Alex Untola
Setting off on a shopping spree to Jakarta is quite a rewarding experience, as you browse high end designer malls and enjoy the thrill of haggling at the bargain markets.
Imitating Singapore's Orchard Road the Dr Prof Satrio Road may not be as big but does have a selection of quality malls. The 2.25km road houses 4 malls offering bargains to big brands, do check out Ciputra World for high-end stores and Ambassador Mall for some great bargains. Plenty of sunny cafes and restaurants located around the malls make for quite a pleasant shopping experience.
Located within the Ancol Recreational Park this market offers a fine collection of local artists selling classic souvenirs in the form of paintings, intricate wood carvings and beautiful creations fashioned out of seashells.
Quite popular with the locals this area consists of a collection of stores such as ITC Mangga Dua, Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, Mall Mangga Dua and Harco Mangga Dua. Look around and you will find cheap bargains, fake labels, clothing and the latest electronic gadgets at these stores.
This mall offers 4 high-end department stores and is located in a residential neighbourhood. Chinese superstition deems the number 4 unlucky as such the fourth store is referred to as the 5th! But superstition apart shopping at the Kelapa Gading Mall is quite a treat as it is home to Sogo, Star and a number of branded label stores. Food courts and lovely cafés add to the overall experience at the Kelapa Mall which is tipped as the best venue for picking up A-grade souvenirs.
Fairly new to Jakarta's line up of malls the Mall of Indonesia is ideal for a family day out as it boasts a Cineplex, Hard Rock Café, gymnasium and for the kiddies a play area in the atrium. Shopping is of course enjoyed at a number of quality department stores.
Central Jakarta is Indonesia's main tourist hub as such the best shopping venues are found in this district, the country's national mall Sarinah has its main branch with shops selling home ware, cosmetics, jewellery, fine arts and souvenirs. Make sure to visit levels 4 and 5 if you are on the lookout for traditional batik creations and time honoured Indonesian artefacts and paintings.
Definitely a shoppers paradise the 250 stores at Plaza Indonesia do deserve a day's attention. Plenty of branded goods are available under the labels of Gucci, Ferragamo, Boss and much more. The entertainment centre – 'eX' caters to the younger crowd with a Hard Rock Café, Cineplex, bowling alley, billiards café and fitness centre. Central Jakarta is a good choice when looking for a hotel in Jakarta as the area is rife with not only the best shopping venues but also a vibrant night life, entertainment and fine restaurants. Located across from the Plaza Indonesia is the stylish Keraton At The Plaza Jakarta hotel.
Seibu department stores together with high-end department stores and 13 Cineplex auditoriums make this mall easy to enjoy. Food courts and children's entertainment floors make shopping with the family a breeze.
Head over to these venues for specific buys, Pasar Baru is well known for its collection of locally manufactured shoes, traditional fabrics and clothing stores that are a bargain hunter's haven. The Jalan Surabaya Antique Market is great for culture buffs on the scout for unseal artefacts; time honoured antiques and other exotic finds.
Head over to south Jakarta for Gucci, Prada, Boss and much more at the Plaza Senayan or check out Pasaraya Block M which boasts an entire section that is dedicated to local batik creations and beautiful local handicrafts.
For all bargain hunters the cheap knock offs found at these outlets come pretty close to the original item. Heritage Factory Outlet and Premium Factory Outlet are just a few of the outlets offering visitors plenty of discounted shopping
