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Bali is a treat for everyone who visits, and Bali shopping is definitely a big part of the travel experience. When deciding what to buy in Bali, the best Bali souvenirs are often the same items locals choose for each other. 

Instead of touristy items like fridge magnets, go for Balinese coffee, chocolate, traditional fabrics like Batik sarongs, silver jewellery, natural body oils, and spices like Sambal paste, rooted in Balinese culture. You can rely on these suggestions because they come from our local Holafly expert, Saffron Wu, a frequent visitor who spends at least a month each year in Bali. 

This Bali souvenir guide is full of Saffron’s local insights on what locals genuinely buy and gift to help you buy authentic items. Combine your Bali souvenir shopping spree with an unlimited data travel eSIM for the smoothest experience.

The best souvenirs from Bali: A local list

Many of the best things to buy in Bali are handmade by local artisans using materials such as wood, silver, rattan, and cotton. Below is a local list of the Best Bali souvenirs, with deeper insights into why you’ll love them and how to shop smarter. Check out our guide on how to get around Bali to travel smarter, too. 

Short on time? These are the most authentic Bali souvenirs locals actually buy and gift :

  • Balinese coffee (kopi Bali) 
  • Balinese chocolate 
  • Batik sarongs and traditional fabrics 
  • Essential oils, body oils, and handmade soaps  
  • Sambal pastes and local spices 
  • Pia sulu (milk pastry) 
  • Palm sugar and traditional sweets 
  • Barong masks and wooden carvings 
  • Canang sari-inspired crafts 
  • Silver jewellery and handmade crafts 

1. Balinese coffee (kopi Bali)

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For coffee lovers, Balinese coffee is one of the best souvenirs. It’s grown in volcanic soil, and local coffee from areas like Kintamani has a smooth flavour and lower acidity than many international beans. This is a perfect choice if you usually avoid strong coffee. 

Kopi luwak or koi luwak coffee is popular in Bali. But if you want standard Balinese coffee for ethical reasons and better value, buying roasted beans from local markets and roasters is a better choice. 

Saffron recommends sealed packs for travel, which are easy to carry and ideal Bali gifts. If you’re interested in the food culture, our Bali food guide explains how sambal pastes fit into everyday Balinese culture. 

2. Balinese chocolate 

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Balinese chocolate is made with locally grown cacao and tastes richer and less sweet than mass-produced chocolate. Ethical sourcing and small-batch production only add to the appeal. 

The Krakakoa Bali Factory is known for its high-quality Balinese chocolates and transparency. Chocolate bars are also easy to pack, widely available, and well-liked. 

Saffron notes, “The two safest options to gift to a friend are Balinese chocolate or Balinese coffee”. 

3. Batik sarongs and traditional fabrics 

Source: Shutterstock

Traditional clothing, such as Bali batiks and sarongs, is among the best things to buy in Bali if you’re interested in local culture and want something practical. Locals wear these during temple visits, ceremonies, and daily life, making them deeply connected to Balinese culture. 

Saffron highlights these fabrics as a versatile gift: 

“For women, a Balinese or Indonesian batik sarong feels special and practical.” 

For authentic pieces, shop in Ubud markets, Gianyar, or local textile shops rather than mass-produced tourist stalls. 

4. Essential oils, body oils, and handmade soaps

Source: Shutterstock

Wellness products are some of the most popular Bali souvenirs thanks to the island’s natural beauty and spa culture. Essential oils, body oils, coconut oil, and handmade soaps are made using local ingredients and traditional methods. 

For women, Saffron recommends scents like frangipani, ylang ylang, and lemongrass, which are closely associated with Bali and used in creams and home decor items. These items are lightweight, easy to pack, and bring Bali’s island atmosphere home.

5. Sambal pastes and local spices 

Source: Shutterstock

If you’re buying a souvenir gift for someone who enjoys cooking and is interested in Bali food, sambal paste and local spices are the way to go. Sambal is central to Balinese food culture, with varying levels of heat and flavour profiles. 

Saffron recommends sambal, especially for spice lovers: 

For someone who loves cooking and eating spicy food, sambal pastes are an excellent choice.”

Choose sealed jars with clear labels, and you will have an easy, authentic food souvenir.

6. Pie sulu (milk pastry)

Source: Shutterstock

This is one of the most common universal gifts in Bali. These small pastries are filled with sweetened milk and last longer than many fresh sweets, which makes them travel-friendly. 

Pia susu is typically gifted alongside local coffee or snacks. It’s very easy to find at local markets, bakeries, street vendors, and even in department stores (for more refined options). They’re one of the easiest Bali souvenirs to buy

7. Palm sugar and traditional sweets

Source: Shutterstock

This is a key ingredient in Balinese cuisine and is a daily staple in everyday cooking. When paired with traditional sweets like Batun bedil (local peanut brittle) or local coconut candy, it becomes the perfect Bali food souvenir. 

Not only are these treats affordable and easy to pack, but they’re also unique and the perfect gift for someone with a big sweet tooth. 

Top tip from Saffron:For special occasions, a bottle of traditional arak (local spirit) or jars of Bali’s natural honey are also common and well-received.

8. Barong masks and wooden carvings 

Source: Shutterstock

Barong masks and wood carvings are strongly linked to traditional Balinese art and mythology. The Barong represents protection and balance. 

“The mask depicts a panther-like creature and character in Indonesian/Balinese mythology. It’s one of the most iconic cultural symbols you will see.”

High-quality wooden carvings often come from Mas Village, where skilled craftsmen continue traditional carving techniques. Smaller pieces are best for easy transport.

9. Canang sari-inspired crafts 

Source: Shutterstock

This is one of the most important and recognizable daily offerings in Balinese Hinduism. It is a small handmade offering made of palm leaves, flowers, and symbolic items, presented to the gods as a sign of gratitude and devotion. It symbolizes Bali’s spiritual culture.” 

While real offerings should never be taken, local artisans create similar decorative items inspired by their shape and symbolism. These souvenirs go beyond surface-level items. 

10. Silver jewellery and handmade crafts 

Source: Shutterstock

These are the best souvenirs for jewellery lovers. Celuk Village is famous for silver jewellery and has workshops such as Gemala Bali Silver and the John Hardy Workshop, which offer both traditional and contemporary designs. 

You’ll also find: 

  • Balinese ceramics
  • Balinese paintings
  • Rattan bags
  • Handwoven baskets
  • Eco-friendly bags
  • Antique furniture 

and home decor items made by local artists and designers across the island. 

You can find handmade souvenirs in art villages such as Ubud and Mas for wood carving.  Ubud Art Market, in particular, is a favorite for authentic products, while Sukawati Art Market offers crafts directly from artisans, often at lower prices. For textiles, head to Tenun Ikat shops or markets in Gianyar.” 

Where to shop in Bali without overpaying

Knowing where to shop is just as important as knowing what to buy or where to stay in Bali. Traditional markets and local markets usually offer lower prices and more authentic products than hotel gift shops.

Sukawati Art Market and Ubud Art Market are among the best places for authentic crafts without much tourist mark-up, as they are visited by locals, too. In Denpasar, Kumbasari Market is known for genuine crafts and everyday local items at reasonable prices.”

According to Saffron’s suggestions, the best local places for Bali shopping include: 

  • Sukawati Art Market (also known as Sukawati Market)
  • Ubud Art Market and other Ubud markets
  • Kuta Art Market for street shoppers
  • Kumbasari Market in Denpasar
  • Art villages such as Celuk for silver jewellery and Mas Village for wood carvings

Areas like Seminyak and along Sunset Road have upscale boutiques, designer clothing, international shops, surf shops, and more. Prices are definitely higher here. 

Top tip from Saffron:When shopping, carry cash for markets, although many places accept cash and card. Some Ubud online stores also offer international shipping, which is helpful if your luggage is full.”

Stay connected while shopping in Bali with Holafly 

Navigating Ubud markets, checking what time the Sukawati Art Market opens, or locating Bali bonbon address listings online requires a solid internet connection. 

With Holafly’s eSIM for Indonesia, you can connect as soon as you land. No need to visit local Indonesia SIM card stores, use expensive roaming packages, or rely on insecure public WiFi. 

Use your unlimited data instantly for maps, translations, payments, and browsing while you shop. Holafly travel eSIMs also come with daily hotspot allowances up to 500 MB, 24/7 customer support, and flexible eSIM plans.

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Mahnoor Bangush

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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