When you visit Indonesia, you’ll likely encounter Batik. Known as one of the culture centerpieces, Batik is a type of patterned fabric Indonesians use for everything. It is sold everywhere too—at the local market, shopping centers, but the most authentic handmade ones can be found in a Batik Village.
Each Batik fabric takes a long time to make. The motif is made either by drawing dots and lines or by printing it using a copper stamp.
It comes in many colors and details, unique to every region’s culture and history. For both its history and lengthy process, Batik has been acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
If you’re looking to learn the history of Batik and how to make it, then Batik Village is the perfect destination for you. Especially if you want to bring a piece of Indonesia back home.
Here are 5 Batik Villages you should never miss:
Read Also: Before You Visit: Do’s and Don’ts of Basic Indonesian Etiquette
5 Batik Villages You Should Never Miss
1. Palbatu Batik Village
Location: Jl. Palbatu IV No.12 A, RW.4, Menteng Dalam, Kec. Tebet, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12870
Jakarta is a metropolitan city with towering skyscrapers and colorful nightlife. But that’s not all it has to offer.
The capital city of Indonesia is proof that modernity and history can co-exist. Parts of the city still preserve buildings from colonial times, some have even been turned into museums.
Palbatu is yet another proof of cultural preservation in Jakarta. It’s where you can get a variety of Batik motifs such as the Betawi mask pattern, fireworks, wren, and rambutan.
It even has a fully-equipped studio for travelers looking to craft their own Batik.
Not only that, you’ll get to see the unique Batik-painted street.
Estimated to be around 133.9 meters, the street was awarded as the longest street with the most houses painted with Batik motif by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI).
2. Griloyo Batik Village
Location: Gazebo Wisata Giriloyo, Karang Kulon, Wukirsari, Kec. Imogiri, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55782
Giriloyo is one of the largest hand-drawn Batik centers in Yogyakarta. Around 90% of the village residents are Batik craftsmen, making it the perfect place to explore and learn more about Batik.
Giriloyo residents especially specializes in wahyu tumurun, sri kuncoro, sekar arum, sido asih, and sido luhur motifs. Almost every Batik made here is made using cotton material.
You can choose to simply observe the process behind each fabric or join a Batik workshop to experience it firsthand.
Read Also: The Meaning of Batik, How Indonesian Batik Preserves Stories Centuries Old
3. Laweyan Batik Village
Location: Jl. Dr. Rajiman No.521, Laweyan, Kec. Laweyan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57148
Considered one of the most notable Batik villages in Solo, Laweyan has an area about 24.83 acre wide and a population of approximately 2,500 Batik makers.
The village has become a Batik center since the first Islamic Trade Association was established in 1912. There are around 250 patented Batik motifs you can find here, mostly of vibrant color.
The village isn’t only known for its Batik, but also for its unique architecture. You can see influences of Javanese, European, Chinese, and Arabic architecture in the buildings.
You can learn two types of Batik techniques here, namely the handmade and stamp technique. Each course usually lasts for 2 hours.
4. Kauman Batik Village
Location: Jl. Trisula III No.1, Kauman, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57112
Known as the oldest Batik Village in Solo, the village offers three popular Batik motifs—namely handmade, stamp, and a combination of both.
There are around 30 home industries established in this village, so you can choose to get your Batik from a variety of different stores. Unlike Laweyan, you can expect to find more dark-colored Batik here.
While you’re there, we recommend that you also explore the rest of the village. By exploring the ancient Javanese-Dutch buildings, it’ll feel like stepping back into the past.
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5. Semarang Batik Village
Location: Jl. Batik No.698A, Rejomulyo, Kec. Semarang Tim., Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50227
The moment you step into this Batik shopping center, you will be greeted with the sight of a Batik mural artwork.
It was made as a way to represent the cultural diversity of Indonesia. That’s why you can find all types of Batik here!
There are various activities you can do in this village, from visiting the Batik production houses, witnessing the Batik-making process, shopping for souvenirs, to taking pictures in front of the beautiful mural.
Aside from Batik fabrics, you can also find the motif on souvenirs and fashion items such as key chains, bags, and other accessories. In a way, it’ll be like bringing a piece of Indonesia back home.
Traveling on a Budget? Stay at Bobobox!
Aside from planning an itinerary for your trip, you should also plan where to stay for the duration of your trip.
But with so much to explore, you might want to save up some of your budgets for the many fun activities you can do. Don’t you worry, Bobobox is the perfect solution to travel on a budget!
Safe and convenient, each Bobobox branch is located in a tourism hotspot, so travelers can visit many iconic culinary gems and destinations within a short walking distance.
Safety is guaranteed—you will be given a QR code unique to you so you’re the only one who can access your pod.
On top of that, Bobobox strives to offer a unique experience. Guests can stay in a futuristic pod powered by the Internet of Things.
Designed especially for your comfort, you can personalize your stay by adjusting the pod lighting according to your mood.
Book your stay now to experience Indonesia in a unique yet authentic way. For more information, download the Bobobox app here.
Header image: Mahmur Marganti via Unsplash
