Whether you want to sit in the lap of luxury or scavenge for basement bargains, Jakarta shopping never ends! Shopping malls in Indonesia’s capital city complete more than 120 and outdoor markets are even more widespread. On any given day, shopping in town with the world’s most significant shopping mall floor space (5.5 square kilometres) could begin in an upscale fashion mall and finish at a flea market!
- Grand Indonesia Mall
Lavish and large, Grand Indonesia isn’t only a shopper’s heaven. Still, it is also a perfect place for hanging out with your family. The area is East Mall and West Mall, connected by the Sky Bridge, wraps around “Selamat Datang Monument” or Jakarta’s Welcome Monument, an iconic statue depicting the character and aspirations of the people of Indonesia. Window-shop through 10 levels of over 200 brand names and trendy clothing stores and 100-plus upscale restaurants and fast-food chains. You can explore Indonesian culture at Galeri Indonesia Kaya, and while you’re in West Mall, pass from the dancing fountain show. On the ground floor, you will discover a state-of-the-art cinema and a playground where little ones can run off some energy.
- Pasar Baru Traditional Market
With over 150 traditional markets in Jakarta, it’s tough to say which one is a local favourite. Still, if you base the choice on age and size, Pasar Baru is the hands-down winner. Built-in 1820 and located in Central Jakarta, Pasar Baru isn’t only among the oldest shopping districts in town. Still, it’s so large that it controls its zip code! Locals refer to the area as Little India, because of the lot of Indian immigrants that live there, and thousands of Jakartans flood the market every day to stock up on local wares and necessities. Enter the winding corridors of Pasar Baru to locate everything from affordable textiles and Indian spices to musical instruments and fashionable footwear. And remember that bargaining is fair game for anything!
- Jalan Surabaya, Street Market in Jakarta
On the border of Jakarta’s most modern locality lies a street filled with ancient relics. Put your expert eye on the test when shopping along Jalan Surabaya, where shopkeepers hawk everything from brass utensils to Wayang puppets. In addition to the staggering number of antique shops, the area also brings art aficionados and bookworms who love a fantastic bargain. The shopping market has been a mainstay in the centre of the city since 1970. It has attracted celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Sharon Stone and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
- Blok M Traditional Markets
Blok M has received a reputation in Jakarta as the shopping market area for great deals and a good reason. Situated in South Jakarta, the primary shopping centres in the area are Blok M Square and Blok M Plaza. Both centres are renowned for their dizzying array of discount products. Spend the day haggling for even more significant savings on electronics, jewellery, clothing, and accessories. When you’ve completed your shopping bags, go to Little Tokyo and Jalan Melawai, just a few steps to the complex, to refuel at one of the Japanese restaurants for which the area is famous.
- Ancol Art Market (Pasar Seni Ancol)
Try your hand at producing an art piece, or have your portrait painted on-the-spot at Jakarta’s most complicated art experience. Connected with Ancol Dreamland, the Ancol Art Market provides over a hundred unique Indonesian arts, crafts retail, and cultural opportunities. You can also watch Javanese batik painters in action, or catch a Wayang puppet performance here. Vendors also specialize in silversmithing and classic cooking and current hands-on workshops and culinary festivals throughout the week. The market is among the only places on earth where locals still create textiles utilizing the “double-ikat” weaving technique, a rare craft perfected solely in Indonesia, Japan, and India.
Are you planning to visit Jakarta soon? Find out more about Jakarta and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
