In the quiet residential Menteng District of Jakarta, Jalan Surabaya certainly stands apart. The Jalan Surabaya Antique Market is a daily affair, and stalls dedicated to historical and antique items line the streets, which themselves are populated mostly by stores also following the theme of yesteryear. The residential area is a little more upscale than what is typical of Jakarta, and the quality of the goods in the stores here and on the market is also more higher end. Anyone interested in the patch work history of this area of the world is going to love strolling through this street.
Jalan Surabaya Antique Market is incredibly popular with locals, and thanks to the ubiquity of English being spoken in Jakarta it is a really easy market and street for tourists to navigate. There are more than 150 shops to explore here over quite a short distance, so visitors will want to make sure they have a few hours to spend here. It is definitely a good idea to arrive to the area as early as possible (though shops do not open until 10am), as no one will want to be suffering in the mid day heat on the streets of Jakarta, no matter how keen a bargain hunter you are!
The goods available at Jalan Surabaya Antique Market reflect Indonesia’s past and multicultural present. From the Dutch colonial era, there are plenty of old coins, Dutch porcelain, chandeliers, and silverware. Dotted among these historical artifacts are old telephones, cameras, vinyls and record players and luggage. Those with a particular interest in nautical items are going to be pleased with the numerous items found here, from portholes to diving helmets.
Of course, Indonesian culture is also represented at Jalan Surabaya Antique Market, and Javanese puppets, batik and beautiful carvings can be found. It is the perfect place for quality, unique souvenirs and collectors will definitely have a ball here too.
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