3 Best Shopping in Indonesia

Handcrafted pottery is a specialty on Lombok, and you'll find some good examples in the village of Banyumulek, about halfway between Lembar and Mataram. Many houses have studios that you can visit to buy pottery directly from the artists; bargaining is acceptable. For a one-stop shop, try Rismunika Astuti art shop (62/3706–81559), off the main road into Banyumulek; they will even ship purchases abroad. Bring cash as many stores don't take credit cards.

Just north of Mataram and about half an hour from Senggigi, this art market specializes in traditional handicrafts from Lombok as well as artisan products from regions throughout Indonesia, including the traditional woven cloth called ikat. Wooden products are a particular specialty of Lombok, often decorated with an inlay of mother of pearl known as cukli. This area is also the source of wooden masks and furniture you'll see throughout Indonesia. Be sure to bargain for the best deals.

This is the place to look for the Pulau Weh specialty—souvenirs made from coconut shells, such as necklaces and earrings, often adorned with seashells. It also sells hand-sewn embroidered items and other local products. Like many others in Sabang, the shop, next to PUM Losman, usually closes between noon and 4 or 5 pm.