Described as a shopper’s paradise, Yogya is the place to come to shop, where you can buy anything from traditional handicrafts to exotic batik prints. From the authentic silver workshops in Kotagede where you can pick up beautiful hand made jewelry, to the Ngasem bird market where you can browse at the exotic animals on sale, shopping options here are endless. Whether you’re in the market for cultural artifacts or some simple souvenirs to bring to your friends and family back home, Yogya has it all.  

The most famous of handicrafts in Yogya is its Javanese batik. Many factories produce traditional hand-drawn batik tulis as well as the cheaper stamped batik cap. You can buy material and organise a tailor to create a custom made batik design but there is also no shortage of ready to wear batik clothing on sale. In many factories visitors are welcome to view batik being made in the back of showrooms. Everything from batik shirts, accessories, tablecloths, pillowcases and sarongs are on sale.  One of the best known regions for finding batik is of Jl Tirtodipuran in the South.

The Beringharjo market is Yogya’s central market, with a collection of goods and wares quite unlike anywhere else. Entering into the market off the street and you enter into a different world. This is a place where tropical fruits are piled high, colorful batik is on display and everything from second hand car parts to bamboo baskets are on sale. As you navigate your way down the narrow aisles and hidden corners, beware of pickpockets and ‘guides’ who attach themselves to you. While some stores may have fixed prices, it is customary to haggle so bargaining is the order of the day.  

Yogya has a reputation for it’s silver and gold wares. For silver products, try the streets of Kota Gede where silver factories selling jewelry, plates, vases and souvenirs line the streets.
A visit to Yogya would not be complete without experiencing Malioboro street. Rows of shops and outlets sell all kinds of souvenirs. If you want to test your bargaining skills you can try haggling with the street vendors. Remember that all's fair in love and shopping.