Bali, the Island of the Gods, is not only known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and serene landscapes but also for its rich tradition of handicrafts and unique souvenirs.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveller, bringing a piece of Bali back home is almost a given. But with the plethora of options available, what exactly should you buy? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top Balinese souvenirs, what’s worth your money, and where to find them in Denpasar.
What is the Souvenir of Bali?
A souvenir is more than just a memento; it’s a way to
capture the essence of a place and remember your experiences. In Bali,
souvenirs range from traditional crafts that reflect the island’s rich cultural
heritage to modern items with a Balinese twist. These souvenirs are often
handmade, showcasing the incredible skill and artistry of local craftsmen. From
intricately carved wooden statues to colourful textiles, Balinese souvenirs are
as diverse as the island itself.
What is Worth Buying in Bali?
When it comes to choosing what’s worth buying in Bali, there
are several iconic items that stand out:
1. Batik and Ikat Textiles: Bali is known for its beautiful
fabrics. Batik, with its intricate patterns, and Ikat, known for its unique dyeing
technique, are among the most popular. You can find these fabrics as sarongs,
clothing, or even home decor.
2. Wooden Carvings: Bali is famous for its wooden handicrafts.
Whether it's a statue of a deity, a traditional mask, or a piece of abstract
art, these carvings are a testament to the island's rich artistic traditions.
3. Silver Jewellery: The village of Celuk in Bali is renowned
for its silverwork. Intricate and often inspired by Balinese culture, silver
jewellery from Bali makes for a beautiful and valuable keepsake. You can buy Balinese sterling silver at Kohinoor Gallery, jalan Hassanudin Denpasar.
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| Balinese Silver, photo by Canva |
4. Balinese Coffee and Spices: For a taste of Bali, consider bringing home some locally grown coffee or spices. Bali is known for its strong and aromatic coffee, as well as its rich selection of spices, perfect for recreating Balinese dishes at home. I recommend coffee from Bhinneka Jaya which has been famous since 1935. Its oldest shop is on Jalan Gajah Mada Denpasar.
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| Balinese coffee, photo by Canva |
5. Essential Oils and Incense: Reflecting the island's deep spiritual roots, Balinese essential oils and incense are both popular and practical souvenirs. They are perfect for bringing a touch of Bali's tranquillity into your home. You can get aromatherapy oils and candles easily in various supermarkets in Denpasar such as Bintang Supermarket Hayam Wuruk.
What is The Most Popular Souvenir?
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| Photo by Canva |
Among all the souvenirs, Balinese Batik stands out as the most popular. This traditional textile, often hand-painted or stamped with intricate patterns, is not only a symbol of Balinese culture but also highly versatile. You can wear it as a sarong, use it as a wall hanging, or incorporate it into various forms of home decor. The process of making Batik is labour-intensive, adding to its value and uniqueness, making it a sought-after item among tourists.
Explore Hidden Gems in Denpasar:
Batik clothing can also be a unique choice of party wear.
You can choose a more formal dress, the darker the color, the more suitable for
formal events. Don't forget to choose the right batik motif.
Places to Buy Souvenirs in Denpasar
Denpasar, the bustling capital of Bali, offers numerous
places where you can shop for authentic Balinese souvenirs. Here are some top
spots to buy souvenirs:
Pasar Badung: This is the largest traditional market in
Bali, where you can find a wide variety of items, from textiles and crafts to
spices and fresh produce. It’s a great place to experience the local culture
and haggle for the best prices.
Kumbasari Art Market: Located near Pasar Badung, Kumbasari
is a treasure trove of Balinese art and crafts. From paintings and carvings to
jewellery and textiles, this market is ideal for finding unique and handmade
items.
Krisna Oleh-Oleh: This is a one-stop souvenir shop offering
a vast selection of Balinese goods, including clothing, food, and handicrafts.
It’s a convenient option for those who prefer fixed prices and air-conditioned
comfort while shopping.
Erlangga Oleh-oleh: The location of this souvenir shopping center is close to Krisna on Jalan Nusa Kambangan Denpasar. You can buy souvenirs with different variations and atmospheres here.
There are so many and varied Balinese souvenirs, right? From statues, silver crafts, to chili sauce. I am often brought Balinese peanuts as souvenirs which are similar to typical Makassar disco peanuts
ReplyDeleteI like traveling in Bali. I once bought souvenirs at Krisna Oleh-Oleh, but I have never visited the others. Hopefully in the near future I can go to Bali again and satisfy myself with shopping.
ReplyDeleteMany souvenirs can buy to remember that we have visited Bali and wil visit Bali again later.
ReplyDeleteSelain camilan, gantungan, dan kopi, yang daku suka itu pas dapat tas, waktu itu langsung dipake buat kuliah hehe
ReplyDeleteThere are various choices of Balinese souvenirs, Sis. Certainly those that can make you miss Bali, hehe..
ReplyDeleteI used to buy essential oils & soaps from Krisna whenever in Bali. I love the unique aroma from them.
ReplyDeleteDulu ke Bali beli celana kainnya yang suwwper ademm, sampe sekarang masih awet kwkww meskipun udah ada bagian yang bolong wakakaka kutambal sulam ajaa karena seadem itu kain bali
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to go to Bali and bring back a very memorable souvenir. All the things that are most reminiscent of Bali such as Balinese Batik, Essential Oils even my Mum when we went to Bali, I bought for her.
ReplyDelete