What to Buy in Tugu Tani: 5 Local Finds
What to buy in Tugu Tani must be something every diaspora traveler wonders when visiting this area. This area is not only a site rich in culture but also a place where you can find many local finds like no other place.
So, you can find something uniquely Indonesian in this area for you to bring home as souvenirs.
If you are curious about what should you put on the shopping list while visiting this area, let’s keep reading and find your answer!
Shortcuts
What to Buy in Tugu Tani: Local Specialties
- Antique and Vintage Collectibles
- Traditional Indonesian Spices and Coffee
- Authentic Batik Fabrics and Clothing
- Traditional Decor Items
- Locally Made Handicrafts and Artwork
Nice Places to Stay in Tugu Tani
What to Buy in Tugu Tani: Local Specialties
Not only this place is known as Indonesia’s cultural heritage, shopping in this area could also be a great idea. Below, you have put a list of the recommended items generally suggested by the locals.
Let’s dive in!
1. Antique and Vintage Collectibles
Curious about what to buy in Tugu Tani that carries historic value? Jakarta offers a variety of unique antique and vintage destinations worth exploring.
Surabaya Street Antique Market
Located just 500 meters from Cikini Station, this historical market features rows of vendors selling vintage furniture, porcelain, wooden crafts, and collectibles. It is especially popular among foreign tourists looking for colonial-era relics.
Prices vary widely depending on rarity, ranging from IDR100,000 to millions, and the market is generally active from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Bartele Gallery (Hotel Indonesia Kempinski)
Founded in 2009, this boutique antique shop specializes in rare maps and prints of the Dutch East Indies. It is a quiet, high-end destination perfect for collectors of historical documents and cartographic art. Located at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, it’s open during regular hotel commercial hours.
Insider Tip: Surabaya Street is best visited in the morning when vendors are setting up and more open to negotiation.
2. Local Snacks and Edible Souvenirs
For those curious about what to buy in Tugu Tani that reflects local flavor, Indonesian spices and coffee beans make for aromatic souvenirs.
Pasar Senen (Senen Market)
Known as Jakarta’s hub for second-hand fashion, Senen Market also hides a few stalls that sell traditional spices, including dried galangal, clove, and tamarind. While it is not the most polished setup, it is authentic, affordable, and loved by locals. Prices for spice packets start from IDR10,000, and the market operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Tan Ek Tjoan Shop (Menteng)
A colonial-era bakery known for nostalgic breads like roti gambang, soft buns, and coconut rolls. While not a spice vendor, it is a great stop for edible souvenirs under IDR50,000 per piece. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Insider Tip: Opt for vacuum-sealed options to preserve freshness during flights.
3. Authentic Batik Fabrics and Clothing
One of the most iconic answers to the question of what to buy in Tugu Tani is batik. This traditional cloth is not only fashionable but also deeply cultural, and the area is surrounded by trusted batik centers.
Sarinah Mall
As Jakarta’s first modern department store, Sarinah has been revitalized with curated batik boutiques like Iwan Tirta and BINhouse. Prices for ready-to-wear pieces start around IDR300,000, while premium hand-drawn batik can go over IDR3,000,000.
The mall is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a convenient and upscale experience.
Thamrin City
This is the go-to for wholesale batik, ideal for bulk buying or bargain finds. You will find a vast selection of printed and stamped batik starting from just IDR35,000 per meter, with many stalls offering same-day tailoring. Also open daily, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and especially busy on weekends.
Insider Tip: Head there before 1 PM on weekdays to avoid crowds and get better service from vendors.
4. Traditional Home Decor Items
If you are looking for practical souvenirs with cultural significance, traditional home décor items are a wonderful choice. These items showcase local artistry and can add a warm Indonesian touch to your living space.
Taman Puring Market
Located in Kebayoran Baru, this market is well-known for antique-style jars, hanging lamps with carved details, and vintage telephones.
Prices range widely, from IDR100,000 for smaller items to over IDR1,000,000 for rare finds. This market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Antiques of Heritage (Kebayoran Baru)
A specialty store offering hand-carved teak wood furniture, ceramic vases, and colonial-era decorative items. You can also browse their collection online via Tokopedia. Visit by appointment for the best experience.
Insider Tip: If you’re shipping larger items abroad, ask the seller if they partner with a logistics service for packing and delivery.
5. Locally Made Handicrafts and Artwork
Still thinking about what to buy in Tugu Tani? Jakarta has creative spaces and markets where you can find unique handmade crafts, vintage décor, and collectible trinkets.
Via Bata Via (Pos Bloc Jakarta)
A Gen Z favorite located in the historic Pos Bloc complex, this curated vintage shop sells retro props, decorative items, and old-timey electronics. It’s also known for its rentable studio space for content creators. Prices range from IDR75,000 to 500,000.
Santa Modern Market (Kebayoran Baru)
On the first floor, you will find vinyl records, vintage apparel, art prints, and antique accessories. Recently made popular again by Ed Sheeran’s visit, this market is open daily and perfect for relaxed, casual thrifting.
Insider Tip: Santa Market is busiest on weekends—go early for the best finds.
Nice Places to Stay in Tugu Tani
Choosing the right hotel can be good for your whole experience during your visits to Tugu Tani. Not only you will get a nice stay, but also easier access to the key destination.
Below are some of the alternatives you might want to consider:
- Ashley Tugu Tani – Just a 3-minute walk to Tugu Tani Monument and nearby heritage sites, this hotel is a solid option for travelers wanting proximity and peace. It’s also less than 10 minutes by car to Plaza Indonesia and Sarinah.
- Ashley Wahid Hasyim – Located in the heart of Central Jakarta, it’s a 10–15 minute drive to Sarinah Mall, Grand Indonesia, and Thamrin City. Ideal for guests planning to shop and dine around the Thamrin and MH Thamrin areas.
- Ashley Sabang – Positioned near the vibrant Jalan Sabang, this hotel is about 15 minutes by car to Surabaya Street Antique Market, Santa Modern Market, and Pos Bloc Jakarta. A great pick for culture seekers and vintage hunters.