Tanah Abang Market

Overview

Tanah Abang is the largest textile market in Southeast Asia, a labyrinthine multi-story complex where millions of metres of fabric trade hands daily. It's a wholesale hub but welcomes retail buyers.

Highlights

• Massive Scale: Thousands of stalls across multiple interconnected buildings.
• Textile Variety: Batik, hijab fabric, silk, cotton, and ready-made garments.
• Wholesale Prices: Clothing at a fraction of mall prices.

History

The Tanah Abang market has been a trading centre since the 18th century. The current multi-story complex was built in the 2000s after fires destroyed earlier structures.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Wear comfortable shoes—you'll walk for kilometres through the stalls.
• Tip 2: Mornings (before 11 am) are less crowded and more manageable.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.