A few months ago I was in Bali. More specifically in Ubud, for my yoga teacher training. My first time in Indonesia, and I loved the creative energy of the island. I discovered several brands there that I really loved. It’s since become something I want to do more consciously: find quality local brands to bring back from my travels, rather than a soulless souvenir that ends up collecting dust on a shelf.
Before I go any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube.
Indigo Luna
My first crush in Bali: Indigo Luna. It’s technically an Australian brand, but the clothes are made in Bali and they have several stores on the island. It’s an eco-friendly brand offering yoga and everyday wear. I bought 2 yoga sets and a sports bra from them. The materials are natural and recycled, production is slower, and the pieces last a lot longer.
I wear my two sets regularly, I love the feel of natural fiber, so much softer and nicer to wear. Wouldn’t recommend it for hot yoga (I live in Toronto, and it’s a very popular option there, so I feel like I should mention it). I also love the original cuts. The yoga pants come in two different lengths, for a different look, but also to fit different body types.
If you order online, you can use this link for 10% off.
Nataoka
My second huge favourite from the trip: Nataoka. I discovered the brand at The Locals Canggu, tried on this green set, and it was love at first sight, I had to have that colour. No hesitation, we tried it, we approved it, I bought it. It made me curious to learn more about the brand, and luckily, there was a store just steps away from my yoga school, House of Om Melati.
I found out the brand was created in 2017 by Desi Astriani, and the name was inspired by her parents’ names: Nata and Oka. Coming from a small Balinese village, Desi dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. But watching her friends start families after finishing school made her doubt her choices for a moment. In the end, she followed her heart. She traveled, she saw, she learned. Then she came back to Bali to launch her brand. The clothes are made from organic linen, handmade in her home village, and she now has 4 stores.
On top of that, they always reply on Instagram when I tag my outfits (yes, because I ended up buying 3 sets and a top… I wasn’t lying about loving it!), and we always chat a bit. I always find it nice when a brand actually engages with its customers.
Papedas from Indo
Another brand discovered at The Locals Canggu. Definitely a stop to add to your Ubud visit if you want a local souvenir you’ll actually use regularly. I brought back 3 t-shirts from Papedas from Indo. The quality is excellent, it’s such a nice cotton to wear, and it washes really well. I wear them all the time and they haven’t budged one bit. There isn’t a lot of information about them online, but they describe themselves as a streetwear brand making handmade cotton products. I loved the messages printed on their pieces. Go check out their partner boutiques and let me know what you think.
Killflip
Like the previous brand, this is an Indonesian streetwear brand with fairly little information online. But this one really comes from Ubud itself. Killflip was sold at the café next to my school. I don’t drink coffee (not that it matters for the story), but I’d go there with my friends, and I’d sometimes order a delicious Balinese kombucha. And that’s where I spotted this crop top calling my name. The message on it reads: “The world has bigger problems than boys who kiss boys and girls who kiss girls.” I thought it was a beautiful message, aligned with my values.
They’re not very active online, so it’s best to find the places where they sell their products. Start with BGS Café.
Yups
I’m not totally sure how to pronounce it, but I love that this brand feels more like a sound than a word: Yups. Another discovery at The Locals Canggu, I told you it was a goldmine. This time, I didn’t bring this one home for myself, but for my boyfriend. I wanted to bring him back something from this special trip too, something he could wear regularly. His says “extra shot of tropical heat” on the back. Since he’s Jamaican (we were actually there recently, if you’re planning a trip), I thought it suited him well.
There isn’t much information about the brand online, but it’s a small, emerging local brand worth checking out.
Flock Boutique
Switching things up with a very cool, very chic yet boho-chic boutique: Flock Boutique. I found a linen pair of pants there that was so pretty and comfortable to wear. Originally I bought it for yoga, but I find it so stylish that I actually wear it more as an outfit for going out or daytime wear.
I also picked up 2 t-shirts, one for my boyfriend and a crop top for me, both say “boutique bali” on them. Simple, but a nice reminder of such an important trip. His also has a really meaningful, positive message about the importance of having an open mind and respecting others. It suited him so well.
Studio K
A little bonus, a seventh brand I discovered in Bali: Studio K, a Swedish yoga brand made in Bali. I visited the store but didn’t buy anything, it was a bit above the budget I’d set for myself. But looking back, if I went again, I might pick something up.
Founded in 2016 by Miki West, she wanted to offer higher-quality materials, more aligned with her yoga practice. The pieces are a bit different from what you’d usually find, standing out while still being made from better, more comfortable materials.
This list isn’t exhaustive, and it could grow if I go back. There are so many local brands to discover in Bali. But I hope this gives you a few starting points to discover and support local makers during your visit, and bring home a souvenir you won’t find anywhere else.
