subject: Shopping Experience In Bali Island [print this page] It is not only its huge collection of Bali luxury villas and hotel accommodations that Bali is well-known for. Bali is also popular for its shopping.
It is said that virtually everybody, from its budget-conscious backpackers to its elite Bali villas resort guests, comes to Bali to shop, and even if shopping wasn't one of its ultimate agenda, they still end up with fascinating and irresistible buys.
Shopping in Bali is not simply about walking into a shop, picking something up from a shelf and then paying for it. Shopping in Bali is in art, where in every traditional market and art shop around Bali bargaining is a must.
This traditional yet quirky way makes shopping in Bali a fun time where you can feel the warmth of human value in every transaction. Even those luxury Bali villas guests not accustomed to bargaining will surely soon get into the swing of it, as the challenge is fun for both the purchaser and vendor as it is all about "best pr
ice" for both parties.
Catering to a wide range of shoppers, in Bali, you can find a treasure trove of wide range of fine art and handicrafts, antique and semi-antique and modern furniture, paintings, delicately crafted gold and silver jewelry, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics as well as clothing and much more.
Bali is a place where international and world-famous designer brands can be found along side local and handmade curios.
Many pokey little shops selling a variety of goods, with all proprietors keen to make a sale, abound in Bali. There are also little villages which have shops and will happily barter with you.
In most of the shops you can and should bargain for the best price.
A tradition, bargaining in markets, shops and art shops, is a normal practice and getting a good price depends largely on one's bargaining prowess.
As bargaining forms a large part of the fun Bali shopping experience, dont forget to carry cash, as not all places accept credit cards as well as be good humored.
In Bali, international labels, local designer clothes plus skillful tailors and dressmakers offer reliable 24-hours services.
Shopping opportunities are aplenty, not just in main areas such as Kuta/Legian area but also in Sanur, in various handicraft villages, the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud and in the town of Ubud.
In Ubud, traditional open-air art market has become a favorite place for souvenir hunters.
A famous landmark in central Ubud, Ubud's Monkey Forest is a one-way thoroughfare that caters well to visitors with good quality restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, homestays and shopping venues. Along the street, there are many international brand stores, sophisticated shops selling local designs, beautiful painting stores and handicraft and antiques outlets on each side of the street.
There are also similar art markets that can be found in other areas as well. You can either choose to strike a bargain at the colorful art markets of Kuta or Sukawati, or shop in air-conditioned modern malls.
A traditional market, Kuta Art Market is where you can get local-crafted souvenirs and goods. The prices vary, depending on your bargaining skills so haggling is expected and indeed encouraged as part of the fun of shopping, but do so politely and with a smile.
