In Reply to: Buying art and fine crafts, shipping? posted by Kelly on Sunday, 4. April 1999 at 15:39 Bali Time:
Hello Kelly,
My first time to Bali aslo dates back to 1991, and I visited the island 3 times since ; don't worry, the shock won't be too big, especially in Ubud. The most noticeable difference will be the number of tourists which has definitely increased (many now leave Ubud during the day, and you will see some of them even on small roads). But again, it will just be a matter of going a little bit further to the remote places and you will meet only balinese people).
As for your shopping addresses, I would suggest the following (in increasing price range order) :
1 - try the small villages around Ubud, depending on what you are looking for (stone, wood, painting, material...) Definitely the cheapest prices available, with a little bargainning that is.
2 - try the market in Sukawati
3 - try inside Ubud (2 to 3 times more expensive than choice 1)
As for Kuta prices, i can't comment due to the very limited time my nerves have allowed me to stay there each time i visited Bali).
One more thing, I believe more tourists will be in Bali in June than in April... but on the other hand it might still be rainy in April... Your choice !
Sampai jumpa