Shopping in Kuta

Virtually everybody comes to Bali to shop, and even if shopping wasn't the ultimate aim, you'll still end up with fascinating and irresistible buys. Bali is a treasure trove of fine art and handicrafts, antique and semi-antique furniture, paintings, delicately carved jewellery, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics.

Bargaining in markets, shops and art shops, is normal practice and getting a good price depends largely on one's bargaining prowess. As bargaining forms a large part of the fun of shopping in Bali, remember to carry cash, as not all places accept credit cards - and be good humoured. Shops are usually open from 10am to 11pm.

International labels, local designer clothes plus skillful tailors and dressmakers offer reliable 24-hours services. Shops selling similar items are normally grouped together to make comparing prices easy, and if the shop you're in doesn't have a particular colour or size, why, just pop over next door!

Kuta's main road is lined with shops selling everything from swimwear, sarongs, handicrafts and CDs to jewelry, clothing, furniture and leather goods. There are even more street hawkers peddling watches and bracelets. Remember to firmly say no, if you're not interested.

The north of Legian Street, from Seminyak to Kerobokan, is now an enclave of boutiques specializing in local designer clothes, antiques, furniture and lifestyle goods. Stop for a bite to eat at interesting delis and warungs. Hawkers are scarce at this end of this street, so you'll have no need to worry about being harassed.

If you just don't enjoy haggling for the right price, Kuta has a number of department stores and shopping centres with fixed prices. Try Kuta Square and Kuta Centre located very close to each other in Jalan Kartika Plaza. Kuta Square is also popular with local shops and a branch of the Matahari Department Stores & Supermarket. Galena Nusa Dua with over 80 specialty shops is also a hit with the avid shopper, as it has everything a tourist and shopper could be interested in.