Shopper's Guide To Bali Airport: What To Buy?

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali offers a wide range of duty-free shopping options for travellers. From liquor, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, jewellery, skincare, toys, electronics, and specialty foods, the airport has something for everyone. The airport features popular brands such as Chanel, Armani, Victoria's Secret, Guess, and Samsonite, as well as local Balinese products like coffee, chocolate, dried fruit, and fabrics. With a mix of international and high-end Indonesian brands, it's a great place to pick up last-minute souvenirs and treats.

Balinese coffee

The unique flavour of Balinese coffee is influenced by the processing method. In Bali, wet processing is the traditional way, where the fruit covering the coffee bean is removed while it is still wet. In contrast, dry processing, where the entire fruit is dried, is more common in the rest of Indonesia. This difference in processing gives Balinese coffee a brighter and more toned flavour than other Indonesian coffees, with a subtle fruit sweetness.

One of the most famous types of Balinese coffee is Kopi Luwak, which is also the most expensive coffee in the world. This coffee has a unique process where the coffee fruits are eaten by civets, wild animals that resemble cats, which digest the fruit and excrete the beans. The civet's enzymes remove the bitterness from the beans, resulting in a smooth and mild taste. However, due to high demand, Kopi Luwak production has become controversial, with civets being captured, caged, and force-fed coffee beans. As a result, it is recommended to only purchase Kopi Luwak if you are certain it does not come from farmed civets.

Bali's coffee culture is deeply rooted in the island's history, with coffee plants first introduced by merchants from neighbouring Lombok in the early 20th century. The people of Bali believe that happiness is a result of maintaining good relationships with others and their environment, and this philosophy is reflected in their coffee-growing practices. Balinese coffee is typically grown by small farmers who organise themselves into "subak abians", a system similar to the traditional subak rice-growing system, emphasising balance and fairness.

Local crafts

If you're looking for something truly special, head to the handicraft section of the "T Galleria", the largest duty-free shop outside the airport. Here, you'll find high-quality Balinese souvenirs such as beautifully batik scarves and fans, and Kupu Kupu Bola Dunia coffee. These items are perfect for those looking for more upscale gifts.

For a more extensive selection of local crafts, head to the "Mal Bali Galleria", a shopping mall located near the airport. This mall features a huge souvenir shop with a variety of items, including wood products. It's worth noting, however, that wooden items are not allowed into Australia, and certain items like dream catchers may require additional time at customs.

When shopping for local crafts, it's important to keep ethical choices in mind. Check the quality and production background of the items you're considering, and aim for choices that respect Bali's nature and culture. Additionally, it's always a good idea to negotiate with shop owners and artisans when purchasing handcrafted items.

Chocolate

Buying Chocolate at Bali Airport

Bali Airport offers duty-free shopping, which includes confectionery and specialty foods from the island. While it's not specified whether chocolate is available at the duty-free shops, you can find an array of local Balinese products, including the famous Kopi Luwak coffee.

Exploring Bali's Chocolate Scene

If you have some time to spare beyond the airport, Bali boasts a thriving craft chocolate scene with numerous chocolate producers creating high-quality, bean-to-bar chocolates. Here are some top spots to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Junglegold Chocolate Factory ( formerly Pod Chocolate): Located in Ubud, this factory is the world's first fully plant-based chocolate factory. They use a unique blend of coconut, cashew milk, and cocoa butter to create delicious, creamy, and sustainable chocolates. You can visit their factory or flagship stores in Sanur and Ubud to sample their artisanal chocolate flavours.
• Krakakoa Chocolate Cafe and Factory: While their main factory isn't in Bali, they have a modern cafe and tasting room in Seminyak. Indulge in their homemade chocolates and chocolate-based treats, or try your hand at the "Make Your Own Chocolate" station. They also offer a two-hour chocolate workshop for a more immersive experience.
• Sorga Chocolate Factory: Tucked away in the eastern region of Karangasem, this artisanal chocolate factory produces high-quality dark chocolate with ethically sourced cocoa. They offer a one-hour tour and tasting, where you'll learn about local chocolate production and pair their chocolates with other local ingredients.
• Ubud Raw Chocolate: Specialising in raw, vegan chocolate, Ubud Raw Chocolates in Ubud offers a unique chocolate experience. Their chocolates are made with just two superfood ingredients: high-quality cacao and creamy coconut. You can sample their creative flavours, such as wild orange and fig or mint and goji berry, at their central Ubud store.
• Primo Chocolab: Founded by Italian expat Giuseppe Verdacch, Primo Chocolab in Tabanan is a small-scale producer of high-quality, organic, single-origin chocolate. They work closely with local cacao farmers who practice traditional, sustainable farming methods. You can book an appointment-only tour or workshop to delve into their chocolate-making process.
• Desa Cokolat Bali (CAU): Nestled within the rice terraces of central Bali, Desa Cokolat Bali is an agrotourism centre belonging to CAU Chocolates. It features a cacao plantation, a working chocolate factory, an on-site restaurant, a spacious garden, a chocolate shop, and a gallery. You can learn about local chocolate production and even mould your own chocolate bar or make fresh hot chocolate.
• Cacao Land Bali: Just a short drive from Desa Cokolat in Central Bali, Cacao Land Bali is a family-friendly education centre and chocolate megastore. They offer immersive chocolate education sessions tailored for children, taking them through the bean-to-bar journey. There's also an on-site cafe, a large garden, and a play area for kids to enjoy.

So, whether you're at the airport or exploring the island, Bali has plenty of chocolatey treats in store for you!

Fashion

Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport offers a wide range of fashion options for travellers looking to indulge in some duty-free shopping. From famous brands to niche products, here's a guide to the fashion items you can expect to find at the airport:

Designer Brands

Bali Airport offers an array of luxury fashion brands to choose from. This includes well-known names such as Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Longchamp, Montblanc, Victoria's Secret, Guess, Tumi, Samsonite, Kipling, and LeSportsac. These brands offer a range of products, from clothing to accessories, and are located in the airport's duty-free shopping area.

Local Fabrics and Textiles

If you're looking for something more unique to Bali, the airport also offers a selection of local fabrics and textiles. These include beautifully crafted batik scarves and fans, which showcase traditional Balinese designs and can be great souvenirs or gifts.

High-End Department Stores

For a wider range of fashion options, you can visit the T Galleria, located near the airport. This large duty-free shop offers a variety of high-end fashion brands, including Burberry, Armani, Tiffany & Co., and more. Here, you can browse through designer clothing, accessories, jewellery, and other luxury items.

Practical and Comfortable Clothing

When travelling, it's always a good idea to have comfortable and practical clothing. At the airport, you'll find stores like Uniqlo, which offers a range of basic and comfortable clothing options perfect for long flights or layovers.

Balinese Specialties

For a truly unique fashion experience, keep an eye out for Balinese specialty items. This can include handcrafted rattan bags, which are both stylish and functional, or locally designed clothing from Balinese fashion brands. These items can be found in the airport's souvenir shops or local markets.

Remember, duty-free shopping can offer great deals, but it's always a good idea to research prices beforehand to ensure you're getting the best value. Additionally, be mindful of any luggage restrictions and your country's duty-free allowances to avoid any issues during your travels.

Electronics

When buying electronics in Bali, it is important to do your research beforehand to ensure you are buying a legitimate brand and not a cheap knock-off. It is recommended to search for the model and brand you want and compare prices before making a purchase.

There are several trusted electronic stores in Bali, including the Bali Electronic Center, Denpasar Electronic, and Kartika Electronic Store, which offer a wide range of branded appliances and provide decent warranties. These stores are located in Denpasar and Kuta, respectively.

For online shopping, apps such as Shopee and Tokopedia are popular choices, as they offer a wide range of electronic brands and ensure that you are buying directly from the brand or a reliable source.

Additionally, the Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta offers a mix of international and local brands for electronics and other goods.

Frequently asked questions