is quite amazing. Bargaining is a must. If you can go off the main road into the village where the craftsmen work and live you will get better prices.
Denpasar
As the capital of Bali , Denpasar is the center of "market" activity for local people. The biggest traditional market, located near Badung's river, is called Kumbasari market. This market will give you a glimpse on how local people buy their daily needs. Fruit, vegetables and meat vendors are located in the basement; while on the second level you can find spices and dried goods. On the third level you will find vendors selling household wares, clothing, art and craft is. In this Kumbasari market, if you are really good in bargaining, or if you bring a local with you to help you bargain, you might get a very good price.
In the northern part is Gajahmada Street , where you can find handicrafts and some shoe shops and restaurants. In the eastern part is Sulawesi Street , the place for all kind of fabrics on its both sides with some shops providing household ware in between. The area here is very colorful with all types of material from the traditional 'songket' (cloth woven with strands of gold or silver) to modern day stretchy and shiny material. In the southern part is Hasanudin Street where you will find jewelry shop offering the locals some inexpensive jewelry made of Gold. Lastly, on the west Side of the market is the place for people to buy coconut leaf and ceremony supplies.
Kamasan
This village in Klungkung is popular with its own style of painting called Kamasan (a painting is made in black ink, then colored by natural pigments). Eggs, banners, paintings, bags, hats and many other goods decorated with Kamasan painting are all available here. The "Kerta Gosa" (Hall of Justice) at Klungkung features some impressive displays of Kamasan style paintings.
Klungkung
Bali' s smallest district, Klungkung has a busy traditional market and it is also home to some of the oldest antique stores in Bali.
A magnificent example of Klungkung architecture, it is surrounded by a moat and is decorated with paintings on its ceilings in the best tradition of the Klungkung style.
In Klungkung you can find krises, songket sarongs and some quality 22-carat gold pieces in Balinese designs.
Kuta area
Kuta area has been one of the first beaches in Bali that gain its popularity internationally. Thus, almost every shops and restaurants here cater to the tourist market. Along the street, you can find stores selling handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, CDs, furniture and leather crafts. In addition to the stores, you will find many street hawkers selling different kind of food.
Mas
Further along the road towards Ubud is the village of Mas . Famous for woodcarving, Mas offer a myriad of wooden items.
The road through it is solidly lined with craft shops and you are welcome to drop in and see the carvers at work.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua has a small market at the entranceway to Nusa Dua where you can still find some bargains. If you venture out of the gates there's also the Tragia Supermarket and Department stores and some leather shops and tailors close by.
The main shopping complex, the Galleria with a variety of restaurants and stores.
The stores have mostly fixed price selling high quality items. The Kris Gallery is worth checking for some unique items. All the hotels have shopping areas with nice products and nice prices to match.
Sanur area
The shopping center in Sanur area is located on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. The surrounding in Sanur area is almost similar to Kuta's. However, Sanur has less street hawkers along the street. Sanur has an interesting variety of shops with lots of nice restaurants dotted between. There're also an Art Market with woodcarvings and other handicrafts.
Sukawati
This area is especially popular because for its Art Market. In this Sukawati market, you will be able to find art and craft products with the cheapest price. Here you can find clothing, Balinese painting, statue, jewelry and also Balinese ceremonial items. Sukawati village is also a center for the manufacturing of the wind chimes you will find all over the island.
Tegalalang
Various woodcarving products can be found in this village. Colorful carvings of flowers, animals and other designs are displayed along the road.
Tenganan
Tenganan, the Bali Aga (the original Balinese people) village in Karangasem, is the only place in Bali that produces Geringsing fabric. This Geringsing fabric is quite pricey because all the material is taken from nature and processed using a traditional way. No chemicals are used in the process. There is a legend that in the past, human blood was used to dye the cloth red. However, what is used nowadays is dye made from vegetable.
Ubud
This well-known village offers you fine arts with an international standard
It is where the image of Bali as a land of artists was created. . Respected galleries such as Agung Rai, Sumertha, Rudana, Sika and Neka are worth visiting, as well as the big names of Hans Snel and Antonio Blanco.
Ubud gives you the opportunity to see the real Bali . The market has kept much of its traditional charm, with squatting Balinese sellers haggling loudly among spices and vegetables.
The Market also sells handicrafts, many made in the neighboring villages of Pengosekan, Tegalalang, Payangan and Peliatan
