BATIK- Batik refers to the Indonesian traditional clothing made using a technique of applying wax-resistant dye on cloth with either a canting or cap. A canting  is a spouted tool that imprints Batik patterns by drawing dots and lines: it is basically a pen that outlines patterns on cloth. On the other hand, a cap is a copper stamp that prints signature Batik patterns on cloth. Indonesian batik has a long history of acculturation, and is a product of quality workmanship.

The word Batik originates from the Javanese words amba ("to write") and titik ("dot"). Batik is famous for its beautiful and ornate patterns, and each pattern is said to embody philosophical and symbolic meaning. Depending on the source of craftsmanship, Batik patterns, which are most often categorized as either geometric or non-geometric patterns, have different signature designs. For example, Sumatran Batik differ in its patterns from Balinese Batik.

Batik patterns are not only used for clothing but also for beddings, hats, bags, scarves etc. They serve as great Indonesian souvenirs that you can take back home as gifts. 

BATIK KERIS- Batik Keris is the biggest batik and Indonesian souvenir retailer. They sell a variety of Batik products, including scarves, clothing, bags, and other souvenirs such as wayang puppets, topeng masks and household goods. The cost of the batik clothing depends on how the batik was made: namely, batik made using canting tend to be more expensive than those made using cap. However, the prices for all the products at Batik Keris are very reasonable and are not burdensome at all. On average, a batik shirt costs around Rp. 200,000 ($20).

Check their website here: http://www.batikkeris-indonesia.com/
There are several different locations in Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Bali, Lombok and more. To check out the locations, click here: http://www.batikkeris-indonesia.com/retail

All photos were taken with Canon G15 at the Batik Keris store in Paris Van Java, Bandung

THE BANDUNG ZOO- The entrance fee for the Bandung Zoo costs Rp 15,000 ($1.5). The zoo is packed with people on national holidays and exhibits a variety of animals, including those imported from Africa, Japan and from across the Indonesian archipelago. The zoo covers 35 acres, and there are trees and park areas everywhere, making it the perfect picnic venue. Also, picnic mattresses are available for rent for unlimited amount of time just for Rp. 10,000 ($1). However, although some animal enclosures sustain an appropriate and safe environment for their respective animals, some animals are in terrible conditions: most monkeys are blinded and have infections on their skins.