Jakarta is a lively Asian metropolis that is often the starting point of any Indonesian itinerary. It is also a great destination for getting some retail fix. Here are some of the places where you can experience the best shopping in Jakarta, Indonesia:
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Best Shopping in Jakarta: Department Stores
Sarinah
Known as the Indonesian Emporium, this department store boasts 15 floors of clothing, fashion accessories and footwear options.
Sarinah Building – photo by Prayudi Setiadharma under PD-self
Seibu
The Japanese Seibu department store in Jakarta features a selection of beauty products, fragrances, fashion for men, women and children, and home items.
Seibu Department Store building at Grand Indonesia Shopping Town in Central Jakarta – photo by Afrogindahood under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Best Shopping in Jakarta: Malls
Blok M Plaza
This large shopping mall has several retailers, eating places, a cinema and a supermarket on its 7 floors.
Inside Blok M Plaza in the evening – photo by Vulphere under CC-BY-4.0
Blok M Square
Blok M Square is one of the shopping malls in the Blok M shopping and business quarter. It’s a popular retail destination for bargain hunters, with all sorts of shops offering various items at discount prices.
Blok M Square – photo by Ya, saya inBaliTimur under CC BY-ND 2.0
Grand Indonesia
With hundreds of shops and international dining places, this modern, multiple-level mall is one of the most popular in Jakarta.
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Blitzmegaplex at Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta – photo by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 under CC BY 2.0
Mangga Dua Mall
A multi-story complex, you are bound to find what you are looking for in this mall – and at bargain prices.
Mangga Dua Mall in North Jakarta – photo by christian r from Jakarta under CC-BY-SA-2.0
Pacific Place
Sporting a nautical theme, this huge mall is an attention-grabber. It has luxury and mainstream shops, along with dining place and a children’s play area.
Pacific Place Jakarta – photo by Piculo under PD-self
Thamrin City
Thamrin City is known for its batik fabric stores and Muslim clothing shops. It also has casual dining options, as well as a supermarket.
Thamrin City – photo by M R Karim Reza under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Best Shopping in Jakarta: Markets
Ancol Art Market
Also called Pasar Seni Ancol, Ancol Art Market is a hub for arts and crafts. It features stalls that promote the works of local artisans, painters and sculptors.
Entrance to Ancol Art Market – photo by Muhammad Ishomil under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Pasar Baru
Central Jakarta is home to Pasar Baru, a bustling market that is recognized as the oldest in the city. Since 1820, Pasar Baru has been the destination for bargain clothing and other items.
Pasar Baru Market – photo by Midori under GFDL and CC-BY-3.0
Glodok Chinatown Market
Here’s a slice of China in Jakarta: Glodok Chinatown Market. If you’re up for some street shopping, this is an awesome destination with all the variety of stalls you can find – may it be cheap electronics or traditional Chinese medicine.
Glodok Chinatown Market – photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Jalan Surabaya Flea Market
Looking for antiques? The flea market along Surabaya Street has more than a hundred stalls that sell all kinds of antiques and vintage items, from salvaged treasures to Javanese puppets to old coins and more.
Polished brassware on display at one of the kiosks at Jalan Surabaya Flea Market – photo by Danumurthi Mahendra under CC BY 2.0
Santa Modern Market
Locals also call this interesting indoor market “Pasar Santa”. Here, you will find vintage shops and thrift stores amidst gourmet street food stalls.
Typical weekend scene at Pasar Santa – photo by Haryo Bintoro under CC BY 2.0
Tanah Abang Market
If you’re looking for textile, head to Tanah Abang Market – one of the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Tanah Abang Market – photo by U.S. Embassy, Jakarta under CC BY-ND 2.0
Best Shopping in Jakarta: Specialty Shop
Bartele Gallery
Find your way to Bartele Gallery on Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s first level for antique Indonesian maps, books and prints.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Jakarta, housing the Bartele Gallery on its first level – photo by musnahterinjak under CC-BY-SA-3.0
