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.
This Jakarta Shopping Guide tells you about the local shopping scene in Jakarta and where to pick up some great souvenirs. Also take some time out and relax in one of the Jakarta Restaurants along the city's shopping streets. Be sure to also take a look at our Indonesia Shopping Guide to learn more about shopping throughout the whole country.
Jakarta Shopping Guide
Shopping Malls
One of the most popular shopping malls in the city is Plaza Senayan. It has cinemas, local and international shops, boutiques that sell designer clothes as well as an amazing variety of restaurants and foods. Among the many facilities in the EX Plaza you will find cinemas [called EX], a gym and even live performances. On the second floor of the plaza is a bridge which connects the EX to Plaza Indonesia. Located in the heart of the city, the EX is open until 3 am on the weekends.
Situated in a classy district in north Jakarta, Kelapa Gading Mall is one of Jakarta's finest malls. The mall has branded products, various foodstuffs, video game centres, three cinemas and a supermarket well-stocked with imported goods.
The newest shopping mall in Jakarta is Senayan City opposite Plaza Senayan. The mall has a cozy atmosphere with a large number of famous boutiques, a luxurious cinema, lots of restaurants and food courts serving all kinds of cuisine, as well as a department store. If you're looking for handicrafts from Indonesia, especially from Bali, head to the Waduk Melati Shopping Centre KUKM. You can also find fashionable handbags, silver, footwear, jewellery, home décor items, beach wear and paintings.
Local Markets
Other than in the malls, you can also buy goods from the shopping centres in the Mangga Dua (Two Mangoes) area. A few of these are the WTC (Wholesale Trade Centre) and the Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua. Both of these huge indoor markets have hundreds of stores offering products at wholesale prices. What's more, you can always find good bargains here.
The pasar in other parts of Indonesia such as Bali, Gianyar or Kabanjahe (north Sumatera) are open only on specific days of the week. Here buyers meet up with sellers who usually are also the manufacturers of their goods. A couple of examples of this kind of market are Pasar Ikan and Pasar Baru, which literally translates into 'The New Market'. Today it is a market where locals gather to buy items like fabrics.
Traditional Handicrafts
In Jakarta you can buy wonderful traditional handcrafted objects of art. Visit the Pasaraya Grande and Sarinah department stores for Indonesian arts and crafts. In each store, several floors stock locally crafted items such as textiles, carvings, weaving, basketry, paintings, silver, puppets, jewellery, leather goods and a variety of interior design items.
Most Jakarta travel itineraries include Jalan Surabaya in Menteng, which is a colourful market selling antiques. There's also the Pasar Seni craft market in Ancol. If you are an avid collector of antiques and antique furniture, it will be worth your while to check out the shops in Ciputat on the city's outskirts.
You can also find antiques and crafts in Jalan Kebon Sirih Timur, just a street away from Jalan Jaksa. Two kilometres south of Blok M, Kemang is yet another great place for crafts and antiques. Batik is also a big buy in Jakarta and there are many stores selling this handcrafted fabric. The Pasaraya Grande and Sarinah department stores offer fine selections of batik in all its main styles.
Mapanget Mega Wisata Tours & Travel was established in May 2003 and has earned a reputation as one of North Sulawesi's foremost inbound and outbound tour operators, distinctive for its personalised service and professionalism. We place a strong emphasis on introducing clients and guests to Indonesia's secret places. Our aim is to remain price competitive, offering professional and friendly service, and we will reply to all enquiries and reservations promptly.
