Carol Walker Travel Today Egypt, September/October 2004
Everything from traditional Balinese and other Indonesian designs to tourist-oriented novelty pieces is sold in Bali. Likewise, quality and price cover a wide spectrum. Types of authentic Balinese textiles include:
Ikat – Also called endek in Bali, where the pattern is resist-dyed into the weft rather than the warp.
Songket – This cloth has patterns added through supplementary weft threads, usually gold.
Perada – Plain, striped, or checked cloth with designs painted on with gold paint, leaf, or dust.
Poleng – A black and white check pattern that is used extensively for decorating temples and stone statues, not usually sold in tourist shops.
Bebali – Colorful striped, checked, or plaid cloths. (Do not confuse this with poleng.)
Similar textiles are indigenous to other Indonesian islands, and only a practiced eye can know the place of origin by looking. But why let this deter you? The best songkets are often Sumatran. Batik (not an indigenous Balinese technique) from Java is usually the finest.
Buying Textiles in Bali
New, modern designs can be just as beautiful as the old and the Balinese happily wear sarongs of old and new motifs, Balinese and non-Balinese design, to their ceremonies.
To know what you’re looking at, ask the shopkeeper. Just be careful to frame your questions neutrally. Vendors will try to please you with the “right” answer, so don’t ask eagerly “is this a Balinese ikat?” Instead, try an offhand “where is this cloth from originally?”
As to quality, if you’re not sure of your ability to judge and you care about getting the best, visit Murni’s Warung Shop on Ubud’s main street. You’ll get honest answers, fair fixed prices, and a selection of the best textiles from throughout Indonesia and elsewhere. This is the only store recommended for geringsing.
Murni used the profits of her Warung Shop, her famously successful Warung, and Murni’s Houses – to return to and indulge her first love: wonderful works of traditional art created by the diverse peoples of the Indonesian archipelago.
Murni
In 1988, she leased (and subsequently purchased) an empty plot of land near the Warung on Jalan Raya Campuan to build her antique shop, Kunang-Kunang I. Capitalizing on its popularity, she bought more land two years later and constructed a second shop, Kunang-Kunang II, next to Pura Dalem temple on Jalan Raya Ubud.
In keeping with Murni’s love of art and beauty, Kunang-Kunang II’s exterior is a handsome, peak-roofed, wooden edifice with two lava stone statues draped in black and white poleng cloth on the landing step – all framed in glorious Balinese greenery. Murni, a consummate, avid collector, personally does all the buying for these three stylish, upscale boutiques, which offer fine works of Indonesian, Southeast Asian, and Far East Asian craftsmanship in a sedate atmosphere tailored to western tastes and behavior.
Murni travels overseas each year, partly for business and partly for pleasure – she does not make a distinction between the two. In 2001 she established good relationships with traders of Central Asian goods, resulting in a fine new collection of beads, textiles, clothes and costumes from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Ubud armed Murni with formidable fine arts credentials and an exquisite, seasoned, sophisticated sense of taste. Murni’s knowledge of and ability to select and scout out collector-quality antiques have made her both personally famous and professionally trusted around the globe as a leading art buyer. Each piece of original artwork in her outlets has been personally smiled on and chosen by Murni to please and excite her customers.
Murni caters to everyone from budget tourists to museum curators from abroad to an impressive roster of international celebrities: Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is still a repeat client of “Ibu Murni’s” shops today.
Art Treasures of Ubud
Enter any of her three portals and admire a wide-ranging treasure chest of highly sought-after masks, wood carvings, stone sculptures, tribal art, ceramics, pottery, puppets, woven basketry, paintings, ikat cloth, textiles, furniture, silver and gold jewelry, precious stones, and beads, that have transformed these impressive emporia into legitimate art galleries in their own right.
Indonesian art pieces find their way into Murni’s shops from Bali, Java, Flores, Kalimantan, Lombok, Sumba, Sulawesi, Sumatra, East and West Timor and the Moluccas. The intrinsic beauty of these regional specialties is rooted in each area’s historical and religious traditions, wealth of creative genius and in the archipelago’s stupendous natural endowment of malleable raw materials.
Wrought in richly dyed colors and unique organic textures, skilled (often remote) native workers have produced some of the world’s most coveted handicrafts: Murni has them all. A prime example is the visually intricate and spiritually stunning five-foot-high bronze statue of Ganesha the elephant god in the Lounge Bar of Murni’s Warung. Commissioned by Murni in 1997, it took experienced Balinese craftsmen five years to complete!
Step inside Kunang-Kunang I and Kunang-Kunang II (kunang-kunang means fireflies in Bahasa Indonesia) and feast on Balinese paintings, which depict scenes of traditional village life, rural markets, rice planting and harvesting, local fishermen, temple festivals and naked Balinese beauties bathing in the river. Gasp at a sunken Spanish galleon’s cargo of rich, artistically designed (often aristocratic) gold rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants from Central Flores, Central Sulawesi and East and West Sumba, and fine gold necklaces prized by Nias island village chiefs.
Jump over to East Java for multi-colored, striped, “Majapahit” glass rainbow beads dating back to the ninth century and copper batik stamps used for hand printing designs and patterns on batik textiles. The jumble of enticing objets d’art includes horse and Buddha candleholders, totemic figurine lamps, bronze pigs (an absolute favorite), boxes made in the Moluccas of cloves, rattan utility boxes from Lombok with carved lizard and frog lid decorations, and hand-woven, cotton beaded bags from West Timor, traditionally used to contain betel chew ingredients.
You no longer need to travel to Bali to make purchases or order from Kunang-Kunang I and Kunang-Kunang II. Murni offers a beautifully presented, photo-illustrated online shop www.murnis.com where you can enjoy an exciting, antique-browsing adventure and a precious, vicarious voyage back to Ubud – the cultural heartland of the island of the gods!
ShopSmart: Bali & Lombok, edited by Jane Marsden, 2006
I often get asked by people writing books if I would be happy for my restaurant and shops to be reviewed. Of course I say I’d be delighted. Shortly after that I’m told that the cost is so many millions of rupiah per square inch. These so-called reviews turn out to be advertisements masquerading as independent critiques. That is very common. So, the first and most important thing to say about this new book, ShopSmart, is that it does not have any paid advertisements in it. There are over 1,000 contributed by just seven long term residents of Bali.
What about the content? Although it holds itself out as a shopping guide, which it primarily is, the book is actually much more than that. It contains useful introductory sections to life in Bali and Lombok with sections on history, geography, art, religion, festivals and celebrations. So for a very short visit to Bali or Lombok this maybe all you need. Throughout the book various hotels are mentioned and described, so it could also suffice as a guide as to where to stay.
Not every shop in Bali – or Lombok – is covered but all the main players and some lesser known, are profiled. Each area has a good introduction. It is then divided into smaller areas or streets with details of shops, hotels and restaurants, and maps showing where they are. This part of the book would be very useful if you were in one of those areas and wanted to walk around and have a view of what was available. As well as detailed profiles of places, it also cross-refers to the other section. The other section (482 pages) is the heart of the book, where shopping is classified according to the type of goods and services.
There are twenty seven categories and some are quite esoteric.They range from antiques and artifacts to stonecarvings, supermarkets and tailors and textiles.
Each category has an introduction and good tips on how to shop for that particular item. When shopping for antiques and artifacts: take frequent breaks to eat, drink and think. When buying pearls: a fake pearl can be detected by biting on it; an imitation pearl will glide across your teeth, while the layers of nacre on a real pearl will feel chalky and gritty. If you are looking at pictures, check out the hidden details – whether a canvas has been properly mounted, whether a drawing or pastel has been done on acid free paper so it won’t discolour with age. Shopping is a pretty exhausting business in Bali, which can be very hot, so the final section will be very welcome to most people. It’s the Après-Retail Details – a small selection of bars, clubs and restaurants, which are subject to the same standard of meticulous and independent reviews.
I know I will use this book myself and therefore have no hesitation in recommending it to others. It is the only one of its kind in Bali and Lombok.
Treasures of Bali, A Guide to Museums in Bali written and edited by Richard Mann Gateway Books International, 2006
Murni was the first person to have a proper gallery of antiques, textiles, costumes, old beads, tribal jewelry, stone carvings, masks and other ethnic pieces in Ubud. She started her shop at the same time as her famous restaurant, Murni’s Warung, overlooking the Campuan River in 1974. She is Balinese and understands Balinese culture thoroughly.
Her sources are the best and she is still the first person that dealers generally visit when they come to Bali from the other islands in Indonesia. Murni travels extensively collecting unique treasures from as far afield as Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, China and Laos. Those she doesn’t keep herself find their way into her shop. Many of her pieces are museum quality but she also has reproductions to suit every budget.
Part of the pleasure is to meet Murni herself and chat about her lifetime of collecting. Her Villas and restaurant are decorated with items from her personal collection.
Murni’s Warung and Shop
at the Campuan Bridge
Campuan-Ubud
Bali
The First Antique Shop in Bali – Murni’s Warung Shop
Sky Publishing Guide to Bali 2013-14 Hong Kong
Murni is always travelling around Asia in search of top quality arts, crafts and antiques. She generously put some of her collection in the shop for sale. It is definitely a treasure spot for those antique lovers!
The First Antique Shop in Bali – Murni’s Warung Shop stocks countless items. The price ranges from a few dollars to US$300,000.
Post service is available for huge items.
The First Antique Shop in Bali – Murni’s Warung Shop
Murni’s Warung Shop – Trip 101.comMurni’s Warung Shop – Trip 101.com Instead of settling for generic postcards and fridge magnets, head to Murni’s Warung Shop to purchase items unique to Bali and bring them back as gifts for friends and family. You don’t even have to go out of your way to find it, as you can simply stop … Continue reading Murni’s Warung Shop – Trip 101.com→
Murni’s Warung ShopMurni’s Warung Shop Murni’s Warung Shop “Traditional arts and crafts from all over the archipelago assiduously collected by Murni who has formidable fine arts credentials and seasoned and sophisticated taste.” Periplus Guide to Bali, the Island of the Gods, 2005 Murni’s Warung Shop
Murni’s Warung – Epicure – Bali GuideBali Special Famed for its pristine beaches, striking sunsets and rich culture, the sought-after Indonesian destination also boasts a burgeoning number of highly lauded hotels, restaurants and bars. Meredith Woo goes on a gastronomic eight-day journey to the Island of the Gods. An Ubud Invitation An hour from the closest beach town, inland Ubud offers … Continue reading Murni’s Warung – Epicure – Bali Guide→
Murni’s Warung ShopBali, The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Most Spectacular Tropical Island, Linda Hoffman, Tuttle Publishing, 2012 “Murni’s Warung Shop at Murni’s Warung, Jalan Raya, Ubud, beside the Campuan bridge, tel 972146. Traditional arts and crafts from all over the archipelago, as well as overseas, assiduously collected by Murni who has formidable fine arts credentials and … Continue reading Murni’s Warung Shop→
Most Fashionable Antique Shops“Upscale Murni’s in Campuhan is one of the most fashionable antique shops in the Ubud area.” Bill Dalton Bali Handbook
The New York Times, 9 April 1995Murni’s Houses. Carey Lovelace, The New York Times 9 April 1995 “I was lucky enough to spend 14 of my 18 days in Ubud at Murni’s Houses … Aside from running one of the area’s best-known restaurants, the enterprising Murni (in Bali, last names are considered sacred and never used) is also the proprietor … Continue reading The New York Times, 9 April 1995→
Favourite Places in the WorldJane Rutter’s Favourite Places in the World Murni’s Warung Shop The Australian, 8 December 2007 “I feel as if I grew up in Bali, as I went there so often as a teenager and young woman. Murni’s is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of luscious Asian objets d’art, furniture and textiles. It’s a wonderful place to … Continue reading Favourite Places in the World→
Weaving a Spell Weaving a Spell Carol Walker Travel Today Egypt, September/October 2004 Years before I first saw geringsing, I had heard stories of this famous, supposedly magical textile of East Bali. Experts on Southeast Asian weaving assumed a reverent tone whenever speaking of this fabled cloth. Even the name — pronounced “GRINGsing,” with a rolled … Continue reading Weaving a Spell→
Buying Textiles in BaliBuying Textiles in Bali Carol Walker Travel Today Egypt, September/October 2004 Everything from traditional Balinese and other Indonesian designs to tourist-oriented novelty pieces is sold in Bali. Likewise, quality and price cover a wide spectrum. Types of authentic Balinese textiles include: Ikat – Also called endek in Bali, where the pattern is resist-dyed into the … Continue reading Buying Textiles in Bali→
Art Treasures of UbudArt Treasures of Ubud Bali & Beyond Magazine, October 2002 Dr. Vivienne Kruger Murni used the profits of her Warung Shop, her famously successful Warung, and Murni’s Houses – to return to and indulge her first love: wonderful works of traditional art created by the diverse peoples of the Indonesian archipelago. In 1988, she leased (and … Continue reading Art Treasures of Ubud→
Shop Smart Bali & LombokBook Review Ni Wayan Murni Hello Bali, November 2006 ShopSmart: Bali & Lombok, edited by Jane Marsden, 2006 I often get asked by people writing books if I would be happy for my restaurant and shops to be reviewed. Of course I say I’d be delighted. Shortly after that I’m told that the cost … Continue reading Shop Smart Bali & Lombok→
Treasures of Bali Treasures of Bali, A Guide to Museums in Bali written and edited by Richard Mann Gateway Books International, 2006 Murni was the first person to have a proper gallery of antiques, textiles, costumes, old beads, tribal jewelry, stone carvings, masks and other ethnic pieces in Ubud. She started her shop at the same … Continue reading Treasures of Bali→
“Murni’s Warung … sell quality Indonesian antiques…”
Julie Gaw Driving Yourself Around the Bend in Bali Time, 9 October 2000
“Murni’s shops are fabulous. Her taste is exquisite and her sources are the best. For jewelry, textiles, tribal art and antiques and some furniture she is the best.”
We do not carry out appraisals or valuations. These require a professional expert to see and examine the original piece. Valuations are subjective and require a willing buyer and a willing seller on the open market in a particular location.
We also can’t give an opinion on forgeries or fakes.
We will, however, be happy to give you our opinion of the identity and use of an object based on over 40 years’ experience of buying and collecting.
We cannot be responsible for goods in transit after they leave our control.
We insure against loss, damage and destruction, where we can, and on the terms that we can.
You need to contact the shipper to get details of the terms of the current policy.
If your package is damaged, lost or stolen, you have to file a claim quickly.
You will need to show proof of loss, damage or destruction – especially detailed photographs of the goods and packing on the day of receipt.
Note that post office insurance requires examination of the items in front of the postman who delivers them.
It would be a good idea to take a video and photographs and details of the postman’s name, address and phone number.
In the case of damage, the insurers require a repair estimate. If something can be repaired, the insurers probably won’t give you the full amount paid for the item.
It is difficult to find out the terms of insurance for post office and EMS insurance – DHL is clearer.
Here are some details current as of writing:
Sea Mail has doubtful insurance, probably excluding damage caused by mould and damp.
Air Mail, Post Office Expor and EMS will not cover limestone or liquids and mould is not covered.
Loss or damage as a result of oxidation, pollution contamination and nuclear reactions is excluded.
Loss or damage due to force majeure such as: natural disaster, fire, war, riot, action against the government, insurrection, seizure of power or confiscation by local authorities is excluded.
Indirect losses or profits is excluded.
Maximum cover for air mail is Rp 2,000,000 and for EMS about US$1,000 per package for the goods in the package.
Claims for damages can only be made for damaged or lost shipments.
Claims for compensation have to be filed promptly – no later than 2 months.
Excluded: Delays caused by difficulties in delivering the shipment to the recipient, including the recipient is being not present at the time of delivery, the recipient arriving late after the call is sent, a PO BOX address.
New goods according to the invoice price limit: maximum that can be insured is Rp 20.000.000,00 (Twenty Million Rupiah)
Used goods, the value of which is determined by the sender, with the approval of the post office, Rp 20.000.000,00 (Twenty Million Rupiah)
Goods containing art/cultural goods, other personal collectibles and authentic deeds issued by an agency or institution or certain institutions, among others in the form of diplomas, driving licenses (SIM), BPKB, STNK, or other documents are determined based on the cost of processing or making a maximum of Rp. 6.000.000,00 (Six Million Rupiah)
DHL will not cover weapons,coins, cash, gold or precious stones. Jewellery has maximum cover of US$500 (but we may be able to get separate cover for higher amounts).
Ubud is the cultural and artistic center of Bali and many of the finest works of craftsmanship turn up at Murni’s Warung Shop, right beside and part of her restaurant, Murni’s Warung, and Murni’s Houses Shop, in her boutique hotel, Murni’s Houses & Spa.
Murni was one of the first to have a proper gallery of Asian antiques and tribal art in Ubud, Bali. She started her shop at the same time as her famous restaurant in 1974.
Murni travels extensively in Asia, searching out rare and unusual pieces. Her sources are the best and many of her pieces are museum quality.
But whether they are commissioned pieces or objects from Murni’s private collection, you’ll marvel at the variety you’ll find in her shop.
Murni spends most of her time in her restaurant and Murni’s Warung Shop, where the best pieces are.
As you can see, there are really too many things to describe, especially as they constantly change.
There are antiques, collectibles, small baubles perfect for gifts, and treasures too large to take home in your suitcase — which is why we offer shipping to anywhere in the world.
There’s little you can imagine that you won’t find in Murni’s Warung Shop.
Murni’s On Line Shop
You can order on line and collect the goods in Murni’s Warung Shop or Murni’s Houses Shop.
We can deliver them in Bali or ship anywhere in the World.
We will check the shipping options on receiving your order.
We cannot guarantee that items will be delivered at a particular time, as it’s outside our control.
Please remember that each computer monitor is calibrated differently, so colours may be slightly different in person.
We do not know the regulations of every country in the world and do not include import duties, customs fees, or taxes. We cannot be responsible for fees or charges in your country. You can contact your local customs office for information.
We cannot be responsible for goods after they leave our control or for any loss, damage, destruction or delay. We recommend insurance.
Map of Indonesia.
Murni’s Warung Shop on Instagram
We have hundreds of items already on Instagram and add more every day.
Follow along with us @murniswarungshop for a daily look inside Bali’s most historic gallery of Asian antiques and tribal art —including textiles, jewelry, carvings, costumes – and much more.
