Pejaten Village

The Basics

There’s no charge to enter Pejaten Village, and you don’t need a guide to visit. The different floors are clearly signposted and well laid out, and it’s easy enough to wander around snacking, shopping, and perhaps visiting the Cinema XXI movie theater. The bookshop, the cinema, and the food and drink options, which run from bubble tea tobakso (meatball soup), will be most interesting for the casual visitor; most shoppers are local to South Jakarta.

Things to Know Before You Go

• While it’s not one of Jakarta’s signature malls, Pejaten Village is worth a look if you’re staying nearby and would like to go shopping or to the cinema.

• The shopping center offers free Wi-Fi.

• Pejaten Village was previously known as Pejaten Mall.

How to Get There

Pejaten Village is in South Jakarta, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of Merdeka Square. Most visitors arrive by car, typically with a private driver, although parking can get crowded at weekends. It’s also possible to ride bus 20 or 6H from Gambir station, or bus 6A from Monas, albeit with some walking involved.

When to Get There

Like malls everywhere, Pejaten Village is at its busiest on weekend afternoons and over public holidays. The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan is a popular shopping period, as Jakarta’s mainly Muslim population stocks up on gifts for the festival of Eid. Expect discounts, displays, and special fast-breaking meals in the eateries during this time.

Indonesian Junk Food

Just as elsewhere in the world, a visit to a Jakarta mall offers the opportunity to feast on junk food. J.CO Donuts is a national institution, with gaudily colored donuts in flavors from classic jam to Asia-friendly durian. Pejaten Village is also home to no fewer than three bakso stores.