Pasar Baru, Jakarta Overview

Located in the Sawah Besar subdistrict of Central Jakarta, Pasar Baru is an administrative district and one of the oldest shopping districts in the city. The Pasar Baru street is lined with shops selling a wide range of products, from clothing to footwear, cosmetics to watches, electronic items to musical instruments along with roadside eateries serving dumplings, noodles and meatballs. The traditional market known for display of Indonesian, Chinese and Indian Cultures is a great place for shopaholics and foodies.

Another reason for you to pay a visit to Pasar Baru is food, which can be found at every nook and corner of the market. Javanese, Indian and Chinese dishes being sold by restaurants, as well as local street food vendors. The food is so delicious that it's a must-try. The Pasar Baru market of Jakarta is one of those oldest markets in the city which has continued to grow and attract people towards its sense of simplicity and tradition.

History & Background

Simply by giving a look to the entrance gate of the Pasar Baru market will you realize that the market started way back in 1820 AD. The place was called as Passar Baroe or Passar Baroe Malay to distinguish it from the other markets of the city. Pasar Baru was once a trading spot for different countries such as India, China, the Dutch countries and many other European countries.

By the 1980s, people started moving their shops out of the market to other areas of the city such as the Gajah Mada Plaza, Aldiron Plaza and the Ratu Plaza. However, this did not hamper the popularity of the place from growing, both on local as well as international soil. And, this fact needs no explanation since the popularity of the Pasar Baru is what will make you drive to the place during your trip to Jakarta.

Places to Visit in Pasar Baru

If you wish to see the pious front of the market, you may visit the Sin Tek Bio Temple situated on Jalan Pasar Baru Dalam. During your visit to the Sin Tek Bio Temple, you can observe the altars of Fu De Zheng Shen (God of Earth and Wealth) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) present inside the temple. The divinity of the place speaks for itself, poking out the spiritual self in you during your stay at the temple.

Another place to visit during your trip to the Pasar Baru market is the Sai Study Group Indonesia present on Jalan Pasar Baru Selatan. You may book for yourselves a session at the place, and get a brief glimpse into the life and teachings of Sai Baba, one of the most revered spiritual leaders of India. If you are not running out of time, do visit the Istiqlal Mosque after capturing the colonial era architecture of the Jakarta Art Building and the Gothic style made Jakarta Cathedral church in your cameras!

Pasar Baru Market

Although there is a large variety of products being sold by the locals at Pasar Baru, clothing and footwear are the most shopped items. Developed for the middle-class people of Jakarta, you can shop to your hearts’ content without worrying about your wallet balance, the items are that much cheap here. If you wish to buy some clothing, shops such as Euro Moda, Bombay Textiles and Pronto Moda are awaiting your visit. If you want to buy footwear, try the large collection of Sin Lie Seng at the Pasar Baru. Before buying anything, it is advised to use all of your bargaining skills to get the prices dropped.

Restaurants at Pasar Baru

Gokul: Try the all-vegetarian Indian dishes of this restaurant situated inside Wijaya Musik Store of Pasar Baru.

Tropik Restaurant: You will definitely scream for Ice-creams being served at this restaurant situated close to the main entrance gate of the market.

Bakmi Gang Kelinci: Sip on to some yummy noodle dishes at this legendary noodle shop situated inside the alley next to Sinar Baru Shoe Shop.

How to Reach Pasar Baru

To reach Pasar Baru, it is advised to book a taxi or rent a car and drive to the place from your hotel in Jakarta. If you want to go even cheaper, you can simply hop on to the city’s subway and de-board at Juanda Station.

Tips

1. Bargain with the sellers to drop the prices before buying anything at the market
2. Avoid buying cosmetics from roadside vendors
3. Carry ample water with you if you are visiting the place during the daytime