What To Buy In Cililitan: Your 5-Point Shopping Checklist
When it comes to what to buy in Cililitan, this area is considered a destination known for its bustling traditional market atmosphere. It might not be a place for high-end souvenirs, but if you’re seeking real local finds, this is your spot.
In this article, we have put some insider recommendations to help you get a better sense of what to buy in Cililitan.
Curious what could you find in this area? Let’s keep reading!
Shortcuts
What to Buy in Cililitan: Best Alternatives
- Textiles and Everyday Clothing at PGC
- Traditional Snacks and Local Food
- Religious Wear and Accessories
- Affordable Bags and Footwear
- Household Items and Essentials
Where to Stay for Easy Access to Cililitan
What to Buy in Cililitan: Best Alternatives
Cililitan might not be a typical shopping destination for people seeking luxury goods. However, this area is surely a goldmine for affordable and practical goods.
Here are some recommendations based on what locals love to buy:
1. Textiles and Everyday Clothing at PGC
Pusat Grosir Cililitan (PGC) is the heart of Cililitan’s shopping scene. This multi-floor wholesale center offers everything from casual T-shirts and modest wear to school uniforms and batik. Many shops cater to resellers, which means better prices when buying in bulk.
Prices typically range from IDR 25,000 to 150,000 for shirts, pants, and dresses. The mall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Insider Tip: Buy more than three items at one shop to unlock special reseller discounts.
2. Traditional Snacks and Local Food
Outside the PGC building, street vendors and small stalls offer local snacks like kue cucur, lemper, and tahu gejrot. You’ll also find packaged traditional treats like emping and keripik singkong — great to enjoy on the go or bring home.
Snacks typically range from IDR 3,000 to 30,000, depending on quantity and packaging.
Insider Tip: Try buying from stalls during mid-morning when fresh snacks arrive.
3. Religious Wear and Accessories
PGC and its surrounding area are known for selling mukena, peci, sarung, and prayer mats. These are especially popular during religious holidays but available year-round.
Basic sets start at IDR 50,000, while more premium embroidered mukena can go up to IDR 250,000.
Insider Tip: Many stores offer prayer kits as gift sets — convenient and ready to go.
4. Affordable Bags and Footwear
Several floors in PGC feature bag and shoe vendors selling casual backpacks, sandals, and office shoes at wholesale prices. While not designer items, these are practical and budget-friendly.
Most items are priced between IDR 35,000 and 200,000, depending on size and quality.
Insider Tip: Check stalls near the ground floor exit, they often offer better bargains and promotions.
5. Household Items and Essentials
Looking for practical home goods? Small hardware shops and stalls around Cililitan sell everything from plastic containers and cookware to towels and cleaning supplies.
Prices vary but usually fall between IDR 10,000 to 100,000.
Insider Tip: For larger quantities or specific brands, try the basement level of PGC.
Where to Stay for Easy Access to Cililitan
After knowing what to buy in Cililitan and where to find it, hopefully, it will help you shop smoothly during your visit to this area. However, you might also want to have a nice stay nearby so that you can mobilize efficiently.
Below are some of the recommendations:
Located just 5 minutes from PGC, this hotel is perfect for shoppers looking to stay as close as possible to the action. It offers modern rooms and easy access to Cililitan’s markets and public transport.
Located about 15 minutes by car, this hotel offers quick access to both Cililitan and the broader East Jakarta area.
Around 35 minutes away, ideal if you prefer staying in Central Jakarta but still want easy access eastward.
Insider Tip: Juno Jatinegara is especially convenient if you are planning to explore other local markets like Jatinegara or Matraman.