Pay attention to the origin and quality of textiles
Indonesia is renowned for its textile craftsmanship, with the finest fabrics adorning traditional ceremonial costumes. The ancient ikat technique involves dyeing the yarn before weaving. These silk and cotton fabrics are used to make sarongs, a kind of pareo worn around the waist, essential for visiting temples. You can buy them all over the island. But it's in Legian that most of Bali's stores source their sarongs. Buy them direct from the "supplier" at competitive prices, and with a wide choice of colors and models.
Without going into the details of other ikat techniques, be warned that if you're sold a geringsing fabric and told it's real, don't be fooled. Woven in Tenganan by the Bali-Aga, this pattern is very rare and very expensive. The Bali-Aga don't sell them. In that case, you will have been offered copies made in Java. Finally, beware of the sale of blankets from the island of Sumba, which are practically all fakes, mass-produced in Java and sold at exorbitant prices, between 500 and 3,000 dollars. Even the boutiques of the big hotels do it!
To find beautiful new pieces, head for the Denpasar market.
Prada is the plating of gold leaf or gold paint 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 boutiques and markets. At low prices, you can enhance your wardrobe with T-shirts, shorts, swimsuits, tunics... Visit the Biasa boutique in Seminyak, for example, or the handicraft market in Kuta, where, despite its misleading name, you'll find mainly knick-knacks.
Coconut objects and classic souvenirs
This typical Indonesian fruit, which you'll love to eat and drink, is also used to make beautiful objects from its bark. You'll find coconut bags, earrings, decorative objects and much more.
Basketry, which consists of weaving plant fibers, is another of the island's arts. Bags, baskets, boxes... the choice is vast, depending on your preferences and those of the people you're thinking of bringing back a souvenir.
Of course, in tourist areas, you'll come across countless souvenir stores selling all kinds of classic items, such as postcards, mugs, T-shirts and other " I love Bali " objects... Hardly authentic, but they're sure to mark your visit to the Island of the Gods.
A silver jewel
Another must-have souvenir 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 goldsmiths, and particularly of filigree jewelry. A word of warning, however, if you're travelling to Celuk with a tour operator or guide: they charge a commission of up to 60% of sales in the stores where you're dropped off, so these may not be the best stores. There are many jewelers in Denpasar, Seminyak like Reva Jewellery, Ubud, Kuta, Legian and Sanur. They can set jewels for you 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 ceramics. Visit Ubud's craft market. Along the way, mainly in the village of Mas, you'll come across numerous woodcarving galleries, such as the Tantra Gallery. The pieces are varied and the talent undeniable.
Wooden masks are a beautiful, authentic souvenir to take home. It's a skill handed 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 mask you have chosen, as they are all unique when you buy from craftsmen. For ease of transport, opt for a miniature format. Buddha sculptures are on sale all over Bali. However, the Balinese are not Buddhists but Hindus.
Incense, essential oils and cosmetics
What's that good smell at the entrance to temples and stores? It's probably aromatic incense called dupa. You'll find them all over the island, in a variety of scents. Once lit, dupas have relaxing properties.
As for beauty products, cosmetics (soaps, massage oils, scrubs, creams, etc.) are made from local herbs and flowers, especially lemongrass.
Gastronomy
In markets, souvenir stores or supermarkets, a number of Balinese specialties can be taken home with you to continue the journey into your mouth. These include pie susu, mini milk tarts sold individually or in tins. For an energetic wake-up call, buy 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'll find them at the Ubud market. If your Western palate isn't used to them, opt for the mildest chili and ask for advice.
Fleur de sel harvested in Bali is of excellent quality. You can buy it from street vendors in Ubud.
Typical local drinks are all alcoholic. It starts with tuak, a whitish decoction made from palm wine, which can be defined as highly acidic cider. You'll come across it by the roadside in plastic bottles.
You might not think it, but Balinese wine does exist. The vines are grown in the north in Sanggalangit, the cellars in the south in Sanur. Good bottles cost less than 15 euros.
Finally, arak is a strong spirit of between 35% and 50% sold in many souvenir stores. Be sure to buy commercialized arak, not the kind sold on the sly, as it is not known what it contains and can be dangerous to consume.
Music and puppets
How can you take home one of Bali's imposing traditional instruments - gamelan, genggong, guntang, rindik and others? By buying a miniature version sold at local markets, or in music stores, mainly in Ubud and around Denpasar.
You'll notice that many locals wear a necklace with a bell. This is a handmade silver Gamelan ball. The sound heard when the necklace is shaken is soothing and supposed to reduce stress. Each model is unique.
The warang kulit (shadow theater) puppets, made of leather and wood and mounted on bamboo rods, are emblematic of Indonesian culture. Don't hesitate to bring them home, but beware of their rather large size, between 25 and 70 cm.
