Buying Souvenirs in Bali – Take home memories & experiences

When visiting Bali, souvenir shopping is an integral part of the travel experience. The island offers a wide variety of items that reflect its rich culture, natural beauty, and modern lifestyle. From traditional handicrafts like Balinese wood carvings and silver jewelry to locally grown coffee and popular snacks, there’s something for every traveler to bring home.

Bali’s markets and shops also cater to those looking for trendy and sometimes trashy souvenirs. The iconic Bintang beer T-shirts  is still extremely popular.

For a complete souvenir shopping experience with fixed prices and a mind blowing product variety visit one of the Oleh Oleh Khas mega-stores.

While exploring the many options, visitors should be mindful of the abundance of street vendors selling fake designer goods and low-quality items, ensuring they make informed purchases.

Below is a list of popular souvenirs, that travelers can find in Bali.

Traditional and Cultural Items

• Bali Batik: Traditional batik fabric with intricate patterns used for clothing, sarongs, and decor.
• Silver Jewelry: Bali is known for its handcrafted silver jewelry, particularly from Celuk village.
• Handicrafts and Wooden Carvings: From masks to statues, Bali’s wooden carvings reflect spiritual and natural themes.
• Balinese Paintings: Vibrant paintings depicting Bali’s landscapes, traditional life, and mythology, popular in Ubud.
• Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee): A unique and pricey coffee produced from beans digested by the civet cat.
• Traditional Balinese Masks: Intricate masks used in ceremonies, now popular as decorative items.
• Balinese Sarongs: Light, versatile, and colorful sarongs are a must-buy, often worn at beaches or temples.
• Bali Kites: Beautifully crafted kites that are flown during Bali’s famous kite festivals.
• Rattan Handbags: Trendy woven handbags and accessories that are both fashionable and functional.
• Balinese Statues: Stone or wooden statues, especially of gods and mythical creatures, are often purchased for home decor.
• Balinese Jewelry Boxes: Decorative wooden or bamboo boxes with intricate designs, perfect for keeping jewelry or small trinkets.
• Canang Sari: Traditional Balinese offerings, which can be bought as souvenirs for those interested in Balinese rituals.

Food and Drink

• Balinese Spices: Spices like turmeric, lemongrass, and cloves are popular buys, though many are sourced from neighboring islands. It’s common to purchase spice blends used in Balinese cuisine.
• Bali Coffee: In addition to Kopi Luwak, Bali produces excellent Arabica coffee beans, available in many blends.
• Balinese Herbal Teas: Herbal teas made from local plants, known for their therapeutic properties.
• Pia Legong: A famous Balinese pastry filled with various flavors like cheese, chocolate, or green tea.
• Salak (Snake Fruit): Often dried or made into chips, this local fruit is a popular treat to bring home.
• Kacang Disco: Spiced peanuts that are crunchy and delicious, perfect for snacks.
• Bali Chocolate: Locally grown cacao is used to make artisan chocolate bars.

Fun and Trendy Souvenirs

• Bintang Beer T-shirts: T-shirts with the logo of Bali’s iconic Bintang Beer are ubiquitous and popular.
• Flip Flops and Sandals: Available from street vendors, Bali is known for its huge selection of colorful, affordable sandals.
• Sarong Dresses and Beachwear: Easy, breezy clothing designed for Bali’s beaches and tropical weather.
• Surfing Gear: With Bali being a top surfing destination, surfboards and accessories are popular.
• Bali Hats and Caps: Often sold with slogans like “Eat, Pray, Love” or fun designs, these are a tourist favorite.
• Handmade Soap: Artisanal soaps made from local ingredients like coconut oil, lemongrass, and sandalwood.
• Balinese Beads: Colorful beads made into bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories are widely available.
• Dreamcatchers: Though not traditional Balinese, dreamcatchers are often sold as trendy decor items at markets.
• Fake Designer Goods: Street vendors often sell knock-off designer bags, sunglasses, and watches. Be cautious, as quality can be poor, and it’s illegal to resell these items in many countries.
• Printed T-shirts: Street vendors sell cheap T-shirts featuring slogans, brand logos, and humorous designs, often for just a few dollars.
• Souvenir Magnets and Keychains: Common in tourist markets, these small trinkets often feature Balinese symbols or landmarks.

Street Vendors and Fake Goods Warning

In Bali, especially in tourist hotspots like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, you’ll find a large number of street vendors selling everything from fake designer bags and sandals to Bintang T-shirts and cheap souvenirs. While these items are affordable, the quality can be inconsistent, and in the case of counterfeit goods, there are risks associated with taking them back home. You might be stopped and fined at customs when returning home.