Responsible Souvenirs: Indonesia - buffalo tours

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Unlike Batik, Endek Balinese sarongs are woven rather than simply dyed – these incredible pieces of fabric can take an
Vietnam I Cambodia I Laos I Thailand I Myanmar China I Hong Kong I Japan I Indonesia I Singapore I Malaysia

Responsible Souvenirs: Indonesia Few travel mementos are as lasting as a great souvenir. But beyond just having something beautiful or unique to bring home with you, finding great souvenirs can also be a great way to travel responsibly. In Indonesia, traditional arts and crafts are some of the most authentic testaments to culture, and are one of the few ways to take home a genuine piece of heritage and history.

Wayang Golek Indonesian Wooden Puppets

Organic Soaps, Creams and Incense

The art of Indonesian puppetry, which is actually a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – are a favourite performance art within Indonesia. This ancient art form has roots in some of the country’s most integral cultural stories. The very best place to find them is in shops within Bandung, Java.

Bali is ground zero for herbal remedies and healing, and in no other place in the world will you find better organic cosmetics. The souvenirs are made using ingredients you could find in most local gardens, which are sold in a shop called Bali Herbal.

Chocolate POD Chocolate Factory in Carang Sari, Bali is the source of Indonesia’s incredible chocolate. So popular has the local brand become that some particularly delicious selections running up to US$ 50 a bar!

Endek Balinese Sarongs

Celuk Jewellery

Unlike Batik, Endek Balinese sarongs are woven rather than simply dyed – these incredible pieces of fabric can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to create, and are almost exclusively found in the village of Tenganan in Bali. The artisans here make these by hand, so this is an incredible way to support the locals on your visit. The people of the Celuk villages in Bali are highly skilled silver craftsmen, who create intricate jewellery including rings, bracelets and other pieces. These designs are wholly unique from other jewellery throughout Asia and the world, so a piece or two will be something you can treasure for generations for around $20.