Hidden puchasing gems in Bali?
 

What can anyone recommend as a unique purchase from Bali? I know batik are popular. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I have purchased a number of crafts in Bali. Bali was organized around craft village of various types: Ubud was the center for painting, Celek for silver work, stone carving and wood carving villages, etc. If you are interested in Batik, you want tulis - by hand rather than stamped designs.

I'd recommend you hire a car and driver and visit some of the "craft villages" and see what strikes your fancy

Cloth...custom clothing...anything silver...carved wood...paintings, kites, placemats and other home items

The famous jeweler, john Hardy is located just outside Ubud. Contact them on the Internet and request a factory tour, which also comes with lunch and a visit to their unique showroom. A highlight of any bali visit for my wife.

Look for small silversmith shops,, hand-worked soft leather bags, ladies who do traditional batik using the old techniques. That's Bali, but there are 4000 other islands right through from Singapore to PNG. Heading that way later this month for a while.

MareeS55 - hmmm, 'hand worked soft leather bags'' now that sounds like something worth searching for! Thanks for the tip!
I appreciate all the other leads, too, this is going to be fun!