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Asia

Shopping in Asia

  1. A

    Dinda Rella

    Upscale frocks for women are designed and made on Bali by this much-honoured brand. The place to get that sexy little cocktail dress. There's another location on Jl Laksmana.

    reviewed

  2. B

    DeZine Hammocks

    Talk about a gift that keeps on giving, not to mention swaying. Choose from a rainbow of in-stock hammocks in a multitude of sizes. Or have one custom-made to your exact size using the fabric of your dreams (trust us, you'll be dreaming once you hop aboard). Total cost for the one-day service: about US$20.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Desy Shop

    Zillions of sandals, all made right here. Show some interest and the owner will offer to make you 100, wholesale.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Carrefour

    This vast outlet of the French discount chain combines lots of small shops (books, computers, bikinis etc) with one huge hypermarket. It's the place to stock up on staples and there's a large ready-to-eat section and a food court as well. The downside, however, is inescapable: it's a mall.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Busana Agung

    Here you'll find stacks of vibrant batiks and other fabrics that scream 'sew me!'.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Bouchra

    Sells fabric with Gauguin-esque designs that has been hand-painted in Denpasar.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Blue Glue

    Has a collection of Bali-made bathing suits from teensy to trendy.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Bintang Supermarket

    Always busy, this large supermarket is the grocery favourite among expats (although Carrefour is tough competition). Affordable sunscreen, bug spray and other sundries as well.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Bananas Batik

    Flouncy clothes for women that you don't have to travel to the source for: the exquisite duds sold here are made at Pondok Pisang, a small inn on the ocean near Candidasa. The batik is very finely made and the muted colours are classy.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Bamboo Blonde

    Frilly, sporty or sexy frocks and more formal wear tempt from this cheery designer boutique.

    reviewed

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  12. Balifu

    Breezy fashions in brightly coloured cotton and batik. Flouncy sarongs.

    reviewed

  13. K

    Bali Collection

    This shopping centre has undergone numerous name changes. Mostly empty except for the dozens of assistants in the glacially air-conditioned Sogo Department Store, it gamely soldiers on. A few souls try to make merry on their Bali holiday at the deserted Starbucks. Good luck. Although the problems can be traced to Nusa Dua's rigorous security and closed nature, the isolation means that the boom other local malls are enjoying is a bust here.

    reviewed

  14. L

    Ashitaba

    Tenganan, the Aga village of east Bali, produces the intricate and beautiful rattan items sold here. Containers, bowls, purses and more (from US$5) display the very fine weaving.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Animale Outlet

    One of Bali's top-end international brands, Animale offers great deals on its lines of casual wear at this outlet store.

    reviewed

  16. Animale

    One of Bali's top-end international brands, Animale has the full range of its collection at this location (one of many).

    reviewed

  17. Zōhiko

    This is our favourite lacquerware shop in Kyoto. While the outside is non-descript, the inside is a treasure trove of beautiful lacquerware and there's a fine gallery upstairs. It's very near Heian-jingū.

    reviewed

  18. Zhāoyuán Gé

    If you love Chinese kites, you'll enjoy this minute shop on the western side of Nanheyan Dajie. Chinese paper kites range from Y10 for a simple kite, up to around Y300 for a dragon; miniature Chinese kites start from Y25. You can also browse Běijīng opera masks, snuff bottles, chopsticks, Mao badges and zǐshā teapots. The owner does not speak much English, but you can look around and make a selection.

    reviewed

  19. Yúngǔ Curios Shop

    A fab little shop selling hand-cut paper art. Grab a paper portrait of Chairman Mao or pick up a Zodiac animal paper cut. There are also many other more intricate designs of phoenixes, swallows and auspicious words. The owner and artist, Wenxiang, doesn't speak much English but if you ask nicely she can do a quick demo of her craft. Located beside Tianhou Temple.

    reviewed

  20. N

    Man Zhang and her husband create the personable porcelain at this tiny shop, the latest link in the Shànghǎi–Jǐngdézhèn connection, which is an excellent place to browse for handmade and hand-painted teaware, bowls and vases.

    reviewed

  21. O

    Yodobashi Camera

    A major new rival for the above, this mammoth shop sells a similar range of electronic goods, camera and computer products and also has a restaurant floor, supermarket, bookshop, cafe and, well, the list goes on. It's a few minutes' walk north of Kyoto Station.

    reviewed

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  23. Xīntiāndì

    Browse the north block for upmarket boutiques, from the fluorescent chic of Shanghai Tang and clever design at Simply Life to the eco-fabrics of Shanghai Trio, iridescent glass sculptures at Líuligōngfáng and embroidered accessories at Annabel Lee.

    reviewed

  24. P

    Xinhua Lu Silk Market

    For silk, try this string of silk shops strung out along the north of Xinhua Lu. Check out the Ming-dynasty residence, now a silk emporium.

    reviewed

  25. Xīnhuá Bookstore

    Inside a multistorey department store opposite the central bus station; you can buy a city map (地图; dìtú; Y5) here.

    reviewed

  26. Wende Lu

    Fine-art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the less touristy but equally interesting Wende Lu, east of Beijing Lu. An array of shops and galleries abound along the road, selling calligraphy, paintings and antique books.

    reviewed

  27. Weaving for Women

    Along the same road as P Guest House, it sells hand-woven goods made by Mon and Karen refugee women.

    reviewed