Maluku Shopping and Districts

(Maluku / Moluccan Islands, Indonesia)

There are so many souvenirs of Indonesia worth shopping for on the Maluku Islands, often being produced by hand and using traditional methods, which haven't really changed for years. Colourful and fragrant spices are also popular on Maluku and regularly make an appearance in local markets, as well as the beautiful carvings from the Tanimbar Islands.

Tourists shopping for gifts may also like to consider the rustic pottery from areas of Maluku, such as the Kei Islands (Kei Besar in particular) and Saparua. If you can purchase pottery pieces where they are actually made, you will find that prices are incredibly cheap and very tempting.

Where to Shop

Also on the Kei Islands, head to the twin towns of Langgur and Tual for some intriguing souvenir shops, which have started to specialise in local pearls and are based around the Jalan Mohammad.

On the island of Neira (Pulau Neira), which is part of the Banda Islands of Maluku, the bust port town of Bandaneira is a good place for a spot of serious holiday shopping. Souvenirs in Bandaneira come in the form of locally 'harvested' pearls, various Indonesian antiques, handicrafts and fake artefacts, with the best selection of shops to be found lining the Jalan Pelabuhan (Jalan Maulana), close to the star-shaped Benteng Belgica fortress.

For something a little most western in Maluku, consider paying a visit to the Masohi Plaza shopping mall on the islands of Pulau Seram. Located in the capital of Masohi and on the main street of Jalan Soulissa, the Masohi Plaza has become an integral part of city life.

Souvenir shopping on Maluku can be great fun, although do always be careful if you are buying antiques, since many of the pieces are actually brand new and aged artificially, making them appear much older.