Welcome to Bali, where your wallet isn't the only thing that'll get lighter; your suitcase will start bulking up with goodies! Ubud's stunning art and vibrant Batik clothing are just the tip of the iceberg. Bali isn't just a paradise for beach lovers and foodies; it's a treasure trove for shopaholics and souvenir hunters. Whether you're here to snag local crafts, indulge in retail therapy, or absorb the scenic views, you're in the perfect spot. So, get ready to give your shopping bags a workout in Bali's bustling markets and chic boutiques! 

Starting your journey to Indonesia begins with securing your visa, and using a service like Atlys can simplify this process significantly. Atlys is designed to streamline the often complex visa application procedure, making it more accessible and less time-consuming for travellers.

What should I buy in Bali?

When you visit Bali, you'll find a treasure of items that are not only beautiful but also represent the island's unique culture and artistry. Here are the top 20 things you should consider bringing home:

1. Kopi Luwak Coffee

2. Balinese Silver Jewelry

3. Fabric and Clothing

4. Wood Carvings

5. Bali Ceramics

6. Gamelan Balls

7. Beach Attire

8. Dupa (Incense)

9. Barong Masks

10. Beauty Products

11. Rattan Bags

12. Homemade Balinese Soap

13. Balinese Chocolate

14. Spa Essentials

15. Dream Catchers

16. Balinese Sambal

17. Spices and Herbs

18. Wood Furniture

19. Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets)

20. Kecak Dance Masks 

This Bali souvenir list can continue, but these are some of the most popular and unique items you should take home. Now, let's dive deep into the list.

Kopi Luwak Coffee

Advice: When buying Kopi Luwak, look for ethically sourced and certified products to ensure no harm to animals.

This isn't just coffee; it's a story in a cup. Made from beans that have travelled through a civet (yes, the animal), Kopi Luwak is one of the world's most unique brews. Luxurious, rare, and with a taste as rich as its backstory, this coffee offers a jolt of caffeine and culture. Kopi Luwak is considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world due to its unusual production method.

• Category: Beverage

• Where to find: Ubud Market or speciality coffee shops around Seminyak.

• Average price: $35 to $100 per 100 grams.

• How to identify: Look for certifications on the packaging for authenticity and ethical sourcing.

Pro tip: Experience a tasting session at a plantation to understand the different qualities before purchasing.

Balinese Silver Jewellery

In the villages of Celuk and Ubud, artisans craft silver using skills passed down through generations. These elegant creations are more than accessories; they connect to the island’s rich cultural heritage. Make sure to buy a piece of art as silver jewellery to show off in your home. 

• Category: Accessories

• Where to find: Celuk village; John Hardy Workshop for high-end purchases.

• Average price: $20 to several hundred dollars.

• How to identify: Genuine pieces are marked with a "925" stamp.

Interesting fact: Celuk Village artisans often incorporate ancient techniques, like granulation and filigree, which have been preserved for centuries.

Fabric and Clothing

The island's fabric is not just material; it’s a canvas of culture painted in vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Bali’s fabrics are one of the popular Bali shopping items. Batik, ikat, and other textiles tell stories of tradition, making each piece a wearable piece of art.

• Category: Textiles

• Where to find: Threads of Life in Ubud, Ubud Market.

• Average price: $10 to over $100.

• How to identify: Look for natural fibres and traditional dyeing methods.

Interesting fact: Batik-making is so culturally significant in Indonesia that it's been designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Wood Carvings

The island’s wood carvings are a deep dive into its rich folklore. Each piece, whether a deity, dragon or delicate flower, is chiselled precisely, reflecting the carver's intimate ties to the material and the myth. Traditional Balinese wood carving started as a sacred craft for decorating temples and royal palaces.

• Category: Home Décor

• Where to find: Mas Village, Tegallalang Handicraft Center.

• Average price: $15 to $100+.

• How to identify: Check for detail and craftsmanship indicative of hand carving.

Pro tip: Direct purchases from the artisans can often ensure better prices and authenticity.

Bali Ceramics

Bali's ceramics are as much a feast for the eyes as they are a testament to the island's volcanic nature. Every bowl, cup, and plate carries the earthy essence of Bali, making everyday meals a ceremonial feast. The natural materials used in Balinese ceramics often include local clays and volcanic ash, which give the pottery unique properties and a distinctive finish.

• Category: Pottery

• Where to find: Gaya Ceramic in Ubud, Jenggala Keramik in Jimbaran.

• Average price: $5 to $50+.

• How to identify: Handmade quality and a maker's mark.

Pro tip: If buying ceramics, inquire about shipping options directly from the store to ensure your treasures make it home safely. 

Gamelan Balls

Gamelan balls are miniature echoes of Bali’s traditional orchestras. These metallic instruments bring the rhythmic beats of the island right into your living room, one chime at a time. Gamelan music is traditionally a form of communal art, played not for concerts but as an integral part of ceremonies and dances.

• Category: Musical Instruments

• Where to find: Bali Music Shop in Denpasar, Ubud Market.

• Average price: $20 to $50.

• How to identify: Check the sound quality; authentic balls have a deep, resonant sound.

Pro tip: Listen before you buy to find the tone that resonates with you.

Beach Attire

Bali is a global influencer in beach fashion, often dictating trends seen on beaches worldwide. Bali’s fashion is made for its endless summer. Light, breezy, and always in vogue, the island’s beach attire blends practicality with runway readiness. If you want interesting beachwear with unique prints and quality, Bali is the place for you. 

• Category: Clothing

• Where to find: Beach markets in Kuta and boutique shops in Seminyak.

• Average price: $15 to $100+.

• How to identify: Look for light, breathable materials suitable for tropical climates.

Dupa (Incense)

The scents of Bali’s dupa - incense - are more than just pleasant aromas; they are a bridge to the divine and one of the cheap things to buy in Bali. The use of incense in Bali is deeply rooted in the daily practice of Balinese Hinduism, where it's used to purify the air and invite positive energy. Lighting one is like opening a window to the island’s soul, inviting peace and prayer into your space.

• Category: Aromatherapy

• Where to find: Local markets throughout Bali, especially in Ubud.

• Average price: $5 to $20.

• How to identify: Authentic incense usually comes in natural scents like sandalwood or jasmine.

Barong Masks

Guardians of the Home. These masks are not merely decorative; they are protectors. With fierce expressions, Barong masks ward off evil spirits and bad fortune, making them a powerful addition to any home.

• Category: Cultural Artifacts

• Where to find: Art markets in Ubud, Batubulan village.

• Average price: $25 to $200+.

• How to identify: Genuine masks are hand-painted and carved from pule wood.

Interesting fact: The Barong is a mythical creature in Balinese culture, and these masks are used in traditional dances that depict the battle between good and evil.

Beauty Products

Who needs a ticket to paradise when you can bring paradise home? The beauty products are like bottling the island's tropical breezes and sun-kissed blooms, making them one of Bali's famous things to buy. Found in natural shops across Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak, these potions for skin and hair start at just $10. They're all-natural, no chemicals included, so you're just getting the good stuff.

• Category: Personal Care

• Where to find: Natural shops in Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak.

• Average price: $10 to $50.

• How to identify: Ingredients should be natural, with no added chemicals.

Pro tip: Always check for products with ingredients you can recognise and pronounce; simplicity is key to natural beauty. 

Rattan Bags

Handwoven rattan bags showcase Balinese artisans' intricate craftsmanship, a skill passed down through generations. Ubud and Seminyak are famous for their art markets, where these stylish and eco-friendly bags are sold. Rattan weaving is deeply ingrained in Balinese culture, representing a harmony between nature and human craftsmanship, which is crucial in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises the balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual.

• Category: Accessories

• Where to find: Art markets in Ubud, Seminyak boutiques.

• Average price: $20 to $60.

• How to identify: Check for tightly woven rattan and a sturdy construction.

Interesting fact: Rattan weaving is not just a craft in Bali but also a sustainable practice, as rattan is a readily renewable resource and biodegradable.

Homemade Balinese Soap

Crafted from local ingredients like coconut and papaya, Balinese soaps offer a glimpse into Bali's rich tradition of using natural resources for skincare. Ubud's markets are a hub for these artisanal products. The tradition of using natural essences and oils in personal care products dates back to ancient Balinese rituals where cleanliness and body care were integral to spiritual purity and balance.

• Category: Personal Care

• Where to find: Local markets and organic stores in Ubud.

• Average price: $3 to $10 per bar.

• How to identify: Soaps should contain local ingredients like coconut oil or Balinese herbs.

Pro tip: The best soaps have the simplest ingredient lists; fewer additives mean a purer product. 

Balinese Chocolate

Balinese chocolate is made from locally grown cacao, enhanced with unique island flavours like citrus and spices. This industry reflects Bali's agricultural richness and can be explored at chocolate factories in Ubud. The volcanic soil of Bali provides a rich terroir for cacao trees, with the island's chocolate gaining popularity as a high-quality, artisan product showcasing its landscape's unique tastes.

• Category: Food

• Where to find: Chocolate factories and speciality shops in Ubud.

• Average price: $5 to $20.

• How to identify: Look for locally sourced cacao content and natural sweeteners.

Pro tip: Look for chocolates using cacao sourced from local Balinese farms to ensure you get the real deal. 

Spa Essentials

Spa culture in Bali is an extension of the island's traditional healing practices, which are an integral part of Balinese Hinduism, focusing on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Bali is synonymous with relaxation and wellness, with its spa products encapsulating the essence of the island's spa culture. These products are often infused with Balinese flowers and herbs, found predominantly in spa resorts and local shops across Ubud, a town known for its healing retreats. 

• Category: Wellness Products

• Where to find: Spa stores in major resorts and Ubud markets.

• Average price: $15 to $100.

• How to identify: Products should feature Balinese ingredients and therapeutic properties.

Interesting fact: Many spa products in Bali are based on ancient recipes passed down through generations, focusing on natural ingredients to heal and rejuvenate both body and mind.

Dream Catchers

Originally not from Bali but embraced by the local artisan community, dream catchers are found throughout the island's markets, especially in areas with a strong artistic presence like Ubud. They resonate with Bali's spiritual and artistic ambience, blending native and global cultures and reflecting the island's status as a melting pot of traditions.

• Category: Decorative Items

• Where to find: Handicraft markets in Ubud and along the streets of Seminyak.

• Average price: $10 to $40.

• How to identify: Genuine dream catchers are handmade with natural materials.

Pro tip: Choose a dream catcher with elements like shells and beads for a piece that truly resonates with Balinese aesthetic traditions.

Balinese Sambal

This fiery condiment is a staple in Balinese cuisine in every local market, from Ubud to Denpasar. Sambal's roots in Indonesian cuisine highlight the archipelago's rich history of spice trade, with Balinese sambal incorporating local ingredients that give it a distinct flavour, celebrating the island's culinary heritage.

• Category: Food

• Where to find: Local supermarkets and traditional markets in Denpasar.

• Average price: $2 to $10 per jar.

• How to identify: Authentic sambal will list traditional ingredients without preservatives.

Pro tip: If you love a culinary challenge, use sambal to spice up your home cooking. It pairs wonderfully with everything from seafood to scrambled eggs.

Spices and Herbs

The spice trade history is vivid in Bali's markets, where local spices and herbs are sold, reflecting the island's role in the historic Spice Route. Ubud's markets are particularly famous for these aromatic condiments. These spices not only flavor local dishes but also carry medicinal properties that are integral to traditional Balinese and Indonesian healing practices.

• Category: Food

• Where to find: Spice markets in Ubud and local grocery stores.

• Average price: $1 to $15, depending on the type and quantity.

• How to identify: Freshness can be noted by vibrant colours and strong aromas.

Wood Furniture

Balinese wood furniture, found in artisan villages like Mas, reflects the island's rich tradition of wood carving. Wood carving in Bali is a centuries-old craft, integral to creating religious and cultural artefacts, evolving today into an internationally recognised art form that furnishes homes worldwide with a piece of Balinese culture.

• Category: Furniture

• Where to find: Furniture shops in Mas Village, Ubud area.

• Average price: $100 to several thousand dollars.

• How to identify: Look for high-quality wood finishes and Balinese carving styles.

Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets)

Wayang kulit are traditional leather shadow puppets that play a central role in Balinese narrative arts. These are especially prevalent in Ubud's cultural markets. Stemming from Hindu-Javanese cultural traditions, wayang kulit is a form of storytelling used in Bali to convey spiritual and moral lessons through epic narratives.

• Category: Cultural Artifacts

• Where to find: Cultural markets and puppetry shops in Ubud.

• Average price: $20 to $150.

• How to identify: Authentic puppets are intricately painted from buffalo hide.

Interesting fact: This art form is so valued in Indonesian culture that UNESCO designated it a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its role in the cultural and spiritual life of the communities.

Kecak Dance Masks and Agate Stones

Used in the iconic Kecak dance, these masks can be found in cultural souvenir shops across Bali, particularly in areas known for their dance performances like Ubud and Uluwatu. The Kecak dance is a form of Balinese dance and music drama that developed in the 1930s and was widely performed for local and tourist audiences. These masks represent the Ramayana epic characters central to Balinese cultural and religious life.

• Category: Cultural Artifacts

• Where to find: Cultural souvenir shops in Ubud and Kuta.

• Average price: $30 to $200.

• How to identify: Masks should be hand-carved and feature traditional Balinese motifs.

Pro tip: When choosing a mask, consider its symbolism and story. It is a great conversation starter and a meaningful addition to your decor.

Shopping Tips in Bali

Shopping in Bali is an adventure! Here are quick tips to help you make the most of your shopping spree:

• Early Shopping: Hit the markets early to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially better deals as vendors consider the first sale of the day lucky.

• Bargain Friendly: Don't be shy about bargaining. Start at a lower price and negotiate with a smile; it's part of the fun and expected of Bali's markets.

• Cash Transactions: Carry cash, especially smaller denominations, as many shops and market stalls don’t accept cards.

If you prefer using cards over cash during your shopping adventures in Bali, consider opting for a good Forex card. Forex cards are prepaid travel cards you can load with currency before travelling.

• Examine Quality: Inspect the craftsmanship of any item. Bali is known for its artistry, so make sure what you buy is well-made.

• Understand and Respect Culture: Learn about the cultural significance of the items you’re interested in. This respect for local traditions enriches your experience and connection to your purchases.

• Stay Comfortable: Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Shopping under the sun can be draining, and it’s important to protect yourself.

• Safety First: Keep an eye on your belongings. Busy markets are prime spots for pickpockets. Carry a secure bag and always keep it in front of you. Read the detailed guide for safety in Indonesia.

So, as your Bali shopping spree ends, remember that every market stall and boutique offers its little slice of island magic. The answer to your question:  What is famous in Bali to buy? Well, it's not just the items but the stories they tell and the memories they carry. Pack light when you come because you'll leave heavier- not just with goods but a heart full of Bali! Happy shopping, and don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for a bit of Bali’s soul.