Malls in Jakarta
Visiting shopping malls is a central activity in the lives of many
Jakartans. Malls provide an escape from the heat, humidity and rain, and
the many entertainment options makes them pivotal in the lifestyle of
Jakartans and expats alike. Shopping malls in Jakarta can be described
as lifestyle centres. Expats can leave the mall with a fresh new
haircut, after getting a massage, enjoying international cuisine and
buying stationary, a pair of shoes, and food for their pets. Malls are
truly the cornucopia of shoppers, where products are bountiful,
ever-changing and always following the latest trends.
Malls are plentiful throughout Jakarta and so are their visitors. Weekends and Indonesian holidays are popular days to visit so expect to find a buzzing mall. Some of the most popular malls include Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia in the city centre, Senayan City, Ciputra Shopping Mall, Pacific Place, Gandaria City and Pondok Indah Mall in the south, as well as Central Park Mall and Mall of Indonesia.
Small boutiques showcasing the work of up-and-coming Indonesian designers are worth visiting. The most popular ones are the Goods Department in Plaza Indonesia and events such as the Bright Spot Market and Ina Craft Fair.
Furniture shopping
Shopping for furniture is a popular hobby among expats due to the low prices and good quality of the final products. Antique teak wood is often used to make modern furniture and many customers bring pictures of designs to be replicated.
International Trade Centres
International Trade Centres, popularly known as ITCs, are the go-to places when looking for small electronics, factory outlet clothes, imported toys, brand-name purses and almost anything else. Although these shopping centres do not boast the swank and cleanliness of the nicer malls, most shoppers leave the ITCs satisfied after spending much less money than at regular shopping centres. Popular ITCs include Mangga Dua, Ambassador Mall, Blok M and Roxy.
Malls are plentiful throughout Jakarta and so are their visitors. Weekends and Indonesian holidays are popular days to visit so expect to find a buzzing mall. Some of the most popular malls include Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia in the city centre, Senayan City, Ciputra Shopping Mall, Pacific Place, Gandaria City and Pondok Indah Mall in the south, as well as Central Park Mall and Mall of Indonesia.
Small boutiques showcasing the work of up-and-coming Indonesian designers are worth visiting. The most popular ones are the Goods Department in Plaza Indonesia and events such as the Bright Spot Market and Ina Craft Fair.
Furniture shopping
Shopping for furniture is a popular hobby among expats due to the low prices and good quality of the final products. Antique teak wood is often used to make modern furniture and many customers bring pictures of designs to be replicated.
International Trade Centres
International Trade Centres, popularly known as ITCs, are the go-to places when looking for small electronics, factory outlet clothes, imported toys, brand-name purses and almost anything else. Although these shopping centres do not boast the swank and cleanliness of the nicer malls, most shoppers leave the ITCs satisfied after spending much less money than at regular shopping centres. Popular ITCs include Mangga Dua, Ambassador Mall, Blok M and Roxy.
Markets
For the more adventurous, traditional pasars (markets) offer an authentic cultural experience where true kampung (village) life can be observed, breathed and lived. Markets are excellent venues for buying fresh produce, live fish and beautiful newly picked flowers. These markets are often crowded with bajajs, carts and even motorcycles, and they are bustling with life and colour.
Beware of price fluctuations between locals and foreigners and have at least a slight idea about how much something is worth. Bargaining is expected so anticipate to negotiate prices until finding a good discount of about 10 to 20 percent. There are many markets around Jakarta and finding one near one's home will provide a glimpse of Indonesian lifestyle and culture. Among these traditional markets, China Town and Glodok are not to be missed.
Source: Shopping in Jakarta
