Where To Buy Batik in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
For some of you who may have heard the term for the first time, batik is a traditional technique used on textiles which include the process of wax-resist dyeing. Of course, the term can also be used for traditional-ethnic patterns on textiles and fabrics.
In Indonesia, the most famous batik pieces come from Yogyakarta. Behind the swirly, almost-psychedelic patterns of earthy colours lay various ideologies and hidden meanings of Javanese culture and traditions. The colour white used in Batik pieces symbolizes the three Hindu gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) while many patterns are used as a form of pictorial story-telling to depict everyday lives and practices.
The traditional batik as we know are usually found in the form of kain or sarongs, worn together with kebaya (traditional Indonesian/Malay clothing). Modern batik patterns can be seen on an array of different clothing as well as arts and crafts, including dresses, T-shirts, shoes, handbags, keychains, bracelets, and many more.
If you happen to be in Yogyakarta, there are two places that are notoriously known for their affordable batik pieces, both located in the heart of Yogyakarta, on the touristy Malioboro Street.
Mirota Batik
Mirota Batik is known as the one-stop shopping haven for Batik pieces and souvenirs in Yogyakarta! Located on Malioboro street, it has three floors of batik and traditional crafts that will keep you windowshopping for hours.
As I made my way onto their first floor, I didn’t know where to start! The first floor is filled with rows and rows of batik, including batwing blouses, dresses, sleeping gowns, pajamas, pants, skirts, sarongs (even jackets) all in modern designs and bright colours (say goodbye to traditional brown batik, say hello to bright purple and emerald green ones!). I greedily pulled a dozen of batik pieces off the rack to try, I wanted them all!
Colourful batik sundresses and classic batik vests
The array of colorful batik items, from dresses to nightgowns, blouses to pants, and even samples of scarves that can go along with your batik purchase.
The interior of Mirota Batik brings together vintage decorations with traditional paintings and ornaments.
Besides clothing, Mirota also sells traditional Javanese lulur (spa scrubs) and jamu (traditional Javanese medicine) on the first floor. On the second floor, is an array of unique handbags, sandals, shoes and other souvenirs made from both batik fabric and rattan. The third floor is a unique surprise - it is a hip café where the waiters are dressed in Pirates of the Caribbean-styled vests and hats.
A traditional Javanese woman demonstrating batik-making in Mirota
Mirota Batik store is known for its good quality and best of all, affordable prices! You can find a number of different prices for different quality pieces. Prices for Batik clothing can range from Rp.20.000 – Rp.200.000 (RM7 – RM70) depending on the quality and design, while batik sandals and shoes range from Rp.20.000 – Rp.50.000 (RM7 – RM15).
Although the prices may be a bit more than what they are offering at the street vendors along Malioboro street, you can sleep well at night knowing that what you buy at Mirota is of good quality (and certainly won’t bleach your other clothes if you put them together in the washing machine!)
Mirota Batik is located at:
Jl. Jendral A. Yani 9, Yogyakarta
Tel/Fax: (62)(0274) 588524 / 518127
Email: mirotabatik@yahoo.co.id
Beringharjo Market
Sure, Mirota Batik is air-conditioned and has great vintage decorations, but for the adventurous shopper, Beringharjo will be a greater challenge.
Located just across the street from Mirota Batik, Beringharjo is your typical traditional market. On the basement floor, is the wet-market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices and other cooking utensils. On the upper floors, are hundreds of vendors selling a variety of batik pieces at affordable prices.
You have to be armed with two things when shopping here - One, airy light clothing; and two, your best bargaining skills. Yes, make sure you bargain to about 1/2 of what the vendor is offering for a particular piece. Batik pieces are located mostly on the first floor, while the second floor sells other clothing like T-shirts and leggings.
Prices in Beringharjo range from Rp.10.000 – Rp.100.000 (RM4 – RM40) at a maximum, although quality-wise it cannot be guaranteed the same as Mirota Batik pieces.
Beringharjo Market is located at:
Jl. Jendral A. Yani, Yogyakarta (Right across from Mirota Batik)
