Bandung Bustling Market for Bargain Shopper

Pasar Baru is the one of the city’s most iconic markets, known mainly for being a place where people search for quality items at low prices.

The market that has been standing since 1884 once had a reputation as the cleanest and most convenient market throughout Java.

However, over time the market has been revamped and rebuilt and Now, it has become a modern 10 storey structure that is very popular with the bargain hunters of Bandung and many more people.

There are many tourists from the region such as Malaysians that are seen on the market. They often buy in dozens because many vendors apply a ‘cheaper by a dozen’ marketing strategy.

Here are some tips to make your trip to the market, which is located in Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata No. 70, Bandung, become a more pleasant one:

The more the merrier

It is advisable to go to the market with a companion for safety reasons.

Pasar Baru Trade Centre is so crowded, that when a person carries too many shopping bags then he or she will be vulnerable to pickpockets, especially because you will not be able to move fast enough carrying such a heavy load.

Do not separate ways with your companion because finding each other again would be tricky. A simple phone call would not be effective because of the noisy surroundings.

It is not advisable to go there with young children because it would most likely end up stressful for you rather than fun.

Carry bags with zippers, preferably one that you can carry on your front side, and strap your gadgets for extra safety.

Be alert to strangers that are not sellers who try to make conversation with you. Reports on people being robbed while under hypnosis have happened so it is best to play it safe.

Browse around before you buy

Sometimes the same items can be found and sold allot cheaper in a different stall so remember to compare.

The trick is to note everything down the old fashioned way or make a note of it into your cell phone. It is very difficult to find the stall again unless you know the floor, name of the store and the number.

It is a good idea to take a picture of the floor to give you some orientation. Each level of the 10 storey building of Pasar Baru Trade Center is categorized based on specific items such as garments, bags, accessories, etc.

Start early or really late

Pasar Baru Trade Center opens daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arriving early means less crowds and you can get the advantage of being the first customer, hence, your bargain hunting would be easier and being early means it will be more convenient for you to find parking spot too.

Transportation advice

If you arrived there after 9 a.m. it is very hard to find a parking spot unless you are very lucky. So ask somebody to drop you off and pick you up again at a certain time later in the day.

Alternatively, you can go back to your hotel using a taxi which is quite easy to find in front of Pasar Baru Trade Center. Note that some taxis might offer you fixed prices instead of using the taxi meter, do not agree with the former.

The traffic in front of Pasar Baru is usually most crowded between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Stamina

If you are tired then it is advised you take a rain check. The huge complex will take up your energy and the last thing you want is fainting in the middle of a crowded market. Last, remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water regularly.