Among the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, Bali is said to be the largest archipelagic country around the world. The island is made up of 2,000,000 km2 of land with a group of islands stretching over 500,000 km from Sumatra to Papua. It covers territorial waters of more than 5,000,000 km2 among the 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago.

Bali Island is located at 8 to 9 degrees southern part of the equator with the Java Sea to the North and the Indian Ocean to the south. It is situated between Java and Lombok. The island covers an area of 5,636 km2 or 0.29% of Indonesia which measures just 90km long to the northern-south axis and less than about 140km from west to east. The island is divided into three areas of water – the North Bali Sea which is about 3,168km2, the East about 3.350km2 and the West about 2,982km2.

The most popular of the island is its southern part Bali where most jobs are found. These jobs are mostly in the hotel or tourism industry and some major farming industry. There are also small scales of home or personal Bali businesses such as textile or garment, souvenirs and handicrafts. This type of business provides Bali economy with more than 200,000 jobs and exports have been increasing around 6.7% which valued at around US$ 380 million. It is reported that of the total foreign exchange earners, garments and textiles have contributed about 27.4% and wood products including furniture, statues and other handicrafts with 18.2%. While Silver work has been ranked third with 0.41% that consists of 4,500 workers employed. This sector is widely open on the US, Europe and Japan which keeps on growing steadily with target market.

Besides fruits, vegetable, coffee, copra, soy beans, vanilla and chilies, rice has become an important agricultural product. You can found most of the recent vineyards along the north coast line of the island. Some of its important commodities for foreign markets are fishing and seaweed farming. The people of Bali are very interesting to observe as their ability in coping the globalization era are acquired professionally.

In terms of trade, you will find goldsmiths, tailor and other merchants provide consumer goods in town. Most of the women in the village bring agricultural items to sell and return home with goods to peddle door to door or in small shops. Merchants go to the village to buy agricultural goods or sell items such as patent, medicines, cloth or medicines while most of the men sell cattle in the market.

You will see the traditional agricultural activities wherein men plow and prepare the fields. Women care for the pigs, keep the garden, and keep small snack stalls. Women are also responsible in taking care for the children and assisted by the husband or other family members. In Bali, there is a stricter distinction between men’s and women’s ritual of work. Men can replace each other in domestic and agricultural chores when necessary.

Bali Island is ultimately a favorite holiday spot for holidaymakers but even if you just went here to travel or spend vacation, you will still end up with shopping and fascinating and irresistible Bali goods. This island is well-known for its treasure throve of fine art and handicrafts, antique and semi-antique furniture, delicately carved jewelry, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics which makes it not just a getaway spot but also a shopping spot for tourists!

Shopping in Bali involves bargaining in markets, shops and art shops which are a normal practice in this island. Getting a good price can be a big challenge for any travelers that can largely depend on one’s bargaining prowess. Remember to carry cash all the time while staying in Bali as bargaining forms is a large part of the fun of Bali shopping. Also, it is more advised to bring cash as not all places here do not accept credit cards and be good humored. Opening of every shop usually starts at 10am up to 11pm.

Boutiques and dress shops offer international labels, local designer clothes plus skillful tailors and dressmakers which are reliable for 24-hour services! Shops vending similar Bali products are normally grouped together to make comparing prices easier. So don’t ever worry if the shop you are in does not have a particular size or color that fits you for you can just pop over the next stores!

Kuta Beach – It’s a shopping Mecca for visitors, shopaholics and locals who wish to sport the fashionable look of well-known locally made Bali designs and established international brands. There are various shops in Kuta, lined up on Kuta Beach, Kuta Sidewalk, Legian Street; even small alleys called Poppies that are famous for small hotels, guesthouses and villas. Shops mostly sell clothing, leather goods, pirated DVDs and handicrafts line the streets. Take note that prices differ from store to store but with the variety of choices you are sure to find something that matches your budget!

Legian Beach – Try a little adventure by taking small alleys you might find good painting with leaner price in Legian. This place is full with local boutiques and art shops which will surely need you to bring a bigger luggage! Most of the shops are found in Legian Main Street. With its 3km long road, you can only explore the place by bike or motorcycle for only 25,000 per day rent but there always a reason for one who wants to get cardio exercise. A piece of advice: Bargain is a must since most of art shop doesn’t offer fixed price.

Nusa Dua – It is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, hosting a pristine complex of luxury hotels. Here you will see a heavy concentration of big name international hotels lines the beautiful white sand shore that offers excellent swimming conditions in a protected lagoon. The beautiful place is designed as an enclave of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world dedicated to big-spender tourists. It is a perfect place for honeymooners and those who are with the family. Its white sand and shallow water are ideal for children to play in the sea while lifeguards keep a watchful eye. It is an official venue for international conferences, congresses, meetings and other executive corporate events and annual festivals, attended by important worldwide participants.