If you want to buy a souvenir to bring to your family back home and you are pondering on what kind of stuff you can get from Yogyakarta, then this article is for you. Batik is one of the most famous souvenirs to get while you are in Java, but we’ll not focus on that (still, you can find some recommendations at the end of the article for Batik). In this guide, I’ll give you some suggestions on items for Yogya souvenir. Hopefully something not tacky. I will divide the guide based on items, and I will suggest one to four places where you can get them.
If you don’t have time to check out the places listed below, don’t worry. When you visit the temples, Borobudur and/or Prambanan—I’m sure you won’t miss the temple(s)—you will find lines of small souvenir stores near the exit, like a labyrinth. They usually sell stuff of standard quality. Some might be of poor quality, but if you just want to find a small something, you will find it, whether it is a tourist Yogya t-shirt, a small sculpture of the temple, a unique keychain, or a Batik bag.
Let’s start the guide with a recommendation of markets to explore in Yogyakarta. It’s not a secret that people in some markets usually charge foreigners more, so prepare for that. If possible, it would be useful to learn some basic Indonesian words—and it might help you get a better price. We love foreigners who can speak our language (don’t we all?). Oh btw, before that, if you want to create your own Batik cloth and bring it home as a souvenir from Yogya, then check this community-based Batik Workshop in Yogya we have. Without further ado let’s start this guide!
Markets to Check
Milas Market
The Milas Organic Market is found in the same location as the Milas Restaurant (Prawirotaman Street No. IV, Brontokusuman). Milas Organic Market is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. This market is usually busy, so it’s better to arrive 5 minutes before the market opens. The markets sell a variety of organic goods such as shampoo, soap, jam, drinks, food including fruits, and handicrafts. They also sell Kombucha. This market prioritizes health and environmental issues, so if you are looking for something unique and eco-friendly, this is the right market.
Beringharjo Market
Beringhajo Market is one of the oldest markets in Yogyakarta. Located in the Malioboro area, this market sells not only a wide range of batik collections, but also various local traditional snacks, Yogyakarta’s traditional clothing and accessories, herbs and spices, and many more. There are some shops in the market selling antique stuff on the 3rd floor. Unfortunately, you will find a lot of shops selling the same things. The market is officially open from 7 am till 5 pm, but some shops are open until 9 pm. I would recommend coming to the market at around 2-3 pm. Since it is a market, I would recommend surveying the prices and bargaining, if necessary. On top of that, there is the Prawirotaman Market, Kotadege Market, and many more.
Klithikan Market
People say Klithikan Market is a hidden gem for antique lovers. Famous for its antique stuff, this market also sells general items such as shoes, bags, and handicrafts typical of Yogyakarta. You can find rare agate stones, gramophones, phonograph records, ancient money, old-fashioned and limited-edition stamps from various countries, old school bicycles, and other old things. Beware, like many antique markets all over the world, some shops are selling fake antiques—and I’m hopeless, know nothing about antiques.
Kauman Ramadan Evening Market
This market opens only in the month of Ramadan (the fasting month). It’s located in the village of Kauman. It’s one of the most crowded centers of Takjil (light snack for breaking the fast) in Yogyakarta. In this market, you can find plenty of traditional food that is only available during Ramadan. This market opens from 12 noon to 6 pm. It’s better to come at around 2-3 pm. It will be crowded at 4 pm and after, but hey, it could be a fun market exploration session.
Gabusan Art Market
Bantul is a region in Yogyakarta which is famous for its handicraft production. This market is a gathering place for the Bantul craftsmen, so you don’t have to go to several different villages to see their products. Gabusan Market offers handicrafts from various basic materials, ranging from metal, wood, rattan, leather, clay to water hyacinth. Some of the products you can find there are bags made of rattan and woven bamboo, candle holders with unique shapes, jars made of wood, pottery, leather puppets (Wayang), and other unique trinkets. This market opens every day from 9 am-7 pm, except on Friday 1 pm-7 pm and Sunday 9 am-5 pm.
Senthir Market
Senthir Market is located in the southern parking lot of the Beringharjo Market. This market is only open at night—from 7 pm till midnight—but will close any time when it rains (it’s an open market). This unique market sells a variety of things that you might not expect, including antique stuff. This market, which is always teeming with locals and some tourists, is also an exciting place to visit because you can see the activities of local people there. There are no shop stalls like the general market. The sellers just put their stuff on a mat or a piece of cloth. Maybe imagine a flea market without tables? Please remember this market only sells second-hand items. There are rumors that a lot of sellers in Klithikan Market also sell here.
What to Buy from Yogyakarta
Clothing (non Batik)
Lulu Lutfi Labibi
First and foremost, Lulu Lutfi Labibi is a well-known Indonesian designer so his products come at a $$$ price tag. A dress can cost more than 350 USD. Have a look at his designs here to see whether this is something you would like or not. His work focuses on draping techniques with a simple combination of color, but is not monotonous, as he usually uses the Lurik material.
If it is something you like and can afford, I would recommend visiting his homey store located at Gg. Kp. Pekaten No.858A, Prenggan, Kotagede. It’s easier to decide to buy (or not buy) an expensive piece when you have the chance to try it on. I like his designs because they have unique cutting.
Dagadu Djokdja
Dagadu Djokdja is a Yogyakarta brand that produces merchandise such as t-shirts, key chains, stickers, hats, and other trinkets that have Dagadu’s distinctive eye logo. Dagadu is one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic brands. Unfortunately, their products are widely imitated and sold in other places with poor quality. To get the original products, you can go to their official outlets: at Yogyatourium (Gedongkuning Selatan Street No. 128), at the Dagadu Service Post POSYANDU 1 (Lower Ground Malioboro Mall, Jalan Malioboro) and at POSYANDU 2 (Pekapalan Street No. 7, Alun-Alun Utara, Yogyakarta).
Supoyo (SU)
Supoyo is probably the first Yogya souvenir store that carries a modern concept: the store and the products. The main products are T-shirts with Yogyakarta icons like Tugu, Bakpia, temples, Malioboro, and others. They also sell various trinkets with distinctive Yogyakarta icons such as key chains, fridge magnets, stickers, glasses, lamps, pillows, mats, slippers, mugs, and tumblers. You can also find modern miniature toys and old-time toys, which were once popular, in many different colors. Supoyo is located at Brigjen Katamso Street, number 214.
Pottery
Kaloka Pottery
First of all, if you want to visit a lot of stores that sell pottery, then you should check out Kasongan village, it’s the center of pottery craft in Yogya. Back to Kaloka, I love their showroom and store. Pottery products at Kaloka are varied and all pretty (and also expensive—my personal opinion). Kaloka is famous in Yogyakarta, and even outside Yogyakarta. If you go to a coffee shop in Yogyakarta and you think that their coffee mug is so cute, when you lift your glass, chances are you will see a “Kaloka Pottery” stamp at the bottom. Their studio is located at Bausasran DN III No. 695, Danurejan, Yogyakarta. Sometimes, they also host pottery workshops.
Buntari Ceramics
Buntari Ceramics is one of the clay ceramic production studios in Bantul. In addition to selling products, they also hold pottery classes. All their products are done manually and are very well detailed. I would like to join their workshop one day; it looks fun. You can find Buntari Ceramics at Karangjati street, Gedongan, Bangunjiwo, Kasihan, Bantul.
Timboel Art Gallery
This art gallery sells various handicrafts that are mostly made of clay, wood, and iron. Timboel Art Gallery is worth visiting if you prefer to see extensive collections (I tend to get confused with too many choices haha). You can find products of small to large sizes, including jars, sculptures, bags, umbrellas, accessories, frames, wall displays, tableware, wooden animal replicas, and furniture. The gallery is located at Kasongan street, Karang Tengah, Tirtonirmolo, Bantul.
Chocolate
Chocolate Monggo
Chocolate Monggo is one of the top food souvenirs from Yogyakarta. Their packaging is unique. It is made from brown cardboard with an image of the traditional puppet (Wayang) character on it. They also have a chocolate gift set, with the chocolate in the shape of Borobudur. They have various flavors such as palm dates, cashews, durian, mango, coffee, and chili. You can find Chocolate Monggo in minimarkets around Yogya, but their main store is at Jl. Dalem KG III No. 978, Purbayan, Kotagede.
Tugu Chocolate
Tugu Coklat, located at Jl. Tegal Gendu No. 31 Kotagede, has become one of the favorite destinations for chocolate hunting since 2015. Tugu chocolate carries the theme of tourist attractions in Yogyakarta on its packaging. The store has an open kitchen concept. Visitors can see the chocolate-making process. The raw materials of the chocolate come from Indonesian cocoa plantations like Sumatra, Wonosari, and Kulonprogo. They have several unique flavors such as Sea Shells Chocolate, Chili Chocolate, Paraline Plate Ginger Chocolate, and Coffee Moca Chocolate.
Food
Besides chocolate, the specialties in Yogyakarta are Bakpia and Gudeg. Bakpia is a sweet snack that is shaped like a moon cake with green beans fillings. Bakpia is currently popular with other fillings, such as chocolate and cheese. Keep in mind, Bakpia usually only lasts for approximately five days from purchase. Don’t forget to check the expiration date or ask the store. Try Bakpia 25, Bakpia Kurnia Sari, or Bakpiaku. For Gudeg, you can find it in a tin can. Gudeg is a dish made from a young jackfruit that is cooked for a long time. It is served with Krecek (spicy cow skin), and also eggs or chicken. Try Gudeg Pawon, Gudeg Permata, Yu Djum, Gudeg Bu Akhmad, or Gudeg Sagan. Oh btw, besides Bakpia and Gudeg, try Nasi Brongkos Telur too. It’s tasty!
Silver
Henju By Gracy
Henju By Gracy sells accessories made from silver and 14K gold (mixed with brass). The designs are a combination of sterling silver and/or rose gold with precious stones. Gracy’s designs are minimalist yet elegant. Some of them carry the local culture making the products highly in demand. One of her famous designs is the Javanese script embedded in the jewelry. You can find Henju By Gracy at D.I. Panjaitan Street No. 43, Mantrijeron.
HS Silver
HS Silver is a pioneering shop for silver artisans in Kotagede, Yogyakarta. There are a lot of silver stores in Kotagede (it’s the same like Kasongan, but this one is the center of silver craft!). If you like to explore your choices, then walking around Kotagede can be a good idea. But if you just want to check out one or two stores, then HS Silver is an excellent place to start. HS Silver is located at Mondorakan Street No. 1, Prenggan, Kotagede.
Studio 76 Silver Class
If you’re interested in learning how to make silver jewelry and create your souvenir, then Studio 76 Silver is the place to go. It is owned by Agus, who is a silversmith. The silver class lasts around 2,5 hours. You need to make a reservation or contact Agus in advance to be able to join this class because Agus isn’t always available. This silver course is also suitable for beginners.
Leather
Kaula Leather
In Kaula Leather, you can create your own leather piece. You will learn the process of making leather products starting from creating the pattern, cutting the leather, making holes for stitching, dyeing the leather, hand stitching, and decorating till finishing. You can request the item you want to make in the workshop. The price is based on the item (starts at Rp400,000 I think). For example, you can create a passport holder, a belt bag, a wallet, jewelry, a laptop case, a sandal, and a belt. Kaula Leather is located at Jaya Darma Street No 36b, Keloran, Tirtonirmolo, Kasihan, Bantul.
Gaba-Gaba Leather
Gaba-Gaba Leather is my personal favourite. Their designs are simple and pretty. I don’t think they have a store, but you can sometimes find their products at Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant in Tirtodipuran Street. They named their products and collections after Indonesia’s flora, fauna, and island or area. This is probably where the inspiration comes from.
As Java Leather
As Java Leather sells handbags, tote bags, wallets, belts, and leather accessories with nice designs. These products are handmade by craftsmen. As Java Leather is located in front of Via-Via Restaurant in Prawirotaman 1 Street.
Furniture and Wooden Craft
Uwitan Yogya
I’m not sure how practical it is to browse for furniture in Yogyakarta for a souvenir, but I’m sure the store can ship your order to your home. If you’re looking for unique and authentic furniture pieces, Uwitan Yogya is one of the places you can visit. Their furniture is made of pine and rattan. Uwitan has a showroom at Monjali Street No 134. Their products are dressing tables, standing mirrors, shelves, cabinets, various chairs, tables, and others with minimalist designs. They also serve custom products according to buyers’ requests.
Dekayu Wooden Craft & Gift
You can find wooden tableware in Dekayu Wooden Craft & Gift Yogyakarta. They sell various products ranging from spoons, plates, cutting boards, cups, bowls to tumblers. All of their products are handmade with the helo of machines to get the details and the sizes precisely. With a natural and rustic theme, these wooden products have quite a lot of enthusiasts. Their address is at Menteri Supeno Street No 62A, Sorosutan, Umbulharjo.
Wait Firsta, what about Batik? Where should we go to get it?
Pasar Beringharjo: If you are eyeing a specific typical Batik pattern and would like to experience the market ambiance, then this is the place to hunt for your Batik. However, you need to bargain.
Hamzah Batik Malioboro: If you don’t like bargaining but would like to have a lot of options and variety, then hunting Batik at this store is for you. Usually though, this store is very crowded.
Batik Rumah Suryowijayan: Similar as Hamzah Batik Malioboro.
Batik Danar Hadi–Malioboro: Come here if you want a more relaxing shopping experience. There are excellent quality Batik collections and the price is higher.
Leksa Ganesha Batik Gallery: If you are looking for more contemporary designs, this is the place to go. It has a lot of Batik paintings and some fabrics with natural coloring techniques. Imagine an abstract art on a cloth, or a tiger, or a volcano. This small batik shop, which is located outside the city center, might have something for you.
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