Let’s Talk Travel Insurance For Bali: Everything You Need To Know
FINNS Holidays is all about holidays in Bali, and tens of thousands of people visit Bali every year without a single issue. In fact, many
Souvenir shopping when abroad is all part of the trip for many travellers, and Bali is the perfect destination for it, whether you’re picking up something for friends or family back home, or something for yourself to keep.
The island is full of markets, boutique stores and roadside stalls, and it won’t be long before you feel spoilt for choice.
The fun, if slightly tricky part, is deciding what to buy. Some things are genuinely well-made and reflect Balinese culture, other stuff is cheap and cheerful, or just for a bit of fun. Everything has its place; you just need to think of who would like what and how much luggage space you have.
In this guide, we’ll run through some of the best souvenirs to bring back from your trip, from the classic to the crazy, and everything in between.
Batik and other traditional fabrics are some of the most popular souvenirs you’ll come across in Bali. You’ll see plenty of cheap sarongs around, but it’s worth looking for ones with proper traditional Balinese motifs and intricate patterns if you want something to bring home.
You’ll find them across Bali’s local markets. The famous items are probably the Batik shirts, which make unique souvenirs come in a near-endless number of designs, and can be made with great quality and care.
Balinese silver jewellery is a popular souvenir, as a gift or a personal reminder.
You can find anything from simple necklaces and rings to highly detailed handmade pieces. Celuk Village is the main spot for this, known for its skilled silversmiths and workshops where items are made by hand.
If you’re interested, some places even let you create your own jewellery, which makes for a more personal gift to bring home.
Spa products are sold everywhere in Bali, which isn’t a surprise given the number of spas and the island’s focus on natural beauty and wellness. Things like body scrubs, soaps, and essential oils made from local ingredients are easy to find and make great gifts.
Sandalwood, jasmine, frangipani and coconut oil are commonly used, which gives that classic Bali spa scent. If you’re packing liquids, make sure they’re wrapped in a way that they won’t leak into the rest of your luggage!
Rattan bags are one of those Bali accessories you’ll see everywhere, especially around beaches, markets, and cafes. They’ve become a bit of a signature look on the island, and they’re actually pretty durable as well as stylish.
Along with bags, you’ll find placemats and other home decor made from the same material, which are easy to pack and make for practical gifts.
Traditional Balinese paintings are a great option if you want something a bit more unique to bring home. You’ll find a lot of this art in and around Ubud, where different styles have developed over time, often inspired by temples, daily life, and local stories.
Most smaller paintings can be rolled up and packed into a tube, which makes them much easier to transport without damaging them.
Kopi Luwak, or Civet Coffee, is one of the more unusual things that people seek out in Bali, though it’s slightly controversial to some.
The lowdown, if you don’t know: Kopi Luwak is a special coffee popular in Indonesia, where beans are passed through a small tree-dwelling animal known as a civet; it’s sometimes mistakenly called “cat coffee”. In the digestive system of the animal, the flavour of the beans is altered.
There has been a history of mistreatment of the animals, living in dirty conditions, though many producers claim to farm responsibly now. It’s down to you to decide whether you’re happy to buy this or not.
If you are taking it home, make sure it’s properly roasted and sealed, especially if you’re going to Australia or New Zealand.
If you’ve enjoyed Balinese cuisine during your trip, bringing home some local spices is an easy way to recreate those flavours. You can find spice mixes, dried chillies, and blends used in traditional dishes in most of Bali’s markets.
They’re usually cheap, especially if you buy from the local food markets and not the tourist markets. Just be sure that it’s sealed properly, and be aware of the import rules where you’re going.
If you’re looking for something to add a bit of Bali to your home, there are plenty of decorative items to choose from. You’ll find things like small ornaments, wall hangings, incense holders, and other accessories across local markets and boutique stores.
Most are lightweight and easy to pack, and they make for simple, unique souvenirs that don’t take up too much space.
Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of, but Bali produces some really good stuff using locally grown cacao.
You’ll find a range of flavours, from simple dark chocolate to more creative mixes with spices or fruit. It’s an easy gift to bring home, and something most people will actually enjoy.
Just keep in mind the heat and pack it somewhere it won’t melt.
Herbal teas are easy to find across Bali, often made using local ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and make a nice gift.
Some places also offer tea tours, which can add a bit more meaning if you’ve actually seen how it’s made before bringing it home.
Wooden crafts are everywhere in Bali, from small hand-carved ornaments to larger decorative wooden carvings that show real skill. There is, of course, a lot of wooden furniture around, and lovely as it may be, you’ll need to have a good think about transport.
You’ll also come across traditional wooden masks, especially around Mas Village near Ubud, where carving has been part of local life for generations. They’re kind of scary-looking, and make a fun gift or a great showpiece for your own home.
T-Shirts always make a great gift or a reminder of your trip. From generic “Bali” t-shirts from the market, to t-shirts from particular tourist attractions, and even bars and restaurants that sell their own merch. You can find anything from small logo prints to loud or novelty designs.
Easy to find and easy to pack, you can’t go wrong with a t-shirt or two.
Everyone loves food, and it makes a great thing to bring back, whether a gift for someone or for yourself to reminisce about your travels.
One rather unique food in Bali is Pia Legong, which is highly sought after. There’s a well-known shop in Kuta near the airport where people flock to get the real stuff, and it’s said to have some therapeutic properties depending on the flavour.
On the other end, you’ve got instant noodles. They might sound basic, but you’ll find flavours you won’t get back home, making them a fun, cheap gift.
Musical instruments can be a slightly different kind of souvenir, especially if you want something beyond the usual.
You’ll find small, easy-to-pack pieces in markets, often inspired by traditional Balinese Gamelan music, along with simple instruments made from shells.
They’re not for everyone, but for the right person, they make a unique reminder of your trip.
Novelty items are everywhere in Bali’s tourist markets, especially in places like Kuta and Seminyak. You’ll see the usual mix of Bali magnets, lighters, ashtrays, and the more cheeky stuff like bottle openers shaped like male appendages.
They’re not exactly meaningful, but they’re cheap, easy to pack, and good for a laugh if you’re buying for the right person.
Before you start filling your suitcase, it’s worth being aware that not everything can be taken out of Bali without issues.
Most souvenirs are completely fine, but there are a few categories that can cause problems if you’re not careful:
Aside from what you can take out of Bali, you also need to think about what you’re allowed to bring back into your home country.
Some places are much stricter than others, and Australia and New Zealand in particular take this very seriously. It doesn’t just apply to obvious things like raw fruit or vegetables, either.
Items that can cause issues include:
You’ll usually need to declare these items when you arrive. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to declare it than risk fines or having your items confiscated.
Yes, bargaining is completely normal in Bali’s markets, and it’s expected in most cases.
Prices are often set higher than what the seller expects to receive, so a bit of back and forth is part of the process. Keep it friendly, don’t take it too seriously, and know when to walk away if the price isn’t right for you.
It’s less common in boutiques or larger stores, where prices are usually fixed.
That really depends on what you’re into, but anything handmade and locally produced is usually a good shout.
Things like Balinese silver jewellery, traditional wooden masks, paintings, or handcrafted home decor all reflect the island’s culture and make for something a bit more meaningful than a standard souvenir.
If you’re after something a bit more fun, local snacks, novelty items, or even a Bali t-shirt can still be great gifts, especially if they suit the person you’re buying for.
Souvenir shopping is an integral part of any trip for most people, be it anywhere in the world, but Bali really stands out.
The island offers a huge range of things to choose from; traditional crafts and locally made products to more fun, novelty items. Some people like to bring home something that reflects Balinese culture, others just want a few easy gifts for friends and family.
If something catches your eye and you can get it home without too much hassle, that’s usually enough. Just keep an eye on quality, think about how much space you’ve got in your luggage, and be aware of any rules around bringing certain items back into your home country.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a few ideas. Happy shopping!
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