Shopping in Jakarta

Jakarta is quickly becoming a new shopper’s paradise in the region. There is something in Jakarta for everyone. Whether you are looking for high fashion or the cheapest bargain basement deals in town, you will most definitely discover it during your stroll around the city. There is more than likely a deal for everyone, including you. Downtown Jakarta is a dense warren of bars, clubs, stalls, restaurants, offices and of course, shops. From unique handicrafts to haute couture labels and the latest in technology. In Jakarta you will find all kinds of shops, from local markets to huge malls, and shopping here is an experience you should not miss. The consumerism boom has hit Jakarta, resulting in shopping malls in the urban areas, street-side stalls downtown and the block M area, blazing with neon. The traditional markets of Jakarta are a great way to get a glimpse of the city's lifestyle and the essence of its culture. Some of the most important of these markets are Pasar Tanah Abang, Pasar Cikini, Pasar Mayestik and Pasar Baru. The ‘Pasars’ (markets) are jam packed with interesting finds, meaning a lot of patience is required along with good bartering skills. The usual procedure is to start off with a counter offer of 40% of the asking price and settle at 50%-60% of the original asking price. It's all a fascinating experience that offers a true insight into Indonesian culture, in the way only markets can do. Most tourists shop comfortably in malls and grocery stores without the need to bargain or deal with curious stares. However, that is no reason to avoid the more colourful traditional markets. For bargain hunters looking for quality products at great prices, Jakarta’s retail outlets have it all. Huge department stores like Centro, Metro, Seibu, and Matahari carry a whole host of local and international brands that are affordable and easy on the eyes. For the more discriminating folks, upscale Jakarta malls and boutiques feature famous international labels the likes of Miss Sixty, G-Star, Banana Republic, Factory Store, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, General Store and Versace. Those of you looking for souvenirs and antiques, Jakarta offers a bevy of antique shops and handicraft markets to satisfy your needs. Stores and malls are usually open every day 10 am – 9.00 pm. Some malls are open until 10.00 pm on Sunday and Monday.

 

 

Pasars or Markets

 

Pasar Cikini

This is the place to head for knick-knacks, daily necessities, flowers, clothes and fashion accessories. The area is regarded as one of the most exotic spots to purchase Indonesian gold jewellery, bangles, rings, necklaces and pendants and other gold crafts. Immortalised in song, this market has the most extensive variety of goods in Central Jakarta.

 

Pasar Tanah Abang

Spread out over 19 floors, this wholesale market is vast in both size and content. A whole raft of goods can be bought in bulk, including men's and women's fashions, accessories, furniture, handicrafts and food. Not the most attractive of places, Pasar Tanah Abang is worth visiting if you have things specifically in mind that you want to buy. Expect crowds and a lot of noise,essentially a heady trading environment.

 

Pasar Mayestik

Renowned for offering alternatives to conventional foodstuffs and outfits, this is the sort of place where production and distribution occur at the same place, something of a rarity in modern society. A fantastic place to pick up quality fabrics, we strongly recommend getting something made to measure that will be unique only to you. Another interesting feature is the buying produce for your own cookies. Yes that’s right, visitors can indulge in some culinary wizardry and pick up unusual molding trays, recipes and ingredients from the pasar, and you can even sample one before deciding which type to make.

 

Pasar Seni

Pasar Seni is in north Jakarta. At this arts and handicraft market, you can watch Indonesian artists creating their labours of love. Both traditional and modern art and crafts are on display, and available for purchase. Hundreds of artists from all over the country gather here to exhibit and sell their work and it's a great place to get your portrait done as a reminder of your time in Jakarta.

 

Plazas and Malls

 

Plaza Indonesia

It is quite easy to find the mall because it is so near the famous landmark in Jakarta, the “Selamat Datang” (meaning “Welcome”) statue at Central Jakarta. They claim to hold the distinction of being the first high end shopping center in Indonesia when it opened its doors to the public back in 1990. This mall is made up of four floors occupied and packed with opulent products and flagship names such as Armani, Versace and Gucci. Aside from these labels, there are other stores for your every need like banks, beauty and health stores, novelty or gift shops, jewellery stores, electronic stores, sports houses, etc. Of course, no shopping mall would be complete without having sumptuous food stops. At Plaza Indonesia, you can enjoy lunch at Secret Recipe then have a relaxing chit chat over coffee at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or at Starbucks. If you’re craving for some local dishes served in a casual setting then you must try the Sari Ratu Restaurant at the lower basement.

 

Plaza Senayan

‘Elegance' and ‘Sophistication’ are two of the words that would describe Plaza Senayan. Plaza Senayan opened in 1996 and is one of the most established Shopping Centers in Jakarta, today. Get pampered and be indulged inside Plaza Senayan with a variety of international and local brands for apparel, leather goods, accessories, opulent jewellery, digital living, comprehensive selection of restaurants and cafes. Have some excitement on the weekend at the fun atmosphere of their bowling alley and billiard arena.
Based in Jakarta's financial district and adjacent to Senayan Sports Complex, this mall features Metro and Sogo Department Stores. It also offers the seven-cinema Studio 21 Cineplex.

 

Blok M

The Blok M Mall, also known as Blok M underground because it is situated underground the Blok M Bus Terminal, has scores of small, reasonably priced shops offering clothes, shoes, CDs and DVDs. Most goods are of a better standard than those found in Mangga Dua, but only just.

 

Mangga Dua Mall

Across the road from Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, which is a wholesale market, is Mangga Dua Mall, this is the place for computers, electronics and super-cheap DVDs and CDs. The surrounding area has other shopping centres, making it Southeast Asia's biggest shopping precinct.

 

Glodok Plaza ( Chinatown )

After the bloody massacre of 1740, the Chinese community was confined to ghettos in an area outside the city walls now known as Glodok. Glodok Plaza is a cluster of indoor markets selling various technical goods and it's best described as a technology bazaar.

 

Jalan Surabaya

Situated in Menteng, this is a colourful, open-air antiques market half a kilometre in length. Choose from a vast range of brass ware, textiles, ornamental lamps, porcelain, and handicrafts, ancient instruments and local crafts at bargain prices. Genuine antiques are available at much higher prices, which is the simplest method by which to differentiate genuine products from imitations. Popular with tourists, locals and antique hunters for its unique atmosphere and wide range of produce, it is considered something of a must-visit when in Jakarta.

 

Jakarta offers its visitors with a wide range of places to shop for traditional handcrafted arts.  The well known department stores, Sarinah and Pasaraya Grande boast an extensive collocation of local arts and crafts.  These stores are also popular for its broad selection of Batiks. Some of the finest products on sale here include textiles, silver, leather goods, carvings, basketry and so much more. Jalan Surabaya is one of Indonesia’s most renowned antique markets. The Glodok area is perfect for visitors interested in shopping for electronic goods. Shopping in Jakarta is known to offer its visitor a truly diverse and unique experience.