Apart from the beautiful beaches, picturesque temples, and delicious food, Bali is also home to talented artisans and crafters. The handicrafts produced in Bali are among the finest in the world, and each piece reflects the years of experience of each artisan.

While it’s tempting to go to just about any market in Bali and buy a “handcrafted” souvenir, not all markets carry items with the high quality of craftmanship that Bali is known for. Sometimes it’s best to go directly to the artisans.

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Why It’s Important to Visit Local Artisans

Photo: Indonesia.Travel

Regardless of where you travel, it’s preferable to go directly to local artisans rather than going to a souvenir shop for handicrafts. Not only are the pieces higher in quality, but buying direct from an artisan supports their livelihood and their work, which in turn makes a positive impact on the local economy.

Most of the artisans who create the best handicrafts in Bali carry years of experience in making their crafts of choice, be it paintings, fabrics, or wood carvings. They know how to work with materials in ways that will make their products last for years. And even if you’re not allowed to bargain, you’ll know that you’re paying a fair price for excellent work.

The Best Places for The Finest Handicrafts

To avoid the crowds at Bali’s favorite art markets, head directly to the villages known for their specific handicraft specialties. These villages are guaranteed to produce the highest quality product, made with love and hard work by the most experienced artisans on the island.

Celuk: The Home of Fine Silver Jewelry

Photo: Brojure

If you’re a fan of Indonesian silver, head directly to the galleries of Celuk in Gianyar regency, where delicate silver jewelry is produced. It’s easy to recognize a Celuk-made piece from the moment you lay eyes on it; the designs are more intricate, reflecting a craft that’s been passed down from generation to generation.

Among the hand-crafted silver products produced in Celuk are brooches, rings, bracelets, and necklaces, not to mention medals and ornaments. You can also go to Celuk to take tourist-level classes on making silver jewelry.

Sidemen: Fabrics Built to Last

Indonesia may be best known for batik and ikat, but Bali has its own native fabrics. One such fabric is endek, a woven fabric similar to ikat that’s colored with natural dyes and made with traditional weaving methods. The process of making endek is so meticulous that a simple pattern can take up to two weeks to finish weaving.

The town of Sidemen in Karangasem, on the east side of Bali, is known for its high-quality endek and other hand-woven fabrics. Fabrics produced in Sidemen are guaranteed to last for years without fading and tearing, thanks to the know-how of local weavers.

Mas: Divine Wood Carvings

There are wood carvings, and then there are wood carvings from the village of Mas, not too far from Ubud. Mas is home to the artisans of the Bali Wood Carving Center, who create works so detailed that they practically have a spiritual dimension to them. And rightly so, as the wood carvings are a beautiful combination of naturalism and humanism.

Marvel at the intricate wood sculptures produced in Mas, not just at the Bali Wood Carving Center but also in the village’s boutiques. They may not always be as portable as the carvings from regular tourist shops, but they are unforgettable on their own.

Batuan: The Underrated Art Hub

Photo: Instant Karma Magazine

Ubud may have the thriving art scene, but it does not have the monopoly on art, at least in Gianyar regency. Batuan is also home to many talented painters who create inspired artwork based on the local culture. Among the subjects featured in these paintings are dancers, goddesses, demons, and other cultural icons.

Batuan’s painters have been working at their craft for decades, and notable VIPs have added their paintings to their private collections. Buying paintings directly from them is a good way to ensure that their art form survives for many generations.

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Giving Support for Bali’s Local Artisans

Going directly to the villages of Bali’s local artisans is not only beneficial and sustainable; it’s also a great way to guarantee that you will be going home with a one-of-a-kind piece that can’t be found in the common art markets on the island. You will also have a high-quality souvenir that’s guaranteed to be cherished for years.

The time, money, and effort spent on buying directly from artisans will go toward supporting a thriving community of artists in Bali, ensuring that their craft will live on through generations. By going direct to the artisans themselves, you may also develop a more genuine appreciation for their craft.

If you need a break from shopping at Bali’s markets and malls, contact the guest experience concierge at your villa for information on how you can go directly to the studios and workshops of Bali’s artisans. Concierge services may be able to arrange visits and transportation to and from these villages.

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