anything interesting from Indonesia

my domestic helper is going back to Indonesia for 1 month annual leave. anything interesting there that we can ask her to bring back to HK?

Lots of interesting things, but something (a) small enough for her to carry, (b) convenient enough for her to be able to purchase, and (c) inexpensive enough for her not to have to be entrusted with a large amount of cash...


Depends also on what sort of things you like. If you have no real interest in Indonesia for yourself then probably not worth asking her to go out of her way (assumption) to get something that has no real meaning to you or can be sourced in HK anyway.


In my opinion Indonesia is best for its local food, timber products (mainly furniture), batik products, silver filigree products, and leather products (handbags!). Apart from some favourite local candies (e.g.) I wouldn't bother asking someone to bring anything back for me. Not sure if that's too much help to you!


PS: We used to live in Jakarta 14 years ago and have just moved back there from HK.

Wow, excellent information. can you tell me what kind of leather bags is good? any pictures for ref? can PM me and send me the pic. thanks

Sorry, haven't been here long enough to get out much yet. I'm not confident enough yet to tell my husband's driver where I want to go. It's not like HK where I could walk around a number of places with no set route/destination in mind, but here with the driver and the traffic (which is why you have a driver in the first place) you basically need to give clear instructions re a specific destination or you just don't get anywhere. Apart from the up-market malls (no different to HK) there are places like Mangga Dua and Blok M (similar to Mongkok in products sold) there's the famous Jalan Surubaya which is stall after stall of leather goods. The biggest headaches there are (a) limiting yourself to a resonable numbr of purchases, and (b) leaving without the vendors having too wide a grin on their faces! However, it might well be too difficult for your helper to get to. My previous experience with Jl Surubaya is that the bags are much better quality than what's available in HK for the same price - and they are not copies of brand names.