Shopping in Pasar Baru
an enthralling experience
Indonesia’s lively capital city Jakarta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. In order to enjoy these opportunities visitors may choose to stay at convenient Jakarta hotel apartments such as the Citadines Rasuna Jakarta. This appealing accommodation offers comfortable rooms and courteous hospitality.
Jakarta offers many attractive shopping options including a host of localities which are famed for their diverse selection and reasonable prices. One of these appealing neighbourhoods is Pasar Baru which also has the distinction of being one of the city’s earliest established shopping centres, dating back to the early years of the 1800s. At one time, during the colonial era, this locality was often frequented by the elite upper classes of society, but today it is a place where shoppers will find many kinds of goods and all kinds of bargains. Today this area is a pedestrian zone which is an interesting place to stroll through.
Pasar Baru is perhaps best known for its textile boutiques which are owned by Indian merchants from Bombay; some of these merchants have conducted business here for generations. These shops offer attractive Indian silk fabrics, brocades and other textiles at very reasonable prices. However you will also find many other kinds of goods at Pasar Baru such as a host of apparel; these choices include T-shirts, shorts, pants, shirts, jackets and sweaters. You will also find more expensive attire such as glamorous dresses and suits. Additionally visitors will be able to choose from a variety of Muslim attire including sarongs, turbans, hijabs, mukenah dresses and other religious items such as prayer mats.
Shopping at Pasar Baru is very much a traditional experience and it is imperative to bargain with the merchants in order to obtain the best prices. Visitors may also ascend to the highest storey of the complex and enjoy splendid views of the surrounding area. In order to replenish your energies after an active shopping session, you may take the opportunity to enjoy some typical local snacks.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.