How to shop like a Local in Ubud
With its laid-back vibe, small boutiques, and local workshops, Ubud is the casual shopper’s paradise. If you want to escape the typical tourist traps and find authentic cultural mementos, check out these go-to spots to shop like a local in Ubud. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir for yourself or a gift to take home to someone special, this article has you covered. Keep reading to discover all the best local shops for browsing to your heart’s content.
Bali Buda Cafe & Health Food Shop
Photo source: Bali Buda
With multiple locations spread throughout Bali, the Ubud location of Bali Buda is the original store that opened in 1994. With a delicious menu featuring a wide range of healthy items, you can treat yourself to a fresh, organic meal. Once your tummy is full, check out this health food store’s selection of natural household and skincare products. It’s the perfect place to buy a holistic gift. They also offer their own brand of food items, such as jams, almond butter, and more, that will travel easily back home with you.
Jalan Jembawan (across from the Post Office), Ubud
Threads of Life
Photo source: Threads of Life
Operating as both an educational space and a retail shop, the Threads of Life Gallery in Ubud features a huge selection of handmade textiles. Here, you’ll find a variety of rare woven and traditional dyed clothes in every pattern imaginable.
Threads of Life opened in 1998 and features the works of 1,100 traditional weavers. The ladies onsite are eager to share their knowledge and educate you on the intricacies of producing these textiles, and you can also sign up for a class to learn more or make your own batik textile. From bags to baskets to wraps, you won’t find a better traditional Balinese souvenir!
Jalan Kajeng 24, Ubud
Ganesha Bookshop
Photo source: Ganesha Books Bali
For book lovers, Ganesha Bookshop is a must! Opened in 1986, this family-owned bookstore is run by a husband and wife who are passionate about books. The shop specializes in books about Indonesia (written in English) and includes new, used, and rare titles. The book selection is always changing, so check back often! If you’re looking for a handmade gift or souvenir, Ganesha bookshop also has a great selection of greeting cards, bookmarks, Balinese incense, and other unique gifts. The owners of the store also started the Books for Bali Project – a literacy project aimed at fostering a love of reading in the community.
Corner of Jalan Raya and Jalan Jembawan, Ubud
Tegun Folk Art Galeri
Photo source: Unsplash
This is your one-stop-shop for the most unique gifts in Ubud. The Tegun Folk Art Galeri is a combination of a museum and gift shop and boasts an eclectic collection of both artifacts and crafts. Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of authentic items, with everything from wood-carvings to textiles to jewelry. The owners travel all around Indonesia in search of the most unusual pieces of folk art to display in their gallery, making it one of Ubud’s largest and most interesting folk art shops. Don’t miss this ever-changing array of exclusive Indonesian handcrafts!
Jalan Hanoman No. 44B, Ubud
Studio Perak
Photo source: Studio Perak
Bali is known for its handcrafted silver jewelry, and Studio Perak is the go-to spot for locals who are looking for beautiful, quality jewelry at a reasonable price. Studio Perak is owned by Balinese silversmith Ketut, who opened the shop in 2001. The store features its own unique designs, most of which are made in-house, and the collections range from modern to tribal to simplistic. If you want to get hands-on, Studio Perak also offers a silversmithing class (taught by Ketut himself), where you can make your own silver jewelry as a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself!
Jalan Hanoman, Ubud
Blue Stone Botanicals
Photo source: Pexels
Natural healing is an inherent part of the Balinese culture, whether it’s through medicinal herbs and plants or through the spiritual healing of yoga and meditative practices. And at Blue Stone Botanicals, you’ll find a wide selection of “healing products” – such as essential oils, balms, soaps, and more – to take home with you. This store focuses on the Balinese traditions of using 100% pure and natural remedies to benefit both the body and mind. The range of holistic products at Blue Stone Botanicals is the perfect way to treat yourself to a healthy way of life, straight from the island.
Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud
Want to shop ‘til you drop? Then you may also want to check out the many art markets in Ubud, Sukawati, and Guwang. Or wander along Jalan Raya Ubud and down to the rows of shops stretching along Jalan Monkey Forest. If you’re up for more of an adventure, set out for the villages of Tegallalang, Mas, or Celuk – you’ll find silversmiths and woodcarvers hard at work in these neighborhoods, and you can buy directly from the source.
Enjoy your shopping adventure in Ubud!
