Reading is always a good escape from the world around you.
Whether you’re on a bus, a plane, lazing around on the beach or chilling in your room, for many of us, there’s no escape from life like getting into a good book.
Nowadays, many people like to read on their tablet or kindle, even on the small screens of their phone! But, for book lovers, there’s nothing quite like feeling the weight of the book in your hands, and flicking through its pages as you read them.
Downloading a book to your device doesn’t quite compare to browsing the shelves of a book shop, looking for an old book that you haven’t read for a long time, or hoping to find something new which you’ve never even heard of before.
There’s a selection of new bookstores in Bali, with all of the latest releases, and there are many small and secondhand shops, hiding the hidden gems.
Some of these bookstores will also take old books, it’s always a nice feeling to leave an old book behind as you take a new one away with you, sharing the journey with the next reader.
7 Best Bookstores In Bali
Ganesha Bookshop – Ubud
Ganesha Bookshop often comes up in conversation when you ask someone about bookshops in Bali, which is one of the most well-established and famous shops on the island.
There are many secondhand books to be found here, a lot of non-fiction books about spirituality, politics and philosophy, which fits in with the Ubud scene, as well as some Classics and Fiction books. There’s also a selection of Balinese books, and they have some other things for sale, like postcards, notebooks and stationary.
We found the Buddhism and meditation sections particularly interesting.
Where Is It? Jalan Raya Ubud On the corner of Jalan Jembawan, Bali Buda, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Ganesha Books Bali
Bayu Book Shop – Kuta
A cosy, family-run secondhand bookshop located just off Kuta Beach, which is useful if you want to shut off from the outside world on the sunny beach.
There are a lot of English language books available here, which makes sense given its location. Most of the books we saw here were fiction, which is great if that’s what you enjoy reading.
Where Is It? Jl. Poppies II, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: n/a
Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre – Ubud
Another one in Ubud, located just off Jalan Raya, on Monkey Forest Road.
Pondok Pekak Library is more than just a library, it’s a bookstore also, with a large selection of reading material to purchase, from novels to magazines.
There are also a variety of cultural workshops to join in with here, as well as some language classes.
Where Is It? Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Pondok Pekak
Nawra Beanbag & BookShop – Legian
This is a secondhand bookshop, and they rely on people selling, trading or leaving their books there.
All of the books are wrapped well, which is great if you’re planning to take it away to read later on in your trip. Also great if you’re buying a book as a gift for someone.
This shop doubles as a beanbag store, the bean bags look like they’d be a good spot for reading!
Where Is It? (Behind The Legend Bar & Restaurant on the left side down the lane), Jl. Sahadewa No.11, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Wayan’s Bookstore – Padangbai
Something a bit different here, this one’s on the eastern side of Bali, in Padang Bai.
Whether you’re being a beach bum or just taking a break from diving, it’s handy to know there’s a bookshop nearby over there.
A small bookshop with a fairly good selection, and a really friendly owner. Chat with him, he can always lead you towards a good book.
There’s a book swap box outside also, which is great if you love sharing.
Where Is It? FG84+H96, Jl. Penataran Agung, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Online: n/a
Made Bookshop – Seminyak
A cosy but delightful secondhand bookshop not far from Seminyak Beach. The owner, Made, has a real passion for books and her shop, and makes an effort to organise the book shelves by language, theme, etc.
We’d definitely recommend paying her a visit if you’re in the area.
Where Is It? 8555+QQG, Jl. Sarinande, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Periplus – Multiple Locations
Periplus is, by a long shot, Indonesia’s largest bookstore chain, with 15 stores in Bali alone, in addition to stores in Banten, Yogyakarta and Jakarta, to name a few, in addition to an online shop.
The selection of books is pretty extensive, from fiction to non-fiction, there’s literature from all the countries you could name. There’s a large section for children, also, as well as office supplies, and magazines.
Of the many locations on the island, the one we like is Periplus Tino Ubud, just opposite Lotus Restaurant. Lotus is a great place to read by the way.
Most of the Periplus outlets have refreshing air-conditioning also, making them a great spot for escaping the midday heat!
Where Is It? Multiple locations across Bali, including several in Ubud and on Jalan Raya Seminyak. Check the “store location” section on the Periplus website for a full list of store locations.
Online: Periplus
FAQs
Where Is The World’s Biggest Secondhand Bookshop?
The world’s largest secondhand bookshop is The Book Barn in Bargoed, Wales, which reportedly has around 1.5 million books spread across multiple locations.
The largest bookstore under one roof is Powell’s City of Books, in Portland, Oregon, USA, which has an area of about 6,300 square metres and more than 1 million books.
Are There Any Good Books For Learning Bahasa Indonesia Language?
Yes, there are many books for learning the Indonesian language, and you’re sure to find some in bookstores in Bali.
Which Are Better, New Or Secondhand Bookstores?
There’s no better or worse option. In new bookstores you’re more likely to find the new books which have just been released, whereas in secondhand bookstores you might come across a book which you weren’t expecting, maybe even those hidden novels you’ve been looking for.
Can I Sell Books Which I’ve Read Already?
Yes, many of the secondhand bookshops will take your old books for a small price or a trade, otherwise you could just be kind and leave any old books at a shop, restaurant or hotel for others to read.
Final Thoughts On The Best Bookstores In Bali
Bali has a great mix of bookshops, from small independent shops with rare finds to bigger chains with all the latest reads.
Whether you’re after those rare second hand books, locally inspired titles, or international bestsellers, there’s something for all book lovers.
If you’re one of them, it’s worth taking the time to explore during your visit, you never know what you might find.
Read more:
Essential Books About Bali for Every Traveler’s Reading List
