home | where can i buy

Where can I buy.....

If you are a shopper, Jakarta will be a heavenly posting for you! You can buy everything from high end designer wear, with prices to match, to discount clothing for the whole family; custom made furniture to custom made jewellery at prices you'll find hard to beat.

We have provided you with a summary of the main shopping malls here which should help you decide where it is best to shop. Most malls have some sort of entertainment for children so, hopefully you can keep everyone happy.

If you are looking for a special Indonesian gift to take home to family and friends try the Souvenirs section of our Gifts page.

Articles of interest;

Gandaria City Mall - a brief review to get you started!

Darmawangsa Square, The City Walk - a review.

Pejaten Village Mall - a review.

Read an article here by one of our readers about Ambassador Mall & ITC - 'Have you been to the Ambassadors?'

It is also worth considering the traditional markets of Jakarta. There you can rummage around and discover all sorts of surprises. It is best to leave the children at home if possible. Most markets are hot and cramped and no fun for little ones or for you trying to keep them happy.

A different kind of shopping experience awaits you at the enormous Mangga Dua in north Jakarta or the ITC shops, Ratu Plaza or Ambassador Mall.

There are several ITC locations in and around Jakarta, mostly attached to other stores such as Carrefour. They all have one thing in common; small stands selling very reasonably priced clothing (for all the family). Shoes, bags, toys, watches, pens, DVD's, baby equipment etc.

Browse around and ask for what you want as usually they have many more items in the stock room. Make sure you ask for a discount!
Most open at about 10.00 and close by 19.00. Take planty of cash as very few of the stands take credit cards.

Listed below are some of the tried and tested places;

ITC Fatmawati
ITC Permata Hijau, Jl. Arteri Permata Hijau
ITC Ambassador Mall
ITC BSD, Jl. Serpong Raya

Mangga Dua

This is not everyone’s idea of shopping but to some it’s heaven. There’s nothing sophisticated about the malls.This is a trade centre and not a retail haven. Wear cool clothing, comfy shoes and have a zipped up handbag for a bit of extra security. You will probably want to go with someone, so maybe tag up with someone who’s been before. This will add to the enjoyment of the Mangga Dua shopping experience!

Mangga Dua has three huge shopping centres. Looking from the street, there’s one on the left called Pasar Pagi Mangga Du., JITC (Jakarta International Trade Centre), is on the right. Linked with walkways over the street is the Mal Mangga Dua which is situated behind you.

Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua is the oldest building and isn’t air-conditioned. The aisles are narrow and so getting around is at a slower pace and can feel very crowded. Don’t be put off but you do have to be in the mood for rummaging around the many, many stores here that sell everything from stationery to clothes and shoes.

The JITC shopping complex is famous for its huge selection of fake designer handbags, watches, pens etc. It also has the most amazing range of cheap toys and gifts that are ideal as Christmas stocking fillers, presents and party favours. Amongst all of this, there are a few shops that have a full range of baby equipment, supplies, clothing and toys.

Take cash with you or use the Citibank ATM on the left hand side of the JITC as you enter the lobby. Bargaining is a must for everything you buy. The best way to haggle is to halve their first price, then work from there.

Best time to travel: Leave from Kemang after the rush hour at 09:00, to get there around 45 minutes later. All of the shops open at 10:00.

The food court is on Level 7. There is a McDonald‘s on the lower floor, just follow the signs.

Mal Mangga Dua has mainly computer software and accessories. It’s also a great place to source children’s computer games such as Playstation 2, Gameboy advance and for the younger kids, PC/Mac educational games. DVD's are also sold here.

back to top