Designer fakes, dupes, imitations, knockoffs - whatever you like to call it, they all refer to the same thing: counterfeit goods with all the allure of luxury brand designs but without the eye-watering price tags. In Bali, entire streets are dedicated to this cheeky trade, and I’m here to share the best places to hunt down these “genuine fakes.” Pro tip: bring an extra suitcase - you’ll need it!
Quick Disclaimer - Purchasing counterfeit goods has ethical implications, and at Tengah, we don’t condone the buying or selling of such items. However, if you’re curious about the experience, here’s the lowdown.
What Can You Find?
The variety of designer fakes in Bali is impressive. Popular items include:
Designer Handbags: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Chloe, Prada, Miu Miu
Sneakers: Nike, Yeezy, Balenciaga, New Balance, Adidas
Football Kits: For every team imaginable
Accessories: Belts, watches, sunglasses, jewellery and perfumes
Clothing: Essentials, Carhartt, Stussy, Supreme, Moschino, Patagonia
Top Places to Shop for Designer Fakes in Bali
1. Legian
Garlic Lane is a treasure trove of fakes, with shop after shop selling everything from handbags to sneakers. But not all stores are created equal - check items carefully, as some may feature amusingly misspelt brand names like Christiana Dior, Muw Muw, Prado, or Channel.
If you’re not a fan of haggling, check out 100% Genuine Fake Shop and James’s Collection for fixed-price options. Or, Pro Tip - Download Tengah, the ultimate travel app that ensures you’re getting a fair deal. Tengah shows average prices for bartered goods and services based on what other travellers have paid. Plus, it provides photos, descriptions, and currency conversions all tailored to your location.
2. Seminyak
Open daily, Seminyak Fleamarket is a haven for counterfeit goods, particularly football kits, bags, and sneakers. Just a heads up, the stallholders here are tough negotiators. They know how much their merch is worth, so the classic “walk-away” tactic often won’t work.
There are also a couple of fixed-price shops here too where a pair of Nike sneakers typically start at 400,000 IDR.
Looking for Premium Fakes? You NEED to check out Dua by Favor. This boutique is a game-changer. Their deepfakes are mirror copies of designer goods so flawless that only an expert could tell the difference. Prices are higher - think $300 for a handbag that would normally retail for $3,000. The store itself is a visual delight, but filming inside is strictly prohibited.
3. Canggu
Canggu offers higher-quality fakes than what you may find at the markets, but only slightly so it might not be worth the jump in price tag. The most popular shops are:
LA Shop
You’ll find an excellent range of clothes and shoes here, with T-shirts from trending brands priced around 600,000 IDR. The quality is solid and likely to last longer than what you could get in Kuta.
So What About Kuta?
Once a hub for fake goods, Kuta Art Market and Poppies Lane have seen a decline in quality post-COVID, despite Kuta Art Market undergoing a revamp. The fakes here are often subpar compared to other areas, so it’s best to skip these spots and head elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for fakes in Bali is an experience, from the hunt to the haggling. If you go, keep an eye on quality, know your limits when bartering, and use tools like Tengah to get the best deals.
For more tips on bartering in Bali, check out our other post: [Mastering Bartering in Bali: Best Practices According to Local Customs and Etiquette].
Happy shopping - and good luck fitting all your treasures into your suitcase!
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