10 of Bali’s best kept shopping secrets, as shared by a fashion industry insider

Call me basic, call me predictable, but I love going to Bali.

On my last trip over the recent Christmas holidays, I did a mental count of how many times I’ve visited the Island of the Gods, and since 2013, I’ve been to Bali a total of 53 times. So suffice to say, I’ve seen how Bali has changed and grown in the last decade or so.

Beyond the endless cafes serving avocado toasts and the nail spas, I’ve also experienced the bloom in shopping haunts that the island has seen. After all, if young and cosmopolitan tourists are flooding the island, then it’s only natural that business owners respond with buzzy and eye-catching spaces that welcome shoppers in.

From fashion boutiques stocking contemporary luxury designers to local brands creating their own line of skincare, here are some places you should add to your Bali shopping black book.

1. Laboutik

What to expect: It’s hard to miss LABOUTIK, given its strikingly modern facade that blends sleek glass and cement with bright pops of Klein blue. Step into the store to find its curation of contemporary designers: think the likes of JW Anderson, Khaite, Proenza Schouler and so on. They hold seasonal sales as well, so if you’re not able to snap up your favourite designer wares from bigger e-commerce hotspots, you can always try your luck at LABOUTIK.

Jl. Petitenget No.882, Bali 80361. Visit the website for more information.

2. Escalier

What to expect: You’d think that being located in the ever-crowded Desa Potato Head would guarantee popularity, but in speaking to the Escalier staff, they find that visitors rarely stop in the store. And what a waste that is for fashionable tourists, when the racks of Escalier are often stocked with plenty of fascinating up-and-coming designers sitting next to established brands. There’s Comme des Garçons next to Pakistani-British design ZN Ali, or Simone Rocha paired with handmade leather fans from Indonesian maker Pu Bu Me Su. A large part of its wares are also catered to the surf-and-skate crew: camp-collared oversized shirts, shorts in striking retro patterns and so on will definitely appeal to this crowd.

Desa Potato Head Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Bali 80361. Visit the website for more information.

3. Kim Soo Home

What to expect: For the house-proud visitor, Bali offers plenty of homeware stores worth your time checking out. One of my personal favourites is Kim Soo Home, which is in the heart of Seminyak’s swankier enclave of Petitenget. From ceramic vases and woven planters to cushion covers that are made by Balinese artisans, Kim Soo Home has plenty of fabulous finds that are waiting to be uncovered.

Jl. Kayu Aya No.21, Bali 80361. Visit the website for more information.

4. Cove.

What to expect: As we head into the painfully hip neighbourhood of Canggu, Cove. is a must-visit for all your bohemian lifestyle needs. Expect to find things like crystal-infused body oils, refined pearl jewellery made by hand, breezy cotton separates and small batch wooden toys for kids on offer, all of which make perfect little gifts to take home for friends and family. They’ve also just opened up a smaller offshoot in Uluwatu, seeing that the area is rising in popularity, so check that out if you’re in the vicinity.

Jl. Pantai Berawa No.50, Bali 80361. Visit the website for more information.

5. Barefoot Aristocracy

What to expect: It’s hard not to feel happiness swelling up when you step into Barefoot Aristocracy: the bright yellow interiors stoke your dopamine, and as you peruse the many jewellery brands on display, that only adds to the joy. Many of these brands are smaller designers, with the store associate explaining that a lot of the pieces are one-offs and entirely unique. The styles here run the gamut from studded silver chains that spell edge to daintier charm necklaces for everyday use, so you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Jl. Batu Mejan Canggu, Bali 80351. Visit the Instagram for more information.

6. AWILD

What to expect: Fans of clean beauty should come to AWILD, which was started as a brand that provides products made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Each formulation is tested in a lab to ensure safe and stable end products, and the the small-but-effective skincare line makes for perfect little luxuries to treat yourself with. The Mushroom Balancing Face Oil is a repeat purchase of mine, thanks to its lightweight formulation that helps to boost my skin’s moisture levels when I’m travelling in drier climes, and the Mango Lip Balm is a popular purchase as a great souvenir for friends. Aside from skincare, AWILD also stocks a small curation of ready-to-wear ranging from swimwear to breezy pieces perfect for the tropics.

Jl. Canggu Padang Linjong No.47D, Bali 80351. Visit the website for more information.

7. Maison Les Enerves

What to expect: Tucked away on a quiet street and away from the bustle of Canggu’s busy roads is Maison Les Enerves, which offers easy separates for both women and men. The brand is founded by French designer and architect Wakim Krari, and the label is best known for its cartoon faces motif. Each piece is embroidered by local artisans, all of whom are employed by Krari’s team to preserve these handcrafted techniques.

Jl. Dalem Lingsir No.10, Bali 80351. Visit its website for more information.

8. Our Projects

What to expect: Perfume and skincare aficionados should add Our Projects to their list of places to visit. Housed within a contemporary boutique space of glass and concrete, you’ll discover a series of small-batch products that feel as wonderful as they look. Each product comes in a beautifully-designed minimalist bottle that will sit beautifully on your shelf. Check out the HA Hand Cream, which infuses peptides and hyaluronic acid into your hands, or the Barrier Replenishing Moisturiser to help soothe and moisturise skin. On the fragrance front, Circa. 23 and Rose Boy are two favourites of mine, thanks to their floral and muskiness.

Jl. Canggu Padang Linjong No.47D, Bali 80351. Visit its website for more information.

9. Le Bajo Store

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What to expect: As you wind through the quiet and serene rice fields in Pererenan, the quaint building of Le Bajo emerges as an escape from Bali’s increasingly congested streets. Surrounded by lush green views, the pool club is a lovely respite for a lazy afternoon spent lounging with food, drinks and a nice long dip in the big pool. At the front of the club, the Le Bajo Store offers plenty of fab finds across clothing, beauty products and homeware additions. Glazed ceramic lamps, hand-made shirts and indie home fragrance labels made by Indonesian artisans can all be found in the cool air-conditioned space of Le Bajo Store. Take your time, peruse the shelves slowly and find your new treat.

Jl. Babadan No.89, Bali 80351. Visit the website for more information.

10. Era

What to expect: Though not specifically a shopping destination, Era is a go-to for those in the market for wallet-friendly pilates clothing. The range of activewear is sold in-studio within Era’s Uluwatu address, and you can expect to find quality tops, leggings and sport accessories in neutrals like beige, white and black for your purchasing consideration. Aside from these, a small selection of lifestyle goods are also on display for you to shop.

Bingin Square - Shop 2, Jl. Pantai Bingin No.9, Bali 80361. Visit the website for more information.

This article was originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.