In Reply to: 8 days in bali posted by suzeb on Wednesday, 29. July 2009 at 04:24 Bali Time:
Hi I have just returned from Bali in June and similar to you am grandmum so love to shop for them as well as my self. I will also be there in Oct on business for several days. My shopping suggestions are that to save time and often money you go to fixed price shops. Its quicker (so more time to relax) and you get good service. For basic clothing you can't go past the fixed price shops of Ketut Nurani Near the JL Melasti end of Jl. Sahadewa (Garlic lane) bit hard to find but worth the effort. She has about 3 or 4 shops together and we bought heaps including fake brand name ladies wallets ranging from Rp 35,000 up t0 90,000. Also two other favourites are Rika Shop Jl Dewi Sartika this shop is run by a lovely young family and right next door is Dianne's opposite the Green Garden. Our advice is to go to these three shops when you first arrive and don't waste precious holiday time trying to bargain because they will all look after you and still be better priced than any at the markets. For decorating items & homeware Geneva Jl. Raya Kerobokan No. 100, Kuta was great. We went twice and loved that everything was priced and we could shop till we dropped. Just get a taxi there and grab another as they drive past to get back to hotel. Great quality and cheaper than you can get in the markets. We also went to Unagi Jl Teuku Umar Barat/Marlboro No. 383 Dempasar and found it similarly priced as Geneva but didn't like to have to ask the attendant the price of everything. But it did have great home ware so would go again. Declared all items on return through customs and no problems everything got through ok in Australia. For great quality fake bags try Bali Ganic at Jalan Legian 201 I bought a lovely Prada bag it was about AU$25 its just down from Aromas Cafe which is delightfully peaceful and excellent fresh food. One of the highlights of our holiday was seeing the new baby elephants at the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, Ubud. And if you are a keen gardener you will love the immaculate and peaceful gardens. Worth every cent and we will go again. Hope this info helps