I am constantly asked about where to shop, where to go and
what to do, so I’ve decided to provide you with some
more contacts that am sure may be of interest to you:
Maru Studio Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Samantha
Black, for the month of October. Do plan a visit to this delightful
slick, bijou boutique situated opposite the entry of Hotel
Resort Seminyak at 7A Jl Laksmana, Oberoi. Samantha’s
work is truly exciting - her use of gemstones entwined with
fine filigree, woven metals and skilled stone settings is
positively brilliant. Every piece is unique, mixing shaped
stones, carved bone, glittering gems with metals, resin and
natural clusters of crystal minerals. Her range is definitely
for the individual! Tel. 734 102.
And since the finale of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
I have discovered some names that I am happy to share with
you for Ubud. But, your first stop should definitely be a
visit to:
The Smile Shop:
Apparently this is the only charity thrift shop in Bali where
all proceeds go to The Smile Foundation of Bali. This organization
facilitates and finances cranio-facial surgery for Indonesians
(mostly children) in Bali and Lombok. The merchandise for
the shop is fun and inexpensive, donated by individuals and
businesses, manned by volunteer staff. Sounds an excellent
idea to visit this store and give to a worthwhile cause. The
shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and
Sunday from 12noon to 4pm. Jl Sri Wedari (also known as the
Taman Road). For additional information, call Carrie on 0813
3848 7498.
For healthy snacks for daily indulgence, remember that there
is the Bali Buddha (health store & café) located
at 1 Jl Jembawan (in front of the post office) tel. 976 324.
Their other café is located at 25A Jl Banjar Anyar,
Kerobokan.
For delicious breads; pastries and the best choc truffles,
visit the small café at the entrance of Kakiang Bungalows.
Jl Raya Pengosekan, tel. 971 551.
Organic Soaps – favs are the Sweet Orange, Lemon Tea
Tree & Minty Green, some of the best produced soaps on
the isle. KOU, Jl Dewi Sita, tel. 971 905.
Love the traditional handmade batik that you will find at
Hanoman 43 on Jl Hanoman – great for you or makes the
perfect gift.
Puspita is a popular fashion name around Bali with boutiques
in Legian & Seminyak. Such pretty merchandise, various
styles and cutesy prints – they are always ahead of
the game. Check out their headscarfs. Their two shops are:
53 Jl Hanoman, tel. 7473220 or 5 Jl Suweta, tel. 971095.
I discovered a great company that specialises in eco &
educational tours. For the energetic, book your next cycling
tour, volcano sunrise climb to both Mt Batur / Mt Agung, jungle
trekking and more…Bali Budaya Tours, Jl Raya Pengosekan,
tel. 975557.
Do you know about Nyoman Sumertha’s Fine Arts Gallery?
Time you visit just before lunchtime so you can sample some
authentic Balinese food in his attached restaurant called
Tepi Sawah, Banjar Teges, Peliatan, tel. 975 267.
And lastly, invest in the newest coffee table book called
Asia’s Legendary Hotels – I love it! Text by William
Warren & superb photography by Ubud resident, Jill Gocher.
Available from Periplus stores.
For comments and enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
