What To Buy In Tanah Abang: A Guide to Southeast Asia’s Largest Textile Market
What to buy in Tanah Abang – Tanah Abang is a shopping paradise in Jakarta notorious for its selection of wholesale fashion and textiles. However, this area also offers a variety of shopping malls, local street vendors, and specialty shops.
Whether you are looking for trendy outfits, quality fabrics, unique souvenirs, or even delicious street food, Tanah Abang District has plenty to explore.
Here is your guide on what to buy in Tanah Abang, let’s dive in!
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What To Buy In Tanah Abang: Best Alternatives
Tanah Abang is home to more than just its famous wholesale market. The district includes multiple shopping malls, standalone fabric stores, street vendors, and traditional food stalls.
Here is a closer look on what to buy in Tanah Abang:
1. Fashion Finds at Affordable Prices
Tanah Abang is best known for its affordable and diverse fashion selections. Whether you are looking for casual outfits, traditional wear, or stylish accessories, this district has plenty of options.
Blok A (Tanah Abang Market)
This is the heart of Tanah Abang’s clothing trade, offering everything from modest wear like hijabs and abayas to men’s and women’s casual and formal wear. Prices start at IDR30,000 for basic t-shirts and can go up to IDR300,000 for premium clothing. It operates daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but the best stock is available in the morning.
Metro Tanah Abang
A more structured shopping center compared to the traditional market, this mall offers affordable, ready-to-wear fashion with fixed prices. It is a great option if you want a hassle-free shopping experience without bargaining. Many shops here operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Insider Tip: Buying in bulk can save you even more money, as many wholesalers offer special rates for large purchases.
2. High-quality Fabrics and Textiles
Tanah Abang is Indonesia’s largest fabric trading center, making it a prime location for textile shopping. Whether you are a designer, tailor, or DIY enthusiast, you will find an impressive selection of materials at competitive prices.
Blok F (Tanah Abang Market)
The go-to destination for fabric lovers, offering batik, lace, cotton, and silk at IDR40,000 – 500,000 per meter, depending on the fabric type and quality. Many fabric vendors offer custom dyeing services and wholesale discounts. Operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pasar Tasik Tanah Abang
Open only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 2:00 AM to 10:00 AM, this early morning market is where many small business owners source fabrics at lower-than-market rates. If you are looking for deals on bulk textiles, this is the place to go.
Insider Tip: Many fabric stores provide tailoring services, allowing you to have custom outfits made within a few days at a lower cost than boutique tailors.
3. Unique Souvenirs and Handicrafts
What to buy in Tanah Abang? Beyond clothing and textiles, Tanah Abang is a fantastic place to shop for authentic Indonesian souvenirs and locally made handicrafts.
Blok G (Tanah Abang Market)
This section of the market specializes in handcrafted goods such as traditional batik pieces, woven bags, wooden carvings, and decorative home items. Prices range from IDR20,000 for small trinkets to over IDR500,000 for large handcrafted items. Open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Thamrin City Mall
It is a popular shopping center in the Tanah Abang district, known for its extensive collection of batik clothing, Indonesian handicrafts, and souvenirs.
You can find beautifully woven textiles, wooden carvings, and handcrafted jewelry at competitive prices. The mall provides a more structured shopping experience compared to the traditional market, with fixed prices and modern facilities. Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Insider Tip: If you are purchasing batik, check for hand-drawn (batik tulis) versus machine-printed (batik cap) to ensure you are getting an authentic piece.
Tips for Shopping in Tanah Abang
Navigating Tanah Abang can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. With its massive crowds, packed alleyways, and thousands of stalls, planning ahead is key to making the most of your shopping experience.
Here are essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:
Arrive early (before 9:00 AM)
The market gets extremely busy as the day progresses. Arriving early not only allows you to browse comfortably but also gives you first access to newly stocked items before they sell out.
Bring enough cash
Most vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, and while some stores may offer digital payment options, cash is still preferred. It’s best to carry small denominations to make transactions easier.
Negotiate smartly
Haggling is expected at Tanah Abang Market, but do so respectfully. Start with a lower offer and work your way up. If buying in bulk, you can often get additional discounts.
Dress for comfort
The market is large, hot, and crowded, so wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Avoid bringing bulky bags as they can be difficult to manage in tight spaces.
Use ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek)
Parking around Tanah Abang can be difficult, and traffic congestion is common. Using a ride-hailing app can save time and prevent unnecessary stress when getting in and out of the area.
Plan your shopping route
Tanah Abang consists of multiple blocks, each specializing in different products. Knowing which block to visit first can save time and energy.
Watch out for pickpockets
As with any busy market, keep an eye on your belongings. Use a crossbody bag with a secure zipper and avoid keeping valuables in your pockets.
Insider Tip: Avoid shopping on Sundays or public holidays, as the market is at its busiest. If possible, visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience.
Where to Stay for Easy Access to Tanah Abang
For the best shopping experience, staying at an Ashley Hotel ensures convenience and accessibility to Tanah Abang’s shopping hotspots.
Here are three Ashley Hotels to consider:
- Ashley Hotel Tanah Abang – A 5-minute drive from Tanah Abang Market and Blok A, this hotel offers modern accommodations with easy access to ready-to-wear fashion and bulk shopping deals.
- Ashley Wahid Hasyim – Located 10 minutes from Thamrin City Mall, this hotel is perfect for those looking to explore batik fashion, Indonesian handicrafts, and unique souvenirs.
- Ashley Sabang – Just a 12-minute drive from Metro Tanah Abang and Pasar Tasik, making it an excellent option for those shopping for fabrics, textiles, and affordable fashion.
After a long day of bargain hunting, having a nice place to stay at a comfortable hotel nearby will surely be good for you. There are so many alternatives you can choose from, but Ashley Hotel Group offers a variety of hotels spread across the heart of Jakarta.