Erin Hunter
With sky piercing department stores and shopping centers littering its streets Jakarta is a shopaholic's dream. Frequented by tourists and locals, the city's most popular mallscapes are as follows.
As one of the largest shopping malls in Jakarta the Grand Indonesia is divided in to two separate wings that are connected by a number of overpasses. Housing hundreds of retail outlets including a supermarket the venue's wings feature New York City inspired interiors as well as Japanese style Zen gardens as decorate elements. With a special area dedicated to Indonesian art, the mall also houses several designer boutiques by local fashion labels.
As a fashion hub in the heart of Jakarta Pacific Place is the host of many runway shows and designer events throughout the calendar year. With a decidedly upmarket feel this high end shopping centre is spread out across eight floors. Home to its very own VIP cinema the locale is known as a dinning hub littered with many trendy cafes and famed restaurants.
Occupying the southern reaches of Jakarta Gandaria City offers discerning shoppers seven stories full of retail options. Known for its beautifully designed stores and fantastic restaurants the venue also offers two supermarkets within its confines. Fine dining restaurants are also part of this newest addition to Jakarta's mallscape where seasonal exhibitions are conducted annually.
Tucked away in the heart of the city Plaza Indonesia is a hit with tourists and young shoppers thanks to its late nigh diners, nightclubs and gaming arcade. A film theatre is also part of the complex which has dedicated an entire floor to children's shops as well as a playground.
Often regarded as one of the best places to pick up tasteful souvenirs in Jakarta, the Ambassador Mall is an affordable alternative to those who wish to avoid the more exorbitantly priced items in other shopping malls in the city. Offering visitors a wide range of Batik items the venue makes luxury goods affordable with competitive pricing on imported products. Situated in Kuningan the venue is also a great place to purchase factory leftovers.
Sprawled across 7 stories the FX Mall is known as the home base of lesser known Indonesian labels and fantastic dining options. Home to a children's playground FX Mall offers luxury goods and then some within its high-end confines. The main attraction at the venue however is a 7 storey chute slide that propels visitors down at break neck speeds for the thrill of a lifetime.
Situated in southern Jakarta Senayan City is a family oriented mallscape in the city. Littered with innumerable flagship stores the shopping centre also highlights the wares of local fashion labels with a wide number of Indonesian designer boutiques lining its corridors. A plush movie house and a food court are other attributes of this mall with hundreds of retail outlets while a large playground for children is also on-site.
Occupying the city centre Thamarin is a well-kept secret among souvenir hunters and batik fanatics. As a larger than life mall with sight floors full of every variety of consumer products imaginable the venue's special focus on handicrafts and batik items sets it apart from similar establishments. Visitors based in conveniently placed Jakarta Hotel Apartments such as the Citadines Rasuna Jakarta will have easy access to the mall and others in the city.
