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Jakarta Joys

by Tharika Goonathilake

Whatever category you fall into, first-time- visitor or seasoned traveller, Indonesia has many an attraction spread among its stunning archipelago of over 17,000 islands, suffice to entertain and entice.

The country offers everything from beautiful beaches, historical splendour, culture, arts, adventure, superb accommodation, exotic cuisine and yes, let me get to the point, the less discovered option-of shopping till you drop.

And mind you, this you could easily do, without burning a hole in your purse with plenty of cash still at hand at the end of the day, to take in the sights and sounds of this amazing land.

The world's fourth most populous nation, Indonesia's current composition of 200 million citizens hosts nearly 300 separate linguistic groups which have contributed to the country's fascinating social fabric with its diversity of cultures, festivals, languages, cuisine and attire. This phenomenon undoubtedly gives the country its special allure.

Jakarta, on the shores of the Java Sea, is Indonesia's vibrant capital. The city is a bustling metropolis home to over 12 million people and is a melting pot of sorts, given the foreign influences that has swept its shores over the centuries Dutch, Portuguese, British, Japanese, Arab, Malay, Indian and Chinese, transforming it to the extraordinary place that is Jakarta today.

It is also, as two Sri Lankan journalists found out quite by chance, a great place to shop !

Poetry in motion. A Betawi dancer from the indigenous people of Jakarta.

Like many Asian nations rife with small knick-knacks and authentic pieces, everything Indonesian can be purchased in Jakarta. It's just a matter of knowing how much you want to spend.

Bargaining in Indonesia is not only permitted, it is encouraged and great fun. Whatever you find that tickles your fancy, would probably fit with your decor in your living room, or might make the perfect gift for you or your friends. The choice is vast and different.

So once you get there, drop the bags and go on to the familiarization routine `to get a feel of the place'. Jakarta boasts of some of the finest hotels and spa brands in the world.

Not to mention the really good facilities even for budget travellers. An extensive network of first class highways coupled with an excellent public transport make it easy to travel around Indonesia. So take a look at the abundantly available tourist brochures and you will be bowled over at the sheer number of shopping haunts. All you have to do mark map and chart your course !

Jakarta is truly a melting pot, mixing the country’s diverse culture with those of other nations to form a unique heritage.

The City's shops and modern mega malls offer everything from haute couture to traditional batik, from electronics to local handicrafts, all at competitive prices. Some shopping centres are so huge that you'll probably need a day to cover the total area. Some areas are famous for particular goods. But for those with an eye for high fashion, Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan in Kebayoran Baru, is a must.

Block M Plaza - a modern mall with international designer labels has everything on the fashion list. Given the frequent 'price slashes' and discounts offered by its leading designer stores, this is the place to buy that NINA RICCI couture, or Calvin Klein shoes you always wanted. The advantageous is that you pay in Rupiah and very likely not the full dollar price.

For those with an active family kid club, there is an unbelievable array of 'kid gear' and toys in a fusion of colours, shapes and subjects to choose at BLOCK M.

Wherever one shops, be it in a modern mall or a jam packed store in back-lane stalls, rest assured you won't go empty handed since there are truckloads of bargains to take advantage of. Shopping in Jakarta is hard to beat. Best buys include fashion wear, fabric, textiles and some of Asia's best handicrafts and interior design items, just to name a few.

Among the famous shopping hotspots are Mange Dual Electronics Center. Comprising three huge complexes side-by-side, the place offers every imaginable electronic device under the sun. Be it a 'creep crawly battery run bug,' that gives you therapeutic massage or a state-of-the-art camera that helps you 'capture' the memories, to take back home.

Bargain hunters will have a ball, strolling along Jalan Surabaya, a flea market offering a wide range of goods; some of them antique, such as ornate lamps, porcelains, brass ware and handicrafts. For those with an eye for beautiful teak or bamboo furniture - antique or repro, the main highway in the Capital area of Jakarta offers plenty of choice.

The Tanah Abang Textile Paradise is for the textile fanatics. This area has historically been associated with textiles. The three-storey Pasar Tanah Aband market specializes in wholesale fabrics. Jakarta's Textile Museum is also located in this area. This is in addition to the nearly 40 public and private museums that are spread across the city, offering a glimpse into the country's rich traditions.

Pasar Raya Handicraft Heaven, is the first choice for general shopping for locals, with one entire floor boasting of intricate handicraft, textiles and batik from Jakarta's leading designers including those from around the archipelago. This is also a popular one-stop-shop given the wide array of goods available under one roof.

Pasar Seni Art Market is Jakarta's,` House of Fame'. Many international artists have begun their path to fame at the tree-lined piazzas of this beautiful market. Located in the Ancol complex, it's the ideal place to commission a painting or get even a portrait drawn on the spot!

The Jalan Surabaya Antique market is for those with a penchant for exotic artifacts. Antique and curio collectors will love this place known for its Chinese porcelain, wayany puppets, batik calenders, Dutch lamps, old vinyl LP records ... the list is endless. But remember to go early for the best buys.

Travelling is all so safe and affordable in Jakarta. Every taxi boasts a meter and more importantly gets you to the popular haunts, without a bill that does not cost the earth. The other advantage is that most shops are open during weekends.

Jakarata also has on offer exotic and delicious dining throughout the day and even night. Local dishes blend fresh spices and herbs into a delicious and lively blend. If that does not whet your appetite, rest assured every major international cuisine is on the menu with separate tourists maps, giving you a count down on the best places to dine or wine.

Casual or formal dining, Jakarta's cuisine scene has it all.

Had enough? Then head for a typical spa therapy to rejuvenate your mind and soul. The city's many spas offer some really good packages for visitors and a trip to Indonesia wouldn't be complete without a typical spa therapy - Indonesian style. Pampering and well-being programmes include traditional massage, followed by a mandi lulur body scrub treatments. A speciality in many of the Spa centres throughout the City is the use of natural aromatic ingredients.

And as the sun goes done after a day of happy shopping therapy rest assured there's a lot more to do and see in Jakarta's list of joys. That is another story.

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