original image from http://www.batikdesigns.org/yogyakarta/parang-barong.php

Batik has been a very popular in Indonesia as a form of art and also popular souvenir among tourist. In Yogyakarta, Batik is widely sold as souvenirs to tourists. Sadly, as it’s popularity is rising, it is became commercialize and gradually fake Batiks are getting more and more too.

Many fellow travelers have come across various scams regarding this issue. Some were offered fake Batik that they claimed to be original and some came across Batik shops that claimed to be Government funded Batik Research Centre. Other than that, sometimes they were diverted to certain Batik store by anonymous person. This especially happens nearby Kraton Palace.

Read these links to know more:
- http://java.uluwatu.org/html/keraton/pagelaran.shtml
- http://realtravel.com/yogyakarta-journals-j6700020.html
- http://www.talesofasia.com/indonesia-yogyakarta.htm

How to avoid all these scams? I think the best way is to learn to distinguish Fake and Genuine Batik. Or maybe buy only when you get to see them making the Batik in front of you.

Does anyone know how to distinguish between fake and genuine Batik? Do feel free to share with us your experience, tips, or somewhere you can get genuine Batik.