Everyone who knows me knows how much I love a good souvenir. My home is full of little trinkets from my travels and it makes me so happy to look around and see them all. I love to combine stand-out pieces with everyday home objects, that I can use and that just make me smile day-to-day. On our family holiday to Indonesia I knew I was going to want to buy some lovely items to remind me of our travels. Looking for souvenirs in Indonesia as we made our way through Java became part of the fun of the trip. These are all souvenirs Indonesia is known for. If you’re travelling there, or planning your trip, these are all things to buy in Indonesia to search out as you travel. Hopefully there’s a good mix from cheap things to buy in Indonesia to interior design statement pieces to love forever. I’ll also show you some of my own souvenirs from Indonesia as we go too.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Batik textiles
Batik is one of Indonesia’s most iconic handicrafts. A fabric decorated using a wax-resist dyeing technique. Each region of Indonesia has its own distinct patterns. Yogyakarta is famous for traditional earthy tones, while Pekalongan is known for brighter, more contemporary designs. You can buy batik as ready-made clothing, scarves, or even framed pieces of fabric as art. Authentic batik makes a great souvenir because it is such a significant cultural element of Indonesian life, but it can also be something you can use.
Ikat and songket weavings
Beyond batik, Indonesia is rich in handwoven textiles. Ikat (tie-dye weaving) and songket (woven with gold or silver threads) come from islands like Sumba, Flores, and Lombok. Each piece takes weeks or even months to make, and the patterns often carry symbolic meanings. These textiles are perfect as wall hangings, table runners, or unique shawls. If you’re travelling in eastern Indonesia, you’ll find many cooperatives where you can watch the weaving process.
Kopi luwak (civet coffee) – best souvenirs from Indonesia
Indonesia is a coffee lover’s paradise, and kopi luwak is one of the most famous (and rare) varieties. The beans are eaten and digested by civet cats, which enhances the flavour. Authentic kopi luwak can be pricey, but it’s a unique gift for coffee enthusiasts. Make sure you buy from ethical sources that don’t harm or cage the animals. If kopi luwak feels too exotic, Indonesia also produces excellent regular beans from Sumatra, Java, and Bali.
Silver jewellery from Yogyakarta
Kotagede, near Yogyakarta, is known as the silver village, with centuries-old traditions of silversmithing. You can find everything from delicate filigree earrings to chunky modern bracelets, all handmade. Many workshops let you watch artisans at work or even try your hand at making a simple piece. Silver jewellery here is reasonably priced and often inspired by Javanese and Balinese motifs. We really enjoyed our trip to Kotagede and although we didn’t buy any silver here (I bought some at the silver shops in Malang) there were so many beautiful pieces.
Pearls from Lombok – souvenirs from Indonesia
Lombok is famous for its pristine waters and pearl farms, producing high-quality white, golden, and even black pearls. You can buy loose pearls or beautiful jewellery pieces like necklaces and earrings. Shops around Senggigi and the Lombok Pearl Centre are popular spots. Compared to Western prices, pearls in Indonesia are excellent value, but it’s still wise to buy from reputable sellers to ensure authenticity.
Handmade wooden carvings
Bali and Java are particularly famous for their intricate wood carvings, from small decorative boxes and masks to large statues of gods, animals, or mythical creatures. Skilled artisans use teak, mahogany, or suar wood, often carving pieces by hand over many days. These carvings add a warm, cultural touch to any home and are lightweight enough to pack if you choose smaller items. My 18 year old picked a really fun mask from one of the shops in Yogyakarta as his main souvenir and it looks so colourful on his bedroom wall. I saw so many beautiful wooden carvings in Indonesia.
Find the best souvenirs to buy in Bali here.
Beaded bracelets
One of our best things to do in Jakarta was wandering the back streets of Chinatown. We loved seeing all the crafts being made ready to take to the shops to sell. We saw some girls making these beautiful deep pink beaded bracelets and stopped to buy some from them. A cheap but lovely souvenir from Indonesia.
Handicrafts in Malang – souvenirs from Indonesia
If you’re travelling to colourful Malang then seek out some of their handicraft shops. There are a whole collection of these stores, selling handcrafted items made in this area. Malang seems particularly prominent for its role in artisan made gifts. We loved picking up some perfume and one of these sweet incense holders when we visited.
Wayang kulit (shadow puppets)
Wayang kulit is a traditional Javanese shadow puppet theatre that tells stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. You can buy beautifully painted leather puppets, often decorated with gold leaf and bright colours. They’re a wonderful cultural keepsake and a reminder of Indonesia’s performing arts. Many workshops in Yogyakarta or Solo also explain the puppet-making process. We also really enjoyed the puppet museum in Jakarta (one of our top things to do in Jakarta with kids or without). We brought home a lovely wooden puppet we picked up in Bali (and also a puppet Christmas decoration from Jakarta).
Kris (ceremonial daggers) – souvenirs from Indonesia
The kris is a traditional Indonesian dagger with a distinctive wavy blade and mystical symbolism. It’s considered a cultural heirloom, believed to have spiritual power. While antique kris are highly valuable, you can find decorative replicas for display. Yogyakarta and Solo are the best places to buy them, but remember to check airline regulations for transporting bladed objects.
Gamelan music instruments
If you’re a music lover, bring home a piece of gamelan – the traditional Indonesian orchestra. Small instruments like kendang drums, bamboo flutes, or metallophones make great souvenirs. Bali and Java are the heartlands of gamelan music, and many cultural centres sell authentic instruments crafted by local artisans.
Sarongs and scarves
A sarong is an incredibly versatile piece of clothing in Indonesia – you can wear it at the beach, in temples, or even as a scarf. You’ll find them in simple cotton prints or luxurious silk versions with hand-painted designs. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and make perfect gifts for friends back home. Markets in Bali, Lombok, and Yogyakarta are overflowing with affordable and beautiful options.
Spa products and essential oils – souvenirs from Indonesia
Indonesia is famous for its traditional spa culture, with ingredients like frangipani, coconut, and ginger. You can find natural scrubs, massage oils, soaps, and aromatherapy products in Bali and beyond. Boutiques as well as small local shops sell beautifully packaged sets that make ideal gifts. Frangipani or lemongrass-scented oils are favourites for recreating a bit of Bali’s relaxation vibe at home.
Local spices and herbs
For anyone who loves cooking, Indonesian spices are a treat. Think cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, galangal, turmeric, and candlenut. You can find ready-made spice mixes for nasi goreng, rendang, or satay sauce. Packaged neatly in small pouches, they’re easy to take home and perfect for recreating your favourite Indonesian dishes. Markets in Jakarta, Ubud, or Surabaya are great places to browse fragrant stalls.
Traditional pottery as souvenirs from Indonesia
Regions like Lombok and Central Java are known for their handmade pottery, from rustic water jugs to decorative bowls and vases. The patterns often reflect local nature or folklore. Some workshops offer pottery classes, allowing you to make your own piece. While larger items can be tricky to transport, small bowls or cups make sweet and practical souvenirs.
Bamboo and rattan crafts
Indonesia has a long tradition of weaving bamboo and rattan into household items like baskets, bags, lampshades, and mats. These pieces are lightweight yet durable and add a natural, tropical touch to your home décor. Bali’s Ubud market and Lombok’s Sukarara village have beautiful examples at reasonable prices. I loved the big round basket bowls (pictured above) that we found in Bali and now have a little display of them on our lounge wall at home.
Bali coffee and tea blends
Beyond kopi luwak, Bali produces lovely Arabica coffee from the Kintamani region, often with a citrusy, smooth flavour. Herbal teas like ginger, lemongrass, or rosella are also popular. Many coffee plantations around Ubud or Munduk sell freshly roasted beans and tea blends, beautifully packaged for gifting.
Art paintings – souvenirs from Indonesia
Bali, Yogyakarta, and Ubud are well-known art hubs. You’ll find everything from traditional Balinese paintings depicting rice terraces and temple ceremonies to contemporary abstract works. Ubud’s galleries and Yogyakarta’s Malioboro Street offer plenty of choice for every budget. Rolled canvases are easy to transport and can be framed later.
Bali handmade soaps and candles
For a small, fragrant gift, handmade soaps and candles are a lovely idea. Often made with coconut oil, aloe vera, frangipani, or jasmine, they’re gentle on the skin and eco-friendly. Bali has many boutique soap makers whose products are beautifully wrapped in batik paper or reusable cloth.
Traditional hats and accessories
Indonesia has several iconic traditional hats: the caping (a conical farmer’s hat) and the blangkon (a Javanese batik headdress). While they’re still used in daily life in rural areas, you’ll find decorative or modernised versions at markets. They make fun souvenirs or costume pieces for kids.
Kerupuk (crackers) and snacks – Souvenirs from Indonesia
Indonesian markets are full of snacks to take home – kerupuk (crispy prawn or rice crackers), dodol (sticky fruit toffee), or pia (sweet bean-filled pastries). While they’re not as long-lasting as spices, they’re a delicious reminder of your travels. Just pack them carefully to avoid crumbs in your suitcase.
Handmade bags and accessories
Bali and Lombok are famous for woven ata grass bags, rattan handbags, and batik-patterned purses. These are lightweight, stylish, and very “Bali chic.” Whether it’s a simple beach tote or a structured crossbody bag, they’re versatile souvenirs you can use immediately.
Practical bowls
There are lots of practical items to buy from Indonesia too. We loved seeing all the bowls piled up high at Indonesian markets. These would be a lovely practical souvenir from Indonesia, to use in every day life back at home.
Kites -the best souvenir from Indonesia
Everywhere we went in Indonesia we saw kites in the sky. It was such a lovely sight, amongst the vast green fields and blue skies there would always be kites. These are a great, lightweight souvenir from Indonesia and would look amazing against a wall in a hallway or bedroom.
Souvenirs from Indonesia – sweets
I absolutely fell in love with these sweets which I picked up (a lot of) in Malang. They taste like you’re actually eating a lychee. They also had a ginger version which was also very nice. Just a little small taste of Indonesia to bring home. You’ll find them at many of the supermarkets.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my round-up of all the souvenirs from Indonesia you can find. There are so many beautiful things in this country. Remember to take a large bag to bring them all home.
