Winter Vacation Information

Bali is renowned throughout the archipelago of Indonesia and overseas for their handicrafts . You could say that Bali is a mecca for arts and handicrafts. You might browse what is on offer in the Kuta area, but if you want the genuine article and not just a ‘copy’ [as so often seen in the tourist strip] it is far better to visit the village of origin for the particular handicraft you re seeking. Of course there are handicraft centres located in the tourist strip which sell the genuine handicraft but I have so often found the products to be mass produced. Even so, these places are well worth checking out before you head up country. This way you can get an idea of quality. If you are an independent traveller then there are local buses to the villages that specialize in various products, but, it’s easy to get the places mixed up. Most organised tours to the major tourism objects in Bali travel through a majority of these handicraft villages and stop at these places so you can peruse the particular handicraft associated with the village. Batubulan : Here you will find stone sculptures of all sizes lining the street are there are many stone figures and statues. These include Buddhas, demons, and ornaments for family shrines. You can actually watch the carvers at work in certain places. Batuan : Known for traditional woven cloth, craftsmen in this village also create carved and decorated painted wooden panels. Celuk : Famous for its weaving, gold & silver. Celuk is a mile long street lined with silversmiths. You can buy ready made stuff in one of the many large shops or order custom work to suit. Bona : This is a place known for its traditional dance performances, however, there are places where you can purchase some excellent bamboo furniture. It is also a centre for plaited baskets, hats and sandles. Puaya : This place is located close to Sukawati and is renowned for its puppets made from old Chinese coins. Leather puppets also made here. Mas, Peliatan and Ubud : These villages are located in the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud. They are carving & painting centres. Some of the best carvers are found in Mas. Penestanan : Known for its paintings and beaded purses. Goa Gajah : Although the main attraction here is the Elephant Cave, this place is known for its baskets and shell carvings. Bangli and Tampaksiring : In these villages you will find handicrafts made from coconut, cattle-bone, and buckhorn carvings. Klungkung : Wood carvings, hornwork, bone carvings and fine woven silk is the major handicraft. Also there are shops selling Chinese porcelain, ornamental gold and silver jewellery. Take the time to walk around the small shops and down back alleys. Blaju and Gianyar : The famous weaving centre of Bali. There are many fine pieces of sarong in the various shops and weaving centres. Although a good place for textiles, you will find the prices a bit steep and in a lot of the places they are fixed price. The above are the main handicraft areas in Bali but there are smaller villages each with their own speciality. Take time to explore when you travel in Bali. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

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There are times when one just doesn’t feel like tramping around the various markets in the tourist strip of Bali ; that relentless search for a cool T-Shirt or a pair of boardies or even handicrafts. The prices always vary from vendor to vendor and it really gets to be a hassle bargaining even though at times it can be enjoyable. Take heart though because there are several factory outlets along the tourist strip that can accommodate all your shopping needs. These factory outlets sell just about everything you can buy in any of the markets and some of them even sell packaged Balinese delights . The prices, in general, are far cheaper and one can shop at one’s leisure without being hassled. Here are a few of them. Joger : Located on Jalan Raya Tuban not far from the Supernova shopping centre, this place is extremely popular with domestic tourists and at most times crowded. Joger is an amazing place to shop with practically all handicrafts made in Bali on sale at great prices. They have a vast range of T-Shirts and bags. Geneva : This two-storey complex is located on Jalan Raya Seminyak and set back off the road. The entrance is via a flight of stairs. Geneva has a good selection of knick-knacks and other woodcarvings. Their clothing selection is extensive and all goods are stacked on shelves for easier access. Geneva’s prices are comparable with other factory outlets. Most of the Balinese handicrafts are on sale here including topeng (masks) and lukisan (paintings). They do have a good selection of bedspreads and other home items. Kampung Bali : Located on Jalan Merta Nadi behind the Bali Bakery in Kuta , this place is one of the better factory outlets around town. The L-shaped building is huge with a vast array of clothing, handicrafts and packaged Bali food for sale. Kampung Bali is the kind of place that affords relaxed shopping at great prices. Kampung Bali also has a good selection of hand-crafted musical instruments. It’s not only that, they also have a great selection of sandals and aromatherapy products as well as shelves and shelves of batik clothing and batik pieces. Their selection of bedcovers is fabulous. Do browse around the food section and buy some of the packaged nuts and krupuk . <img src=”http://www.baliblog.com/files/2010/05/krisna5r.jpg” alt=”krisna5r” title=”krisna5r” width=”400″ height=”267″ class=”alignright size-full wp-image-9813″ img align=’right’ border=’1′ style=’margin-left:7px’/ Krisna Oleh-Oleh Khas Bali : In my opinion probably the best factory outlet in Bali. Located on the Sunshine Road , Krisna is massive in size and offers everything you will need as far as handicrafts and clothing are concerned. This complex has an excellent warung just outside the main building serving delicious traditional food and there is even a small playground for the kids. Krisna Oleh-Oleh Khas Bali has a superb array of packaged Balinese delicacies at good prices. Their selection of Balinese handicrafts is the best and the choice of all manner of clothing, outstanding. One could spend hours just shopping in air-conditioned comfort. There really is no need to tramp around local markets when you can purchase all that you need at Krisna.

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It’s always refreshing to see new art markets open in the tourist strip of Bali . Down on Jalan Kartika Plaza in Tuban the relatively new Wake Bali Art Market is doing a good trade. Unlike the pushy and somewhat uncomfortable markets around the area, the Wake Bali Art Market offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to shop at your leisure. Their choice of Balinese handicrafts is quite good and reasonably priced compared with its counterparts in other places on the tourist strip. The Wake Bali Art Market is a great place to shop for those special gifts or if you desire is to decorate your home with that Balinese touch, this is the place to go. www.wakebalihandicraft.com Email : info@wakebalihandicraft.com Tel : 361 752750 or 361 3070999

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