Tanah Abang Market, Jakarta Overview

Tanah Abang Market is the largest garment and textile wholesale centre in the entire South-East Asia. It brings together traders from all over Indonesia and South-East Asia. The market comprises of several blocks, with Block A and Block B being the most recent additions. The market houses 13,000 kiosks and sees over 75,000 shoppers in any single day. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of garments at wholesale prices.

Tanah Abang Market boasts of a long and eventful history, dating back to the year 1735. It used to be open only on Saturdays and was referred to as the Saturday Market. Over time, the market was able to grow and compete with other traditional and older markets. The construction of the Tanah Abang railway station along with several other public facilities boosted the Tanah Abang Market’s growth immensely.

Things to Do

Apart from going on a shopping haul, visitors can also explore Tanah Abang Market and its various blocks. There is a food court on the eighth floor of Block A of the market. There are plenty of restaurants with well-known fast food options. You can also hire a local guide to take you around the market and explain its history.

Shopping at Tanah Abang Market

You can expect to find anything you’re looking for at attractive wholesale prices. The market offers a wide variety of adult fashion, kids fashion, innerwear, footwear, bags, upscale boutiques, jeans and a whole lot more. You can also find all kinds of textiles ranging from silk to batik.

Tanah Abang Market is also a popular centre for Muslim fashion in the world. Block A and Block B are mostly a modern textile market. The rest of the blocks are a wholesale market and you will be expected to buy items in bulk. Most sellers even give you discounts if you purchase multiple items.

Tips

Tanah Abang Market is so huge that first-time visitors are bound to get lost in all the chaos. It is advised to hire a local guide who is familiar with the market.
You can also try reaching the market early, by 9 AM, in order to beat the crowd and to make the most of the shopping experience.
It is always recommended to carry sufficient cash as the ATMs in the area might not be functional.
Be wary of pickpockets. The market will be extremely crowded and the visitors are advised to keep their belongings safe.
Do not put all your money in a single place.
If crowded places make you feel uncomfortable, then you can try visiting Tanah Abang Market on weekdays when it is relatively less crowded.

How To Reach Tanah Abang Market

The most convenient way to reach Tanah Abang Market is to take a train till the Tanah Abang Railway Station. The market is roughly a 10-minute walk from the railway station. Alternatively, visitors can also opt for taxis or car rentals.