5 Unique Bali Creations Not to Miss for Your Shopping Spree

Do you know that in addition to the gorgeous beach-front hotels, the hip clubs, and relaxing holiday getaways, Bali is famed for its artistic creative products? Beginning as religious creations meant to adorn the hundreds of temples and statues of deities on the island, the artistic Balinese have adjusted their crafts to also meet today's needs and commercial purposes. The 5 not to miss items are listed below, as well as an address to get you on your way where to find unique art and craft pieces that spell: Bali

1 | Master Carvings and Paintings

In Bali, each village focuses on one special artistic feature. The village where Bali's master woodcarvers live and have their studios, for example, is Mas, whereas Ubud specializes in the art of painting. In Bali, the arts are handed down to the next generation at a very young age, which makes for sustainability through the ages. 

Inspired by ancient Javanese and Hindu culture, Balinese artwork represents a story within each one of its creations. Balinese carvings are mostly made of wood and stone. Traditional carvings usually represent sacred deities, yet through the years, today you can also find masterful carvings of horses, dancers, expressive faces, and more. Other carvings are used for performances, such as the Barong or the mask dance.

Similarly in painting, if previously paintings used to represent religious or legendary stories, today you will find modern art pieces in the many galleries in Ubud.

But for those of us looking for good but affordable pieces for the home or as presents to loved ones, there are many art markets all around in Bali where you have a plethora of typical Balinese arts and crafts to choose from. Here you can also find paintings on ceramic tiles to hang on your wall, or colorful carvings of flowers for home decor, in bathrooms, or as earrings. You can also have paintings on T-shirts, and a whole lot more. Enjoy browsing through these art markets to find that one special piece that resonates with you.

Kumbasari Art Market
Address: Jl. Gajah Mada, Pemecutan, Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80111

2 | Silver jewelry

The village of Celuk is the center of Gold and silverware in Bali. Different from the silver made in Yogyakarta, which is predominantly in black designs engraved on white silver pieces, Bali's silver creations are more intricate and decorative on white with sparse use of the black, burned silver. Again, the Balinese being very creative and innovative, here you can also find modern designs for necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that although modern, are still imbued with that particular Bali artistry. Bali Silver is high on the list of aficionados.

A few shops in Bali may also offer to create special one-of-a-kind pieces for you using designs that are inspired by Indonesian culture. From tribal, antique to modern pieces, Bali has an array of different silver jewelry that is worth a moment of your time.

Yulia Silver
Phone number: (0361) 767187 
Address: Jl. Bakung Sari No.49, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

3 | Bali's hand-woven textiles

Most of us have heard of the famous Bali Sarong, the tye-dyed light material worn by most tourists for the beach. But Bali is well known for its variety in textiles; ranging from beach sarongs, Balinese Batik designs, to the rarest of textiles Bali has to offer. The typical Bali woven clothes are called "ndek". And the most precious and therefore, also the most expensive is the double ikat cloth from the village of Tenganan, which is woven by women and takes about a year to complete, because of the precision and complexity required in its creation. . For those interested in seeing how the rarest of Bali's textiles are created, it is worth a tour to the village of Tenganan. Below is the address of a textile market in Bali known to sell a variety of different materials in Denpasar.

Kasmaji Textile Supplier 
Phone number: (0361) 414084
Address: Jl. Gatot Subroto Barat No. 347, Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80118  

4 | Bali Spa Products

You may know of the different healing properties of essential oils; lavender being a calming oil and frangipani is used for relieving headaches as well as inflammation. As Bali is known for its tranquility it is no surprise that Bali Spa Products make the list. Sold all over the world, brands like Bali Spa-Nature and Bali Alus are recognized for their body masks and soaps. Enjoy the sweet scents of Bali anywhere in the world. Try also the soothing oils for massages. 

Bali Alus 
Phone number: (0361) 9005808
Address: Jl. Wibisana Bar. No.100, Pemecutan Kaja, Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80111

5 | Rattan Furniture and Basketry

Walking around the streets of Bali, you will without a doubt see the woven wood crafts displayed in front of stores. As Balinese traditions include offerings to the Gods, the practice of weaving is taught at a young age, resulting in the precision and creativity of the woven wood crafts. The items made are bags, hats, baskets, sandals, and a number of other items that are perfect for the home. Visit Jaya Rotan in Gianyar to take a look at Rotan furniture and handicrafts.

Jaya Rotan Bali 
Phone: 0859-3548-0105
Address: Jl. Raya Kangetan Singapadu Kaler Sukawati, Singapadu Kaler, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 
 

Have you got your eyes on some particular crafts you are going to buy? Whichever it may be, any item produced from Bali’s exceptional cultural and natural heritage will always be able to bring a sense of wonderment to each of its beholders. Eager to check out these stores? Keep yourself updated on the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability) protocols, which include keeping your distance, washing your hands with soap, and wearing a mask. Happy shopping!