Shopping in Batam Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Batam Island, just like some other local islands, is a part of the free trade zone. Here you can find a great variety of goods by the world leading producers and for a very good price. Besides, if you want to buy inexpensive but qualitative clothes, then you can find it among the local producers, like Sofie, Ferry Sunarto, Kisoon Harto, Ali Charisma, Talisa House, Biyan, Ghea, Sebastian’s, Poppy Dharsono, Herman Nuary. But it’s better not to buy it without a fitting. The thing is that the islanders are quite short and slim, so they sew clothes here according to their own parameters, even if it’s labeled as the European ones.

There are extremely beautiful local pictures made in the batik technique. Lots of tourists also enjoy buying various pieces of jewellery here, especially silver ones with semi-precious stones. It’s better to buy it in jewellery stores, not directly, and always ask for a certificate of authenticity. You can even order unique jewellery in some small stores. What is more, you can see with your own eyes the process of it being made. People also sell here diverse hand-made goods from ebony and sandalwood, for instance, cat-like statuettes (according to the local beliefs, cats are the symbol of love and body).

Cats are highly popular here on the island. The locals sell different clay or stone statuettes, oil canvas paintings, and even magnets depicting these whiskered animals. People also embroider cats as an ornament on different soft goods. However, you can also find lots of other ornaments – it could be realistic drawings or simple geometric ones. People embroider their tablecloths, napkins, bedclothes, and towels. Remember that if the price is really low, then it doesn’t mean that you would just save some money, but the factory origin of a thing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In case you want any other proper decoration than a simple napkin, take a look at the rattan furniture. Ask a seller about how to take care about this kind of furniture, otherwise would get out of order as soon as you come back home. Another peculiar thing you can buy on Batam Island is the Indonesian sarong. This large piece of embroidered fabric would perfectly complete a men’s or women’s beach outfit. What is more, you can’t get into a local temple without this piece of clothes.

Wayang puppets (a form of the local puppet theatre art) would be a very unusual present. Wayang often depicts mythical creatures, Gods, and heroes. You can also buy a memento copy of the local music instruments like maracas, mbira, drums, and flutes (and these souvenirs are pretty cheap). You can even produce a simple melody with it. However, if clarity of sound is an important aspect for you, then it’s better to look for a real instrument by the local craftsmen.

Another useful stuff you can buy here is leather bags, bracelets, or a pair of shoes. They’re usually made from python or cobra skin. It’s not really expensive, looks quite nice, and they are of good quality. Some travelers prefer to bring local masks or erotic souvenirs from the island. The erotic ones are that popular not just for its provocative look but as they symbolize fertility and prosperity. Above all, you can also buy organic cosmetics here.

Don’t forget to buy a pack or two of coffee, as Indonesia stand on the fourth place in the international coffee production rating. The local sorts are known for its high quality and reasonable price. Or you can buy Jasmine tea, Jasmine honey or chocolate as well. As you do shopping, remember that you do can and must bargain in markets and small shops in order not to pay too much. As you bargain, don’t show how you actually like a product, you can even just leave. If a seller agrees to low the price, he’ll come and catch you up; if not, just look for another seller.