Joanna James
From jumping waterfalls and trekking jungle-clad islands to Instagram-worthy shopping sprees and foodie adventures at avant-garde waterfront enclaves, Bali is full of experiential bliss for every traveller's fantasy. Here's what you can't leave this exhilarating postcard-perfect isle without.
While Bali is known for driving wanderlust levels to an all-time high with its crystal rock pools lost in tropical rainforests, panoramic paddy field terraces, mountaintop sunset lookouts, and uber-hip city hideouts full of quaint glamour, shopaholics and souvenir collectors will find plenty to occupy their wildest dreams. If you're looking to bliss out on exquisite artisan hand-painted ceramics, terracotta pots, coconut shell carvings, and timeless reed baskets, Bali's numerous art markets, souvenir boutiques, and design studios will take your breath away! It's important to remember that some bargaining may be in order when shopping in the atmospheric markets, and it's best to sample the offerings of each vibrant shop before committing to a particular price tag.
If you're looking for some effortlessly elegant and dreamily exotic outfits reminiscent of Bali's rich heritage and playful bohemia, there are plenty of options in store for you, from striking batik and ikat fabrics styled with retro-chic flair at stores like Threads of Life and Popiler Batiks to chic Bali Tees sporting a neat fit and fun prints featuring nods to the island's spirit. What with the plentiful tailors you'll stumble across in the vibrant and quirky streets, you can get custom-made leather boots, bucket hats, and summery wardrobe staples, as well as personalised painted rattan bags, butter-soft purses, and boldly beautiful scarves.
From the iconic flaky-soft perfection of Pie Susu filled with sweet or savoury decadence and the addictive varieties of piquant Balinese sambal to the must-have chocolate pasta-topped banana cake at Bali Banana, there are abundant snackable delights you may want to sneak back with you. However, if you're a chocoholic with a soft spot for kopi luwak coffee, you shouldn't do the unthinkable and miss out on a stash of these addictive treats found at Bali BonBon and Krakakoa Bali Factory.
From therapeutic massage oils, incense sticks in pretty ceramic burners, and spicy homemade body scrubs to handmade soaps and bath bombs tickling your senses and soothing your skin with concoctions of frangipani, honey, coconut, and jasmine, you can carry away a mini-Balinese spa in your suitcase and share the aromatic rejuvenation with loved ones at home.
Whether its stunning Asiatic wall art in recycled wooden frames, charming rattan chairs and baskets in earthy pastels, jewel-toned placemats and raffia bags or unique boho-luxury statement pieces that will add irresistible personality to any space, Bali is brimming with tropical and tribal-themed knickknacks. If you're seeking serviced accommodation & hotels proffering prime access to the tradition-rich allurements of Bali, look no further than properties offered by the likes of Discover ASR.
Even if you aren't obsessed with bling, there's something subtle and enchanting about Balinese jewellery; an ethnic antiquity and modern simplicity that will add grace to your look on any occasion. From the elaborately minimalist pearl, silver, and gold treasures of Celuk Village to the semi-precious baubles you can purchase during your street-side shopping expeditions, Bali is well-endowed with art-inspired valuables.
When indulging in more bougie purchases, such as heritage-rich furnishings that will transform your living space with the bohemian elegance and sturdy craftsmanship of Bali design, it's best to gain a second opinion from a guide or local companion, as you don't want to find the quality compromised in any way. Also, make sure the authentic pieces that claim your heart from the likes of Kuluk or Saya Gallery can pass through your country's customs and try to envision if they will seamlessly compliment your decorative scheme back home.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
