Shopping in Kuta is inevitable. Even if you aren't interested in buying anything, the touts are quick to steer you none-too-subtly to their merchandise (usually by waving it in your face). The streets (particularly Poppies Gang II) are lined with stalls offering tie-dyed sarongs, shorts, swimsuits, knock-off brand-name cologne, hats, and wristwatches. Given the hard sell, this might be the best place to hone your bargaining skills.
Kuta Square is the place to go for Western-style shopping -- it might be called "Brand-Name Row," with Nike, Polo, and Armani all represented, plus fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and KFC. The Galleria Bali (tel. 361/761945; www.dfsgalleria.com) -- a new luxury shopping mall with duty-free goods by Chanel, Coach, and other big brands -- offers shuttles from many hotels.
Surfer Girl, on Jalan Legian (tel. 361/752693), has a good collection of women's swimwear and active clothing, while a co-ed selection can be found at Jungle Surf, also on Jalan Legian (tel. 361/756644; www.junglesurfworld.com).
For books, stop by Periplus, with locations in Kuta Square (tel. 361/763988), in Seminyak near Made's Warung (tel. 361/734843), and even at the airport.
