Pay attention to the origin and quality of textiles
Indonesia is famous for its textile craftsmanship, the most beautiful fabrics of which adorn traditional ceremonial costumes. The ancient technique of ikat consists in dyeing the thread before weaving it. From these silk and cotton fabrics are made the sarongs, a kind of pareo that is worn around the waist, essential to visit the temples. You can buy them everywhere on the island. But it is in Legian that most stores in Bali come to buy them. Buy them directly from the "supplier" at competitive prices, and with a wide choice of colors and models.
Without going into details of other ikat techniques, be aware that if you are sold a geringsing fabric and told it is real, don't be fooled. Woven in Tenganan by the Bali-Aga, this pattern is very rare and very expensive. The Bali-Aga do not sell them. You will have been offered copies made in Java. Finally, beware of the sale of blankets from the island of Sumba which are almost all fakes, woven in Java in series and sold at exorbitant prices, between 500 and 3,000 dollars. Even the stores of the big hotels do it!
To find beautiful new pieces, go to the market in Denpasar.
Prada consists of gold leaf or gold paint plating on a batik or finished piece of fabric. It is used extensively in dance costumes and can be found in abundance at Sukawati market.
Balinese clothing brands are sold in many stores and markets. At low prices you can add to your wardrobe with T-shirts, shorts, swimsuits, tunics... Go for example to the Biasa store in Seminyak or to the handicraft market in Kuta, where you can find mainly knick-knacks despite its misleading name.
Coconut objects and classic souvenirs
This typical Indonesian fruit that you will love to drink or eat is also used to make beautiful objects from its bark. You will find bags, earrings, decorative objects and many others made of coconut.
Basketry, which consists in weaving vegetable fibers, is added to the other arts of the island. Bags, baskets, boxes... the choice is vast according to your preferences and those of the people to whom you will think of bringing back a souvenir.
Of course, in the tourist areas, you will come across countless souvenir stores of all kinds, classic, such as postcards, cups, T-shirts and other "I love Bali" objects... Not very authentic but which will mark your passage on the island of the Gods.A silver jewel
Another must-have souvenir to bring back is silver jewelry. In Bali, 95 or 92.5% of the silver comes from mines in Java and Sumatra. The village of Celuk is considered the stronghold of goldsmithing and more particularly of filigree jewelry. A word of caution if you are going to Celuk with a tour operator or guide: they charge up to 60% of the sales in the stores where they drop you off, so they may not be the best stores. Many jewelers are located in Denpasar, Seminyak such as Reva Jewellery, Ubud, Kuta, Legian and Sanur. They can set jewelry on request, ensuring a unique piece of goldsmithing.
Painting, ceramics and sculpture
Art galleries and craft stores are well established in the area. Painting (traditional scenes painted on canvas) is one of the many Balinese talents, as are ceramic objects. Visit the craft market in Ubud. In the village of Mas, mainly, you will meet along the road many galleries of woodcarving, such as the Tantra Gallery. The pieces are varied and the talent undeniable.
Wooden masks are a nice authentic souvenir to bring back. It is a skill passed down from generation to generation. The masks represent animals, gods or demons. The most sacred is that of the Barong, the balance between good and evil. The sculptors will even tell you the meaning of the chosen mask, as they are all unique when you buy from artisans. For ease of transport, opt for a miniature size. Note that almost everywhere in Bali are on sale sculptures of Buddha. However, the Balinese are not Buddhists but Hindus.Incense, essential oils and cosmetics
What is that good smell at the entrance of temples or stores? It is probably aromatic incense called dupa. You will find it everywhere on the island with several choices of smell. Once lit, dupas have relaxing properties.
As for beauty products, cosmetics (soaps, massage oils, scrubs, creams...) are produced from local herbs and flowers, especially lemongrass. Balitaza in Sanur is a good place for cosmetic gifts for example.Gastronomy
In markets, souvenir stores or supermarkets, several Balinese specialties can be taken away with you to continue the journey to the mouth. These are pie susu, mini milk pies sold individually or in boxes. For an energetic wake-up call, buy the kintamani coffee, with its fruity taste of honey and lemon.
Among the countless spices, chili is the star condiment of Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. There are seven varieties. You will find them at the market in Ubud. If your Western palate is not used to it, choose the less hot pepper and ask for advice.
The fleur de sel harvested in Bali is of excellent quality. It is possible to buy it from street vendors in Ubud.
The typical local drinks are all alcoholic. It starts with tuak, a whitish decoction made from palm wine, which can be defined as a very acidic cider. You will come across it on the roadside in plastic bottles.
One does not necessarily imagine it but there is indeed Balinese wine. The vines are cultivated in the north in Sanggalangit, the cellars in the south in Sanur. Good bottles cost less than 15 euros.
Finally, arak is a strong alcohol between 35 and 50% that is sold in many souvenir stores. Be sure to buy commercialized arak and not sold on the sly, because you don't know what it contains and it can be dangerous to drink.Music and puppets
How to leave with one of the impressive traditional instruments of Bali, gamelan, genggong, guntang, rindik among others? By buying a miniature version sold in local markets, or in music stores in Ubud and around Denpasar mainly.
You will notice that many locals wear a necklace with a bell. This is a handmade silver Gamelan ball. The sound heard when shaking the necklace is soothing and supposed to reduce stress. Each model is unique.
The warang kulit (shadow theater) puppets, made of leather and wood, mounted on bamboo rods are emblematic of Indonesian culture. To bring back without hesitation, but be careful with their rather large size, between 25 and 70 cm.
