Where to Buy Essentials in Bali: Groceries, Toiletries, etc

We’ve all been there: it's halfway through your vacation and that tiny 100ml shampoo bottle you packed is already empty. Maybe you’ve spent a little too long on the beach and are desperate for some aftersun. Or perhaps you’ve had your fill of nasi goreng and want to whip up some sandwiches for tomorrow’s day trip from Ubud. But the question is—where do you find these everyday essentials in Bali?

The last thing you want is to spend precious vacation time wandering the streets searching for supermarkets or pharmacies. Luckily, years of experience mean that we know all the best places in Bali to pick up whatever you need, from fresh groceries and toiletries to health and beauty products.

This guide will help you navigate where to buy essentials in Bali quickly and easily—so you can get back to enjoying your trip!

Where to shop for groceries in Bali?

Bali is a food lover’s paradise, with delicious and affordable meals at every turn—so you might not feel the need to cook at all. However, if you’re staying for a while and craving some home-cooked comforts, you’ll be glad to know that groceries are widely available.

There are three main places to shop for groceries in Bali: traditional markets (pasar), mini-marts, and big chain supermarkets:

Traditional Markets

Traditional markets, or pasar, are where most locals shop for fresh produce. Found in villages and towns across the island, these regular markets offer an authentic and affordable way to stock up on delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, fragrant local spices, and an array of Balinese delicacies.

The downside? Most local markets happen early in the morning, so you'll need to wake up bright and early to visit! Ubud Morning Market is one of the largest and best-known markets, taking place every morning between 5-8am.

Outside of the morning markets, you'll also find some locally-owned stalls and shops selling fresh produce for affordable prices. But you'll usually have to travel away from the main tourist areas to find these.

Mini-Marts

You can't go far in Bali without stumbling across a mini-mart or convenience store.

Popular mini-mart brands include:

• Circle K

• Mini Mart

• Alfamart

• Indo Mart

Most mini-marts stock basics such as bread, eggs, milk, coffee, instant noodles, cold drinks, and plenty of snacks. Many also have basic toiletries and household items. But don't expect to do a full food shop in these.

Supermarkets in Bali

Bali also has many large, modern Western-style supermarkets where you can stock up on a huge range of local and international products.

Popular supermarket brands in Bali include:

• Pepito

• Frestive

• Coco

• Grand Lucky

• Bintang

• Nirmala

Pepito is where we shop for everyday items such as cereal, yogurt, pasta, and sauces (for the rare occasions we do cook!). Our local Canggu store has loads of imported products, from Hellman's mayo to Nandos peri-peri sauce and more.

Most supermarkets also have large fruit and vegetable sections. But in our experience, fresh produce is more expensive than buying it from local market stalls. Prices also fluctuate due to seasonality, so always double-check how much your veggies cost – even if you're a regular.

Alive Wholefoods is another supermarket we like to shop at for healthy, organic, and ethically sourced produce. While certainly on the expensive side, they have a great range of options, including plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, vegan, and vegetarian products.

Where to buy toiletries in Bali?

Buying basic toiletries in Bali is easy and affordable. Everyday essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are readily available at supermarkets and health and beauty stores on the island.

For Bali's equivalent of "Boots" (UK), "Priceline" (Aus), or a drug store (USA), look out for Guardian Pharmacy (our go-to). Guardian has numerous stores across southern and central Bali and sells a wide range of medicines, toiletries, and cosmetics.

Watsons is another great spot for health and beauty products in Bali. However, there are only a few locations, primarily inside large shopping malls such as Beachwalk in Kuta, Seminyak Square, and Icon Mall in Sanur.

Similarly, international chain stores The Body Shop and Bath & Body Work can be found in Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta.

Most major health and beauty stores are concentrated around the large resort towns in southern Bali. If you're travelling to more remote destinations in the north of the island, it's best to stock up on what you need before you go.

Where to buy medicine in Bali?

If you're in Bali for a while, there's a decent chance you'll end up in a pharmacy for something, whether it's a remedy for Bali belly, seasickness tablets for the ferry to the Nusa Islands, or painkillers for a particularly rough hangover.

Finding medicine in Bali is simple and straightforward, with pharmacies all across the island where you can get over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Big pharmacy brands in Bali include:

• Guardian Pharmacy

• Kimia Farma

• K-24

Guardian Pharmacy is one of the most reliable chains for over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and health supplies. They stock common items like pain relievers, cold and flu tablets, and stomach remedies.

Kimia Farma and K-24 are Bali’s two other major pharmacy chains, with a wide range of medications, including prescription drugs. They’re typically staffed with pharmacists who can assist you with minor health issues. Both brands have locations across the island, including many stores in popular tourist areas.

While it's best to stick to these bigger reputable brands, they're not always available in more remote areas. In this case, you may need to visit a smaller local pharmacy, or"apotek" in Indonesian.

These local pharmacies may not stock international brands, but they often carry affordable generic alternatives for common medications. Make sure you know the active ingredient of what you want for easier communication with the pharmacist.