Beringharjo
Market is the most famous traditional market in Yogyakarta. The word itself is
originated from the word Bering (from Beringin tree) and harjo (prosperity).
Therefore, the place, which used to be beringin trees, is expected to give
prosperity to the people around. This market is also famous as the central of
batik, a Javanese traditional cloth, in Yogyakarta. The price offered is also
very attractive and can be very cheap.
The
location of Beringharjo Market is in Malioboro Street near Vrederburg Fort. The
place itself is easy to find and if you are in Malioboro, becak operators will
offer to take you there. The admission price is free but make sure to bring
some money as there are lots of goods that you can buy there with interesting
price. Even, you can bargain the price to be really low.
Because
it’s a traditional market, you will find many local products there. On the
first floor, you will find lots of batik and it is the main commodity of the
place. There you can find clothes, bed sheet, and souvenirs made of batik. The
price range of batik is from ten thousand rupiahs (about a dollar) to a million
rupiahs (about a hundred dollars).
However,
the price is altering so make sure you have a good bargaining skill to get a
great deal. Moreover, most of the sellers are friendly and nice so you can also
interact with local people and understand their cultures. The market is closed
at 5 PM yet many food sellers are still there to offer traditional foods and
snacks like gudeg, martabak, or klepon.
Besides
batik, the market also sells bags, sandals, and shoes in very cheap prices yet
the quality is maintained. Even, on the back side of the market, you will find
groceries like vegetables, meats, chickens, and many other things. Also, you
can find wedding souvenirs and traditional cosmetics near the groceries
vendors.
On
the front side, you can buy traditional snacks such as bakpia, brem, hunkwe,
nagasari, and putu. In fact, the snacks sellers occupy the front part of Beringharjo
market and their products are mostly fresh and still warm.
On
the second floor, you will find casual clothes and bed sheet. The price is not
very low and the quality is just so-so. Also, the prices are usually fixed so
the chance of making it lower is very limited. On the eastern part of this
floor, you will find many jamu (Javanese herbal drinks) sellers that causes the
area to smell like jamu.
On
the third floor, you can find antiquities with good quality. There, you can
find old stuff like typewriter and water jugs. Third floor also consists of
flea markets that sell second-hand clothes, bags, and shoes with cheap prices.
However, you need to be thorough to get good quality stuff.
In
short, you should certainly go to Beringharjo market when you are in Malioboro.
The vendible are attractive and you can interact with local people by shopping
there.
