Joanna James
The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is not only an ideal destination for sightseeing but some shopping too. The great thing is, not only will you find sprawling malls, but lively markets as well where you can soak up some local culture. Here are five of the top shopping hotspots.
Locally known as "Pasar Seni Ancol", the Ancol Art Market is an ideal place for those looking for unique works of art to take back home with them. Located close to the Ancol Dreamland amusement park, this popular art market is set amidst a laid-back park setting and you may even see artisans at work. Once here, you will find various pavilions and stalls showcasing a range of arts and crafts from across the country; these include carvings, paintings, batik, sculptures, wooden masks, ceramics, items made from bamboo, pottery and traditional puppets.
Living up to its name, Grand Indonesia is one of the country's biggest malls and is a must-visit for shopaholics in Jakarta. Residence apartment options can be found close to this retail hub so you can look forward to plenty of shopping day or night. It features two buildings joined by a sky bridge and is home to local and international brands the likes of H&M, Forever 21, Dr Marten and Zara to name a few. There are plenty of dining venues as well as a Cineplex, magic fountain show and more.
Featuring a stunning LED display outside, Mal Taman Anggrek is a megamall in West Jakarta offering lots of shopping, dining and entertainment for the whole family. Located within easy reach of properties such as Somerset Berlian Jakarta, the mall is known for its lifestyle and fashion brands such as Giordano, Body & Soul, Uniqlo, Guess and Zara. It also features a huge atrium which hosts a variety of exhibitions, concerts and entertainment programmes; other highlights include the country's largest indoor ice skating rink, diverse restaurants, a game arcade, cinema and fitness centre.
If you are after some great bargains and unique items, then plan a visit to the flea market along Jalan Surabaya in Central Jakarta. This walking street is a popular place to come to for everything from antiques to traditional items like wayang shadow puppets and kris daggers. There are over 180 shops to browse and you will also find wooden totems, brass lanterns, Dutch coins, traditional batik, old books and woodcarvings. Do remember that prices are negotiable so bargain to get some great deals.
One of the best things to do in Jakarta for shoppers is to explore the Chinatown area known as "Glodok" where fascinating cultural discoveries await. Along Jalan Kemenangan Raya is a well-known market, while Pasar Pagi, Pasar Glodok and Pasar Grosir are other areas that have markets worth checking out. You will also find shopping centres here including Orion Plaza and Glodok Plaza. Shops in Glodok offer electronics, souvenirs, clothing, phones, Chinese medicines and not forgetting some yummy local dishes too.
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