Most of the locals in Gianyar still make their living from selling handmade woodcarvings, ceramics and batik, making the village one of the best places to hunt out unique and authentic mementos of your time spent in Bali. Here are some tips on where to shop in Gianyar, if you decide to enjoy some retail therapy during your Bali holiday.
1. Gianyar Street Night Market
Gianyar Street Night Market is a favourite haunt among locals and foreigners. You can find anything from ubiquitous chicken satay and other snacks to Bali-style beach wears and leather shoes. Stretching along Gianyar’s Jalan Ngurah Rai, this is a rather spacious open-air market, so plan your time wise. It can take at least half day to wander along the endless rows chocked-full with Bali goods and products. Remember to haggle for the price – it’s all part of the fun!
2. Karya Mas Gallery
A bit on the pricey side, Karya Mas Gallery sells gorgeous wood carvings hand-crafted and designed by skilled Balinese carvers. Try your hand at bargaining as there are no fixed prices for the products – you might be able to reduce the offered price down by even 50%. It is also recommended to require a certificate of clearance for the customs at the airport, as certain items may not be permitted to bring back to you home country.
3. Sukawati Art Market
The famous Sukawati Art Market is a colourful and vibrant hub that harbours some of the best arts and crafts in the region. Wander along the endless rows of the open-air market, shop beautiful and bargain-priced artworks and bright sarongs, opt for some genuine batik and relish the hectic atmosphere of this genuine Balinese bazaar.
Though not a major shopping hub in Bali, Gianyar offers some of the most splendid artwork, wood carvings and batik in the region. Bargain-priced, high-quality and beautifully crafted, these items are an excellent gift to bring back home with you. They also serve as an outstanding (and authentic) memento from a fabulous holiday spent on the Island of Gods.
