Illustration of Balinese Souvenirs, photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Bali, an island steeped in rich culture and artistry, offers a treasure trove of souvenirs that capture the essence of this vibrant destination. From the intricate hand-carved woodwork to the vivid fabrics adorned with traditional motifs, each item tells a story of Balinese craftsmanship and creativity. 

Whether you’re strolling through bustling markets or exploring artisan workshops, our guide unveils the 10 must-have Balinese souvenirs that will not only adorn your home but also evoke cherished memories of this enchanting island.

1. Best Balinese Souvenirs to Bring Home: Balinese Coffee

Balinese Coffee, photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels

Balinese coffee are mostly grown in the country’s central highlands and are still relatively new to the premium gourmet coffee marketplace. Balinese coffee often has a strong smoky aroma with a full body. These kinds of coffee have finely developed all thanks to the rich volcanic soil and great practices that involve conventional manure and shade-growing, which allows the beans to mature slowly and retain their best flavor.

Balinese coffee is one of the most prized Balinese souvenirs or gifts you can bring home. Green coffee importers work with local distributors to export their coffee to the United States and other countries worldwide. Combined with the relatively low production volumes, Balinese coffee are on the expensive side and quite difficult to find (especially the good one).

2. Genuine Balinese Woodcarvings

Balinese Woodcarvings, photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

Ubud area is renowned for its arts and crafts. There are lots of opportunities to learn more about the amazing craft of Balinese wood-carving and watching master craftsmen at work is just nice. Woodcarving workshops and galleries can be found everywhere in Bali. 

Mas Village is one of the villages in Bali that’s identified as their main focus in arts and crafts. Mas Village is situated in the Ubud sub-district and Gianyar Regency, the eastern part of Bali. Along the road, we can find a lot of art shops that sell many kinds of wood carvings. You can easily buy lots of Balinese souvenirs such as masks of wild animals, wooden tropical fruits, and other wooden statues. 

3. Most popular Balinese Souvenirs: Silk Batiks and Sarongs

Balinese Batiks and Sarongs, photo by Iniizah on Unsplash

Silk batiks and sarongs are two of the most popular Balinese souvenirs that you can bring home. You might wonder, what are batik and sarong? According to Merriam-Webster, batik is a fabric that’s printed using the Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed. Meanwhile, the sarong is a garment made from a long piece of cloth, worn wrapped around the body and tucked at the waist or under the armpits.

Batik and sarongs that are made from silk are perfect for anyone who loves to experiment with their style and create fashionable pieces. Sarong is a versatile fabric that you can use as a dress for special occasions. Its soft textures and intricate designs make it perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your fashion.

4. Handwoven Rattan Bags and Hats

Illustrations of Rattan Bags, photo by Artem Beliakin on Unsplash

Handwoven rattan bags and hats are another popular Balinese souvenirs that you can bring home. Handwoven rattan bags are eco-friendly and look stylish. These bags showcase natural textures, gorgeous designs, and fantastic colors. Whether you choose for classic rattan hats, clutch bags or even traditional sling bags, these handwoven products will add a touch of elegance and tropical flair to your outfit.

5. Various Balinese Tees and Clothing

Illustrations of Balinese Tees, photo by Bali-no-Mikata

Nothing says “classic” like a fun printed t-shirt as a keepsake; they’re cool, useful, and typically highly welcomed by everyone! Bali is no exception; there are lots of cute t-shirts to be found in the marketplaces, but you don’t want to be boring, do you?

The nicest thing about Balinese Tees is that they’re cute, distinctly scream Bali, and benefit a good cause. Everything is made locally, with the goal of improving the economic growth of low-income areas. Not only that but 1% of each product sold is donated to one of the causes they sponsor; how incredible is that?

6. Pie Susu and Other Kinds of Pastries

Balinese Pie Susu, photo by Fatahillah Huda Mayyasa on Unsplash

The Pie Susu is Bali’s most famous and iconic sweet dish. Many locals will seek out these delectable milk pies to take home, but what makes them so special? One of the best pie susu you can find in Bali is Pie Susu Enaak, or the original Pie Susu maker that has been around since 1989. Nowadays, there are a lot of different Pie Susu you can find easily in Bali, its very important for you to choose for the best one!

7. Affordable Balinese Souvenirs: Handmade Jewelries

Illustration of Handmade Jewelries, photo by Allison Astorga on Unsplash

Handmade jewelries is one of the must-have Balinese souvenirs for you to bring from Bali. We all know that Bali is renowned for its exquisite quality silver jewelries. Gemstones play a significant role in Balinese jewelry, each chosen for its unique properties and symbolic significance. Vibrant turquoise, deep red garnets, and luminous moonstones are just a few examples of the carefully selected gemstones that adorn these pieces. Each stone carries its own energy, adding an extra layer of meaning to the jewelry.

Balinese Handmade Jewelries emerges as treasures that capture the essence of the island’s artistry and spiritual depth. They are not just adornments; they are a bridge between the tangible and the transcendent, allowing you to carry a piece of Bali’s soul with you.

8. Indonesian Wine and Arak

Illustration of Indonesian Wine and Arak, photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

While Bali may not be the first destination that comes to mind for wine enthusiasts, the island has been making significant strides in the production of both wine and its native spirit, Arak, offering a unique taste of Indonesia’s evolving beverage scene.

Bali’s tropical climate may not be the most conventional for vineyards, but that hasn’t deterred passionate winemakers. Utilizing innovative techniques and a deep understanding of local terroir, a burgeoning wine industry has emerged. The result is a range of wines with distinct characters and flavor profiles. Varietals such as Muscat St. Vallier, Belgia, and Alphonse Lavallée thrive in Bali’s unique conditions, producing wines with notes of tropical fruit, floral undertones, and a refreshing acidity. 

Arak, on the other hand, holds a special place in Indonesian culture. This traditional distilled spirit is crafted from a base of rice or palm sap, with the distillation process enhancing its potency. Arak has a long history in the region and is used in various ceremonies and social gatherings.

9. Balinese Chocolate to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Illustration of Balinese Chocolate, photo by Leelo Thefirst on Pexels

The journey of Balinese chocolate begins in the lush cacao plantations that dot the island. The volcanic soil and favorable climate create an ideal environment for cacao trees to flourish. Local farmers carefully tend to their crops, ensuring that only the finest cacao pods are harvested. This attention to quality is the foundation of Balinese chocolate’s exceptional taste.

What sets Balinese chocolate apart is the dedication to artisanal craftsmanship. Local chocolatiers, often working in small, family-owned workshops, transform the cacao paste into a diverse array of products. From velvety smooth bars to indulgent truffles and pralines, each piece is a testament to the skill and passion of the chocolatier.

10. Healthy Balinese Souvenirs: Detox Drinks or Jamu

Illustration of Jamu Drinks, photo by Melanie Dijkstra on Unsplash

Jamu has deep roots in Indonesian culture, with a history that spans centuries. Derived from ancient Javanese herbal medicine. So you might wonder, what is Jamu? Jamu is a concoction made from a blend of natural ingredients, including roots, herbs, spices, and fruits. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its specific health benefits and combined to create a tonic that addresses various health concerns.

Where to find Jamu?

You can easily find jamu in Bali’s local market, especially those in Ubud and other traditional villages. Additionally, many wellness spas and holistic health centers incorporate Jamu into their offerings, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the benefits of this ancient remedy firsthand.