Searching For Handicrafts in Yogyakarta? Check Out These 5 Shopping Spots!

Traveling around a foreign city wouldn't be complete without shopping for its local gifts and souvenirs to bring back home as a reminder of the great experience you had there, especially in a city with rich cultural and artistic heritage like Yogyakarta. Famous for its old town charm and its proximity to the mighty Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta also offers various choices of gifts and souvenirs. If you are wondering about where to get your hands on high-quality and original local handicrafts in Yogyakarta that are made personally by the city’s talented craftsmen, check out these five spots below!

1. Silver of Kota Gede
 

Kota Gede is a district in Yogyakarta that is well-known as the center of Yogyakarta’s fine silver craft. Characterized by its sparkling silver fronts and black shadows achieved through a special burning technique, these silver crafts were made in shops, factories, and workshops which are located within the heritage buildings that had been inhabited by aristocrats and merchants in the past distinguished by their classic architecture. Any visitors are allowed to witness and learn about the process of silversmithing. Some places even allow you to create your very own jewelry. The silver handicrafts produced in Kota Gede include rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, brooches, horse carts, miniature bicycles, rickshaws, as well as other decorations. Compared to other jewelry stores in Yogyakarta, Kota Gede surely offers a better shopping deal. As the district is located about 10 km to the southeast of Yogyakarta, you are able to reach Kota Gede by renting a bike, motorcycle, a car, or taking a taxi. Whilst in Kota Gede, you can further try the Andong (horse-drawn carriage) or Becak (a pedaled trishaw) to traverse the neighborhood. Do check out other landmarks near the area as well, such as Pasar Gede, the Masjid Agung, and the old tomb of Mataram kings.
 

2. Earthenware and Ceramics at Kasongan village
 

As one of the greatest local producers of ceramic handicrafts in Yogyakarta owing to the villager's artisanal craftsmanship in pottery, Kasongan village can be a perfect choice for handicraft shopping. Nearly all of the locals are skilled potters that are able to produce fine houseware and kitchenware. The works that are produced by these skillful artisans include ceramic vases, plates, carved stone tiles, as well as sculptures. Located about 8 km to the southwest of Yogyakarta, it is best for you to travel by car or taxi so that you can transport your potteries easier.

3. One Stop Shopping along Jalan Malioboro
 

As one of the most famous streets in Yogyakarta, Malioboro is the spot of choice for tourists who only have a limited time to travel around Yogyakarta. As you walk down the street, you will come across everything ranging from humble food and handicraft vendors to malls and fancy hotels. The street is always packed through the day and night. The sidewalks are shared between the street vendors and tourists during the day, and when the night comes, food vendors would prepare a plastic carpet and low tables for Lesehan (a dine-in by sitting on the floor). While shopping and eating in Malioboro you may also get serenaded by street musicians. Some of the shopping spots around Malioboro you have to visit includes:

Dagadu Djokdja

Dagadu Djokdja produces t-shirts with witty slogans related to Yogyakarta’s people, cultures, and lifestyles. Established in 1994, now Dagadu Djokdja is available in multiple stores across the city. However, the original store is located inside Malioboro Mall. Dagadu Djokdja is a perfect choice for those of you who want souvenirs that can remind you of Yogyakarta’s hospitality.
 

DAGADU DJOKDJA
Malioboro Mall LG, Jalan Malioboro, Suryatmajan, Kec. Danurejan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55271

+62274373441
http://belanja.dagadu.co.id/

Mirota Batik

Be prepared to take your time strolling through this shop, because it is filled with pretty much everything from antiques to modern items. In Mirota Batik, you will find various kinds of handicrafts such as batik, leathers, silvers, textiles, ceramics, paintings, as well as iconic historical pieces. The expansive store can be an excellent spot for those who want to buy plenty of premium local handicrafts.
 

MIROTA BATIK
6927+8WQ, Ngupasan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55122
+62274588524
http://www.hamzahbatik.co.id/

4. Beringharjo Market
 

Not far from Malioboro street, there stands a historic traditional marketplace established in 1758 and houses a lot of goods ranging from basic daily needs such as meats, vegetables, herbs, and spices, to numerous handicrafts such as batik, souvenirs, toys, and artworks. Named by the late Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII, the word 'Bering' originated from the beringin (Banyan) forest where the marketplace stood, while 'Harjo' expresses the Sultan’s wish for the place to bring prosperity to the people. The marketplace is divided into zones, each offering a different kind of product. Located right between Malioboro street and the Keraton, the marketplace is easily accessible by all kinds of transportations. You can take any transport straight away from Adisucipto Airport and drive about 7,5 km to the southwest.
 

BERINGHARJO MARKET

Pasar Beringharjo Timur Lt. 3, Jl. Margo Mulyo No.16, Ngupasan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55122

5. Traditional Cement Tiles of Tegel Kunci
 

As vintage items rose to popularity as a home and interior decoration, this local cement tile factory has been producing high-quality tiles since 1927. Thanks to people's word of mouth about the company’s specialized custom-made tile productions, the company has gained popularity over the past few years. Rich in colors and motifs, the tiles are often used to highlight or accentuate a room. The tiles are also versatile enough to be combined with modern interior and architecture design. The shop is located not too far from the Tugu Yogyakarta monument, less than a kilometer to the northwest of the intersection.
 

TEGEL KUNCI
Jl. Pakuningratan No.70, Cokrodiningratan, Kec. Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55233
+62274512707
http://tegelkunci.com/ 

Shopping for handicrafts isn't the only thing that you can do while traveling to Yogyakarta, there are many other things that you can further experience while you're there. Check out the Keraton as well, then take a trip to the Alun-Alun and treat yourself to scrumptious local delicacies. Visit the magnificent Borobudur temple and enjoy the sight of the sun coming down from the top. Spend a night near the Prambanan temple. 

Don't forget to always comply with the existing health protocols by wearing your mask in public spaces, keeping your distance from others, washing your hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and minimizing your mobility.