Yogyakarta Shopping

Yogyakarta is renowned for its wide variety in arts and crafts. Some of the popular items are silverwares and silver jewelleries, batik clothing, potteries and wayang potteries that are made of wood or cow hide. Bakpia, a type of pastry, is another popular item.

The workshops in Kotagede sell genuine gold and silver wares such as handmade jewellery, vases, plates and souvenirs. Exotic birds are also on sale at the Ngasem bird market. However, Javanese batiks with their unique prints attract tourists the most.

The traditional batik tulis that are drawn by hand and its cheaper counterpart that is found in stamped batik cap are manufactured by many factories. Ready to wear batik clothes as well as unstitched material are available.

Some factories allow tourists to witness the process by which batik is made. One can buy tablecloths, accessories, pillowcases, batik shirts and sarongs. Jalan Tirtodipuran in the Southern part is considered to be the best place to buy batik.

The central market of Yogyakarta, the Beringharjo market, is famous for its selection of colourful batiks, bamboo baskets, tropical fruits and second hand parts of cars.

Bargaining is commonplace in Yogyakarta except places which have fixed prices. It is especially seen while shopping on Malioboro Street which has numerous outlets and shops. Here, one can purchase all types of souvenirs at affordable prices.  

Indonesia allows VAT refund for tourists, upon departure, on things purchased within one month of arrival in Indonesia. Purchases made from participating shops with the logo ‘VAT refund for tourist’ are eligible for this refund.