Mal Kelapa Gading: Fashion, food & entertainment under one roof

Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, The Jakarta Post

Do you like strolling through a mall -- and shopping -- in your spare time? If you do, drop by Mal Kelapa Gading, where you can shop, watch movies, dine, play games and go bowling as well as keep your kids entertained at the mall's Jungle Jump. With a total area of up to 130,000 square meters, Mal Kelapa Gading is one of the largest shopping malls in Jakarta. With approximately 600 tenants, the mall brings together fashion, food and entertainment under one roof.

Mal Kelapa Gading has no shortage of cool, interesting shops -- this mall will keep any shopaholic busy all day. Braun Buffel, Marks & Spencer, Elle, Guess and Next are just a few of its foreign brands.

Meanwhile, about 30 famous local designers fill the exclusive fashion shopping spot The Catwalk, including Anne Avantie and Kanaya Tabitha. Fashion shows are also held at The Catwalk.

When love is in the air, drop by Bridal World a one stop service for all wedding needs, from invitations to bridal gowns -- dedicated to making your special day memorable and stress- free.

For chic and cool fashion as well as accessories, FashionHUB is the spot to check out. Their merchandise is geared toward youngsters and young-at-heart fashionistas. Designed with Harajuku Street Style in mind (which is famous for its ultra-hip shops), this vibrant 2,000 sq m fashion hub is filled with shops that offer countless oh-so-cute clothes and accessories in an upbeat contemporary atmosphere -- making shopping at this spot quite an experience.

Those with a fetish for shoes in all styles, shapes and sizes can shop to their heart's content at various shoes shops, like Yongki Komaladi, Rotelli and Sole Effect, among others. Meanwhile, Stop N' Go Service can repair your shoes as well as bags.

Batik lovers shouldn't miss Batik Keris, where they can buy high-quality batik. If you're in the mood for a bit of luxury, drop by Benteng Jewelry or Frank & Co or other jewelry shops at the mall, and buy something for yourself -- admit it, self indulgence feels good.

The health conscious can head for Natural Farm, Guardian and Century Health Care for their supply of vitamins and supplements. Tea lovers can stop by Teh Enam Tiga to quench their thirst. If you're into reflexology, drop by The Oriental Health Care and you'll feel fresh and rejuvenated.

This mall also houses several unique and interesting shops, like Sox Galeri and Hobby Craft Studio. Sox Galeri specializes in socks. Even if you're not a sock collector, you will still be fascinated by the collection of colorful, candy-colored socks in this shop.

Hobby Craft Studio sells imported as well as local goods, a haven for needle-work devotees. The merchandise comes from Indonesia, Japan, Germany and France, among other countries. Metallic threads, knitting needles and crochet hooks -- you name it -- they have everything. You may also take cross-stitch, Hardanger embroidery, knitting & crochet, paper clay as well as paper tole courses there.

Mal Kelapa Gading is anchored by Sogo and Diamond department store and supermarket and they are among the main draws here.

If you go to the mall along with your kids, let them have fun at Jungle Jump - there is lots of fun and excitement there. The place, with a unique jungle theme, is packed with fun stuff, like a spider web, labyrinth and ball pool. The good news is you may leave your kids there and let them have fun while you shop around. No worries, the trained staff will take care of your kids.

Actually, Jungle Jump is located inside Kids Safari, the one- stop entertainment center for children where you can find Kiddy Cuts hair salon as well as several shops that offer products for children, from toys to furniture.

If you need a break from shopping, stop by one of the entertainment facilities, such as Gading XXI cinemas, Time Zone games gallery or Viva Bowling Alley with 24 lanes -- the choice is yours.

Feeling hungry? Mal Kelapa Gading has a wide variety of food to fill your tummy, from western to traditional Indonesian food; you will be spoilt by the choices available. Food Temptation, the mall's food court, is the biggest indoor food courts in Indonesia, with an area of 6,000 sq m and 2,000 seating capacity. Gado-gado Boplo, Bakmi GM, Sate Padang Mak Syukur, Java Kitchen, Sakae Sushi, Chopstix and Kentucky, are some among the many outlets.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a cozy hangout with cafes set in an area that has the charm of a European sidewalk, Gourmet Walk is the spot.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Bread Talk are among the popular brands that also filled Mal Kelapa Gading.

All in all, Mal Kelapa Gading offers interesting merchandise, from bric-a-brac to luxury goods, an eclectic selection of food, as well as entertainment for you and your family -- all under one roof, not to mention that the mall is also actually an inviting place to escape the vagaries of the weather or just window-shop. Chances are, with so many shops and a wide variety of merchandise, you will never walk out with nothing in your hand -- don't say I didn't warn you.

Mal Kelapa Gading
Jl. Bulevar Kelapa Gading Blok M
Kelapa Gading Permai, Jakarta
Tel: 4531101