Aside from lazing on pristine beaches and eating out at award-winning restaurants, each time we're in Bali, we love nothing more than shopping for unusual and local find, as well as some of the labels we already love. Is there anything sweeter than nailing your holiday purchases and bringing home a piece or two that will forever remind you of your travels? We don't think so. Especially when the item is unique and different to what you usually buy at home.
In order to bring you the ultimate shopping guide to Bali, Who What Wear Australia reached out to someone who splits her time between Sydney and the Indonesian island throughout the year. Freelance fashion stylist, and ex-fashion director of Cosmopolitan Australia, Nicole Adolphe knows all the best stores you should head to once you arrive in Bali. So take note, and prepare to be inspired by all the light, textured fabrics, quality swimwear, unique accessories, and bespoke leather pieces on your next trip.
Keep scrolling to read Adolphe's recommendations.
Shopping destinations
"Batu Bolong in Canggu is fast becoming the second best shopping destination to Seminyak as the streets are wider and you don’t need to navigate around the traffic and bikes riding on the footpath. I recommend taking a taxi there and spending a few hours walking up and down the street as it's filled with shops on both sides. You can even get a quick mani/pedi, or a massage while there, as well as have lunch at any of the cafés, which all have delicious food on offer.
"Seminyak is Bali's original shopping district, so it's always chaotic and you will find both bargain buys and traditional Bali items, as well as some Australian designer fashion shops such as The People Vs, Afends, and surf stores like Billabong. Every street corner sells traditional rattan handbags, dream catchers, wooden ornaments, fake designer sunnies, batik dresses, sarongs, and crochet bikinis, so it's where you want to be if you are after some tourist souvenirs."
where to shop for Swimwear
- Wanderlust is the swimwear store I recommend first. There are two shops in Canggu and Seminyak, and both have a great selection of colours and bikini shapes.
- Tropicana has two stores, one in Seminyak and one in Ubud, and stocks swimwear from Midnight Swimwear, Storm Swimwear, Marysia Swimwear, Suboo, and a cool linen range called La Confection.
- The Offering sells various swim brands, such as Zingiber, Aloé Swimwear, Sheeka Swimwear, and also designer label items that are made locally by the likes of Natasha Gan, and Rik and Reg.
where to shop for quality fabrics
- Gail Elliott has her flagship store called Little Joe Women in a beautiful shop in Seminyak.
- Magali Pascal has several shops around Seminyak and Canggu with beautiful silks and prints that are so feminine and French. She also does some shoes and bags.
where to shop for Accessories
- Uma and Leopold has several shops in Seminyak, and stocks beautiful silk camisoles and beaded dresses, along with leather pieces like shorts, jacket, belts, bags, and shoes.
a note on bespoke goods
"If you want to get something bespoke made, do it on the first day of your holiday as it might take a week or so to make. If you show the tailor a picture at a leather shop they will be able to make you a jacket, handbag, or pair of shoes."
Opening images: Collage Vintage
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