Shopping in Lombok defies the mass-produced stream of products which is a common phenomenon of the modern culture. The three main crafts produced in Lombok are pottery, textiles, and basket weaving. This is the island where people should let their shopping instincts be guided by the love for unique handmade products of high quality, made locally. You are sure to find some extraordinary pieces of skillful furniture, jewelry, clothes, baskets, and other such stuff created by highly skilled craftsmen that would go perfectly on your mantelpieces or in your wardrobes. The quality of the products is never compromised for the efforts put in creating a single piece is unmatchable. Lombok is one such place where you can give your haggling skills a rest as you would be paying less for more judging the marvels in front of you. The island is filled with shops selling clothes, crafts, furniture, and jewelry, not to mention pearls, which are found in abundance. Where to shop in Lombok can be tricky but not if you are prepared.

1. Sukara traditional weaving village

Visit the center of Lombok's textile industry at the Sukara traditional weaving village. Their peculiar weaving style is called Ikat which means to 'tie' or 'bind.' The technique uses 'resist dying' and features symbols referring to power, wealth, and prestige. Typical items sold are wall hangings, dresses, and shirts. Ikat is done by men and Songket by women usually. The latter is more complicated and both the techniques are passed down from generation to generation. The entire process of growing the cotton, spinning the thread, brewing the dyes and weaving the looms before creating the final product, can be witnessed and understood with the help of a local guide.

2. Furniture stores

The furniture in Indonesia is typical of the region. Indonesians are known to produce high-quality furniture using teak, bamboo, and rattan. Much of the stuff from Indonesia is exported and is in much demand in the international fora.  Lombok sells products firsthand and at far cheaper prices. The extreme skill and effort put into creating a masterpiece create a huge market for these products. Some of the places to look for the perfect furniture that can harmoniously exist with your interior's setting are the Classic Furniture at Raya Batu Layar, Gallery Nao Wooden Furniture at Raya Montong, and D-Jaya Furniture and Teak wood Specialist at Senggigi Square Blok.

3. M.L. Pearl Shop

Lombok is known for its pearls and more for producing freshwater pearls. You can find beach vendors selling pearls of all shapes and sizes at its many beaches. However, if you are looking to make it a more authentic purchase, there are about fifteen pearl wholesale companies. The M.L. Pearl Shop, next to Jayakarta Hotel, sells some of the best gifts, jewelry, and pearls.

4. Lombok’s pottery work

There is a reason why the potters in the west name their brands, Lombok. The region produces one of the most intricate designs known for its originality. A single exquisite handmade piece takes hours and hours of hard work by the local craftsmen. The three villages of Banyumulek, Penujak, and Masbagik are the main hubs of creating their own distinct styles using their unique and creative processes. Pottery from Lombok has seen a rise in the recent years, courtesy of the skilled craftsmen who can create marvels using materials as simple as rattan, bamboo, and even house-friendly textures. Parmour Art & Gallery, antiques, woods, and ceramics showroom and the Lombok Pottery Centre are the two best places to buy pottery and figurines.