The 10 Best Markets in Indonesia
Real everyday interactions in local dialects, unpretentious wares and traditional buildings (or boats!) – Indonesia’s markets are more than just a place where the most authentic goods change hands.
The vast and dynamic country of Indonesia tends to offer two sides of everything: traditional and modern, cheap and expensive, native and innovative. If you’re up for traditional and affordable shopping, walking around its best local markets can be an experience you’ll cherish. From art stalls in Bali to grocery shopping at Borneo’s floating markets, discover the best markets in Indonesia.
1. Sukawati Art Market
Market
2. Beringharjo Market
Market
3. Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan
Market
In Kalimantan (Borneo), a pristine land with well-reserved natural features, it comes naturally for locals to use the rivers as centers for trade. It makes quite a wonderful sight as sellers load their goods onto traditional boats, bumping and buzzing against dozens other boats as they make their way through to nowhere in particular. Here, you can find traditional goods, groceries, accessories and souvenirs sold in different boats. The vibe and sight, topped with the affordable prices, make these floating markets especially popular among tourists.
4. Pasar Triwindu
Market
Despite being established back in 1939 and selling antique goods that are much older, this traditional market in Solo is surprisingly well-managed. It has a website detailing vendors and products in English, making it much easier for foreign tourists to navigate their way through the market. But that’s not the only thing that makes this market so well-loved in the first place. Pasar Triwindu holds a plethora of antique goods, from home décor to old motorcycle parts, as well as heritage items like Javanese traditional dagger of keris, batik stamps, and old currencies.
5. Pasar Gede Solo
Market
6. Pasar Baru
Market
7. Pasar Cibaduyut
Market
This street market takes up almost the whole neighbourhood of Cibaduyut, Bandung. Famed for its passion for shoes and leather goods, the vendors deliver both good quality and bargain prices – a combo no one would want to miss. But the best thing about this street market is the impeccable craftsmanship. Most products are handcrafted with careful detail, and you can ask the shoemakers directly to create something special for you and finally see your ‘dream shoes’ idea realised.
8. Pasar Klewer
Market
Solo is one of Indonesia’s most prized centres for batik and Javanese civilisation in general. Pasar Klewer, then, represents the town’s best cultural beat, selling everything from authentic batik to traditional meals. As one of the biggest batik markets in the country, Pasar Klewer gathers different patterns and styles from different localities across the island. Beyond batik, many crafts sold in this market are export-grade, sought by collectors across the globe. Conclude your shopping spree with a bowl of traditional dessert like es dawet or a hearty plate of pecel. Throughout the years, this market has become an icon of the city and a tourist destination as well.
9. Pasar Tanah Abang
Market
10. Pasar Santa
Market
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