Bali for Book Lovers: Best Bookstores and Libraries

Bali for Book Lovers: Best Bookstores and Libraries on the Island of the Gods

If you thought Bali was all about beaches, surf, and smoothie bowls, think again. For those who crave the rustle of pages and the scent of old paper, Bali is a book lover’s unexpected paradise—a sun-drenched island where literature mingles with lush rice paddies and incense-laden breezes. From bustling Ubud to the chilled-out shores of Canggu, here’s my handpicked guide to Bali’s most enchanting bookstores and libraries, with a sprinkle of personal tales and insider tips.

Ganesha Bookshop: A Literary Oasis in Ubud

There’s a certain magic in stepping off Ubud’s busy Jalan Raya and ducking into the Ganesha Bookshop. Founded in 1986, this legendary indie bookstore is the island’s best-kept secret for new and secondhand books in multiple languages. The moment you enter, the earthy scent of well-loved novels envelops you, mingling with the sweet aroma of frangipani drifting from the garden outside.

Ganesha is more than a shop—it’s a crossroads for travelers, writers, and dreamers. I once lost an entire tropical afternoon here, thumbing through Balinese folklore, sipping ginger tea, and swapping travel stories with a German backpacker who was tracing the footsteps of Eat Pray Love. The staff are true bibliophiles: ask for recommendations, especially on Indonesian literature or books about Bali’s mystical culture.

Periplus: The Island’s International Chain

If you’re hunting for the latest bestsellers or travel guides, Periplus is your go-to. With stylish branches in Seminyak Square and Ngurah Rai International Airport, Periplus stocks an impressive range of English-language books. Their collection spans everything from contemporary fiction to glossy tomes on Balinese art and architecture—perfect for a beach read or a last-minute gift.

Pro tip: Don’t miss their compact, curated selections in cozy cafés like Crate Café in Canggu, where you can sip a cold brew and leaf through travel memoirs as surfers ride the early morning waves.

Ubud Library & Learning Centre: A Community Haven

Tucked away behind the bustling market, the Ubud Library & Learning Centre is a quiet sanctuary for readers and learners alike. This sunlit space isn’t just about borrowing books—it’s a hub for language exchanges, creative writing workshops, and cultural events. The shelves are stacked with everything from children’s picture books to rare volumes on Balinese history.

I’ll never forget an evening spent here during the monsoon, rain drumming on the tiled roof while a dozen of us circled up for a poetry reading. It’s the kind of place where you might stumble upon a local author or join in a spirited debate about the future of Indonesian literature.

Toko Buku Karisma: Where the Locals Go

For a true slice of Bali, venture into Toko Buku Karisma, a beloved Indonesian chain bookstore with a branch in Denpasar. Here, you’ll find everything from school textbooks to popular Indonesian novels and manga. It’s a vibrant, colorful spot to explore the local reading scene. Even if your Bahasa Indonesia is rusty, the atmosphere is infectious—think students poring over exam prep and parents picking out bedtime stories.

Biku: High Tea and Hardcovers in Seminyak

Craving a slice of cake with your chapter? Biku in Seminyak is a dreamy fusion of tea lounge and book nook. Housed in a 150-year-old Javanese teak joglo, Biku’s in-house bookshop is a treasure trove of classics, children’s tales, and spiritual reads. Order their famous high tea, curl up on a velvet settee, and lose yourself in a story as the afternoon sun slants through stained glass. I once spent a rainy afternoon here, discovering a dog-eared Agatha Christie and swapping travel tips with a Canadian novelist at the next table.

Bonus: Bali’s Festival of Words

If you time your visit right, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is pure literary magic. Every October, storytellers from around the world descend on Ubud for a whirlwind of talks, workshops, and poetry slams under the swaying palms. It’s Bali’s answer to Glastonbury—just with more poetry and fewer muddy wellies.

Final Pages: Tips for the Bali Bookworm

• Pack Light, Read More: Most indie bookstores offer book-swapping, so don’t lug your whole library from home.
• Cultural Reads: Seek out works by Balinese authors like Oka Rusmini or explore translations of Indonesian classics for deeper insight.
• Write Your Own Story: Bali’s cafés are made for journaling—carry a notebook and let the island’s energy spark your creativity.

Whether you’re a sun-seeker with a secret love for novels or a culture-vulture in search of local stories, Bali’s bookstores and libraries offer a unique way to connect with the island’s soul. One page at a time, you’ll discover that Bali isn’t just a place to be seen—it’s a place to read, dream, and write your own adventure.

Selamat membaca, fellow travelers!