It’s nearly impossible to leave Bali without one of the island’s locally made wood carvings. How much you spend depends on how much extra baggage you’re willing to schlep. Here, a cheat sheet to the island’s best wood carvings.
To buy a wall panel
Head to: The town of Kemenuh, one of the island’s longtime wood-working hubs, is full of galleries. Seek out the shops around Butterfly Park, which specialize in beautiful carved wall hangings.
Ask for: Native suar, a dark, caramel-brown wood with a pronounced grain that makes it resistant to cracking
Expect to pay: Around $100 for a 12-inch circular wall piece
To buy a statue
Head to: The village of Mas, where wood carvers remix traditions: You’ll see Buddhas with modern expressions and animals in yoga poses. Many studios are in private homes, but the statues are sold at local shops.
Ask for: Hibiscus wood: It has an ivory-like sheen and is malleable enough to allow for more elaborate designs.
Expect to pay: From $200 to $1,000 depending on the size of your statue.
To buy a door
Head to: The Southern village of Sukawati, where the Galih Ukir workshop employs 30 full-time craftsmen who use chisels to create their detailed patterns. See them, and you’ll understand why there are no doors as spectacular as those from Bali.
Ask for: Teak. It’s durable and water-resistant enough to be used outside.
Expect to pay: At least five grand for something intricate.
