10 Top Spots to Stop on Jl. Kemang Timur
What are you doing this weekend? Here's 10 Top Spots to Stop on Jalan Kemang Timur, South Jakarta for you to check out! From furniture, Indonesian artifacts, homewares and clothing, to yoga and great coffee, we have your next Jakarta street tour covered. Jl. Kemang Timur is arguably one of our favourite South Jakarta streets, and home to some of our most treasured local finds. When it comes to furniture, everyone has their own preference, so no matter what you choose to buy, if you are happy, that's all that matters. Everyone wants to create an environment in their home that reflects them as an individual and that's what furniture shopping allows you to do, whether you do it online or here in Jakarta.
Jl. Kemang Timur (Jl. Kemang East) features a unique mixture of traditional cultural fascinations as well as some recently established contemporary hot spots.
These include:
the well renowned hole in the wall-style furniture workshops specialising in custom-built wood furniture
larger homeware spaces selling traditional object d’art and reproductions
a range of modern establishments where you will find contemporary jewellery, that must-have lamp, vase or fruit bowl
a must stop spot for the latest-look cotton clothing
decorator pots of all shapes and colours
a yoga studio
a dog grooming salon, pet accessory boutique, dog playground and...
one of our favourite Jakarta coffee shops!
We've whittled our list down to 10 Top Spots. Pick one or pick them all, you can't go wrong!
Ayo! (Let's Go!)
1. Aedi LIVING
AEDI, is a combination design consultant studio and retail space. It puts itself within the much-celebrated scene of Indonesian interior design and as a forerunner in design development and service. They have been on Jl. Kemang Timur for 13 years, and are a must visit if you are looking for contemporary homewares of a high quality.
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No. 45 B
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 7:00pm | Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm
Web: www.aediinterior.com
Instagram: Aedi Interior
Email: hello@aedishop.com
Telephone: +62 21 71794455
Best for: Something edgy and modern for your home or a special gift
Liz is Loving the: Lamp bases and vases made from sea coral
An interesting find: A carrara marble and stainless steel side table
I'll be saving up for: The Aediology oak wood and wire fruit bowl and the Aediology angular, white metal stool
Aedi showroom
Liz's Aedi Carrara marble side table she purchased off the floor
Off to Beeqa 1
2. Beeqa Jewellery
Beeqa is a very special little jewellery boutique, located past the bright green painted mosque, and tucked away at the end of the alleyway off Jl Kemang Timur Raya 77. Beeqa is owned by Danish jewellery designer Vibeke Lorentzen. Vibeke describes the Beeqa style as 'Scandinavian; slim lines, sleek, modern designs whose beauty lies in their simplicity.' Vibeke works with silver and gold and mixes her pieces with pearls and other gemstones. The Beeqa workshop is located next door to the boutique, and it is here that Vibeke's jewellery designs are crafted by local silversmiths.
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No. 77
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Instagram: Beeqa Jewellery
Whatsapp: +62 0859 3982 7473
Best for: Simple, understated, quality jewellery you can wear and enjoy every day
Liz is Loving the: Chunky silver Beeqa ring and custom made jewellery service Vibeke provides
Other interesting notes: In order to be sure that the silver and gold Vibeke uses is pure, she only purchases from Antam. In the beginning Vibeke tried to buy local silver and would send samples to laboratories in Denmark. Sometimes the silver was fine but not always which was not an acceptable variation in quality. Vibeke sources her pearls from the Philippines, some from Indonesia and some from China.
Jo eyeing off the Beeqa range of necklaces and rings
Liz wearing her favourite Beeqa chunky silver ring
Next Coffee!
3. Goni Coffee
Goni Coffee was originally located in the 'dalams' of Kemang - a quaint village-style part of the South Jakarta suburb of Kemang, but as with all good things, word spread and the little coffee shop was soon bursting at the seams with both locals and expats alike, wanting their quality coffee fix each day. Before long owners Fauzan and Argam decided that a new, bigger venue was required. Hence Goni has relocated to Kemang Timur; not too far from the original location, whilst providing a more spacious cafe that still retains the industrial-style charm.
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.78CD
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours:
Instagram: Goni Coffee
We drank: Cappuccino, flat white and piccolo
We ate: Chocolate donut (homemade!)
We took away: Plain donuts for after school treats (homemade also)
The Goni cappuccino and piccolo
Jo, Liz and Pak Adik from Bosman arts and crafts. Pak Adik was meticulously sanding a chair as we walked by, so we stopped to have a chat..
4. Galeri Pot
Galeri Pot has been on Jl. Kemang Timur since1996, and has an excellent reputation amongst the expat and international community alike for their 100% handmade pots. Galeri Pot design and manufacture pots, vases and planters and ship them worldwide as well as supplying the South Jakarta community. Their two story showroom and outdoor space house a large variety of pots, planters and lamps of all shapes, colours and designs.
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No. 58R
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Web: Galeri Pot
Instagram:shop.galeripot
Email: shop.galeripot@gmail.com
Phone: +62 21 718 0881
Best for: Reasonably priced pots for both inside and outside the home
Liz is Loving the: Tall pots made from fibreglass and ceramics in monochrome colours, especially in white, grey and black. Perfect for house entries or poolside.
An interesting find: Black plastic self-watering planter pots
Since posting Home wares shop Lavida Home has moved in upstairs at Galeri Pot.
The Galeri Pot range is extensive, but my favourites are the monochrome pots
Don't forget to look outside the Galeri Pot shop, there you will find the larger pots fit for outdoors
A word of advice: similar to most of Jakarta, Jl. Kemang Timur does not have footpaths, so it's best to wear sturdy walking shoes
5. Cottonink
The Cottonink facade with large modern picture windows that look out onto Jl. Kemang Timur
Cottonink retail store is a relatively new-comer to Jl. Kemang Timur. It was established in 2008 by two close friends Carline Darianto and Ria Sarwono who started off designing and producing t-shirts.
I initially came across the brand at Goods Dept Pondok Indah Mall 2 and kept track of their designs through their online store and Instagram. But it is far better to enjoy the entire Cottonink range in the bright, contemporary retail space on Jl. Kemang Raya. Cottonink stock an excellent range of casual wardrobe staples in quality natural fibres such as cotton and denim and in up to the minute shapes and cuts. Perfect Jakarta-wear for all ages!
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Web: Cottonink
Instagram: Cottonink
Best for: Tops, bottoms, outerwear, dresses, accessories, shoes, bags, and gift cards
Liz is Loving the: Breton Stripe blue and white t-shirt.
An interesting find: The Cottonink white cotton oversized shirt dress and Cottonink denim A-line mini
Liz has her eye on: The Cottonink lightweight kaki parka
Meet the friendly Cottonink staff Nabila and Anisa
Cottonink dresses and tops in the latest denim and blue tones
Always!
Every girl needs a Breton stripe cotton Tee!
6. Melati Furniture
Road perspective of Melati Furniture
You really must drop in and say Hi to Pak Harry at Melati Furniture. He is a talented craftsman who is able to work with you on any design requirements you have. I recently had a project that required the skills of a furniture maker and I contacted Pak Harry, who was courteous and keen to assist. We promptly organised a time for him to visit our home and measure up for the project (I'm not saying too much about the project here as all will be revealed in a soon - to - be published ajb post!). Anyway, to cut a long story short, Pak Harry produced the perfect items for my home and we are extremely happy with his efficiency and quality of workmanship ...Oh, and he also made me a fantastic bath rack that fits my tub perfectly (pic below!).
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya 62B
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (I would advise that you call Pak Harry to make an appointment)
Phone: +62 818 698 721
Best for: Quality handcrafted timber furniture
Jo is Loving the: Friendly and reliable service and the focus on using reclaimed furniture and timber
(**Note: Since writing this blog post, Pak Harry has returned to his home village due to family circumstances. In the meantime, he can be contacted via phone. We will update this post once Pak Harry has returned to Jakarta).
Jo with Pak Harry outside the front of his business
A selection of new chair frames and also reclaimed ones that Pak Harry has sourced from across Java
An example of a hand-carved frame (suitable for a mirror or a picture). Pak Harry can work with you to decide on the perfect finish. What would you choose? Keep it natural or a bold paint colour perhaps?
Melati mirror
Custom-made furniture
The bath rack made especially for Jo's new bath tub by Melati Furniture.
7. Yakiniko art shop - Pak Ardy
My very first, custom-made furniture purchase was made right here at Yakiniko art shop, by tukang kayu (carpenter) Pak Ardy. At the time, I was following Expat blog Living in Indonesia - A Site for Expatriates in Indonesia and they had some great tips on how best to utilise the skills of master craftsmen in Jakarta to achieve a piece of furniture that you can treasure for years to come. Armed with their information I embarked on project 'lemari sepatu' 'shoe cupboard'
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.51A
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday, 8:30am - 4:00pm
Toko Phone: 0815 725 44 527
Phone Pak Ardy: 0813 867 75 424
Best for: Custom-made furniture
Interesting notes: At the time my Bahasa Indonesia was very limited, but together with my drawings and specifications and Pak Ardy's experience a functional but very special shoe cupboard was crafted
Tips for utilising the skills of a master craftsman in Jakarta
Ensure your precise requirements including measurements are clearly communicated to the craftsman
Provide a drawing or request a drawing where possible, for the craftsman, so that you can be more certain that you're going to get what you've asked for
Of course, not all carpenters are master craftsmen, so it's best to have good recommendations for the craftsman before you hire them
Ask for references from other expats that they have done work for recently
If possible check the completed furniture at the workshop or showroom before it is delivered to your house. It is much easier to refuse delivery at the workshop until your specifications are met
Pak Mormon works as one of the Yakiniko craftsmen under the guidance of Pak Ardy
Liz's lemari sepatu (shoe cupboard)
I couldn't be happier with my shoe cupboard; not only is it highly functional, but will remain a precious reminder of my family's time in Jakarta
8. Vodka & Latte
Vodka & Latte is a dog grooming salon, pet accessory boutique and dog playground all in one! Not to mention that you can also buy a good cup of coffee and a snack for yourself at their cafe.
Jl. Kemang Tim. Raya No.88A, RT.6/RW.4
Bangka, Mampang Prpt.
Opening hours: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Web: Vodka & LatteInstagram: Vodka & LattePhone:+62 21 71793737
Best for: All things to spoil your dog!
Jo is Loving the: Well.. everything! I was in stitches as I perused the doggy boutique. I suddenly realised that my Dog Banjo really is hard-done-by in the 'spoilt' department! At Vodka & Latte there are all sorts of fancy- dress costumes for your dog (small dog that is... and I mean incy-wincy! My dog Banjo, normally considered a 'medium' sized dog was classified as 'extra-large' at Vodka & Latte, hence no clothing options for him!).
You can buy your wee dog a Hawaiian shirt should he require the relaxed, holiday look; a Chinese - style outfit (ready for next Chinese New Year, perhaps?) or even a Batman outfit (Halloween, anyone?).. and don't forget shoes to match.
Whilst I waited for Banjo to be groomed and styled (their language not mine!), I was highly entertained as I watched little dogs exiting the salon sporting new 'do's', including blue tails, ribbons tied carefully (no doubt to coordinate with a little outfit) and clear signs that a straightennig iron had been used on their fur.
Verdict: After about 3 hours, Banjo emerged from the salon bathed (twice), nails clipped, sporting a scissor-trimmed coat, complete with blow-dry and let me tell you - he smelled divine! (not that I made a point of sniffing him regularly). He was relaxed and did not seem worried at all by the experience - always an important sign after visiting a new groomer. The service was attentive and friendly.
I definitely recommend Vodka & Latte for the grooming and styling of your dog, especially little dogs. Also, if you are looking for nutritious treats for your dog or that little (or big!) gift to spoil you dog, then Vodka & Latte is the place to go in South Jakarta.
The Doggy Boutique in Vodka & Latte. Shop here for all your (over) indulged pooches' wants and needs including furniture, accessories, treats and more...!
Bring your dog to Vodka & Latte to socialise with other pooches. Grab a coffee and a snack and chill out in the courtyard or if you're feeling energetic, you can even jump in the pool with your dog!
Our dog Banjo (a spoodle), enjoyed his visit to Vodka & Latte's salon (this is Banjo 'pre-salon', in case you were wondering)
Vodka & Latte's salon
Banjo with Vodka & Latte stylist, Tomo.
9. Confetti
Confetti is a really interesting place, an Alladin's cave of sorts. It is located towards the Jl. Kemang Utara end of Jl. Kemang Timur and unlike many of the spots to stop on this list, Confetti has ample car parking space out the front. Once you have parked you will notice a traditional rickshaw parked out the front. Inside you will find an eclectic mix of original artifacts and textiles sourced by the owner Dewi and her brother from across the archipelago; as well as a variety of reproduction pieces including tables, arm chairs and benches, stools and decorator items.
Jl. Kemang Timur 27a
Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm | Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Email: Dewi Evans the owner at dewi_confetti@yahoo.com
Phone: +62 21 7179 2024
Liz is Loving the: Original pieces including Gamelan instruments, batik stamps, textiles and basket ware. I particularly like the intricate work of the basket weavers from Kalimantan and the original rattan baby carrier Dewi has in her collection. It's a beautiful work of art.
The ground floor of the Confetti showroom
Loving the large selection of basket ware at Confetti
A mixture of textiles sourced from across the archipelago
Original baby carrier from Kalimantan
10. Gudang Gudang
Located towards the Kemang Selatan end of Jl. Kemang Timur, Gudang Gudang is both a Yoga School and Art Gallery in the one building.
Gudang Gudang offers regular and private yoga classes as well as yoga teacher training and workshops. As you walk through the building, you will find a central courtyard area and reception for the Yoga school. There are two studios for classes and the building and gardens can also be hired for private functions. In the fore- of the building is an art gallery; certainly worth a browse.
Jl. Kemang Timur No.88, DKI Jakarta
Opening hours: Sunday - Friday 9am - 8pm | Saturday 8am - 2pm
Instagram: Gudang Gudang
Phone:+62 21 7180173
Best for: Getting your regular fix of yoga, or if you're curious about training to become a yoga instructor, Gudang Gudang offers teacher training modules on a regular basis. If you are looking for a top quality yoga mat, they also stock 'Manduka' products.
Gudang Gudang is a good option if you simply want to browse through a small gallery - there are many beautiful paintings for you to enjoy.
Jo is Loving the: Chilled out vibe of this place. Gudang Gudang is ever-evolving. It is currently an art gallery and yoga school, but in time it will also offer a cafe as well as provide workshops in a variety of areas. The owners, sister and brother combo Mona and Tim Jahja, are very visionary in where they see their business progressing. It's definitely a space to watch...
A sneak peak into the main yoga studio at Gudang Gudang where students are instructed in the practice of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga
The Joglo- style yoga studio in its verdant setting
It was a pleasure meeting the beautiful Rere E Soraya, Event Manager (yoga teacher and mother of 5) who explained the philosophy and vision of Gudang Gudang - "To serve yoga practitioners or those who are new to yoga to learn in a safe, inspiring, fun and thoughtful way so that they can reap the ultimate benefit of yoga: to get to know themselves".
The combination of yoga studio with art space encourages the patron to approach the artworks in a contemplative mindset and forego the sense of busy-ness that can sometimes preoccupy us
Other furniture recommendations:
Betawi - for outdoor furniture and shoe cupboards
Address: No.6 C, Jalan Kemang Timur Raya, Bangka, Mampang Prpt.
Phone: +62 21 7199547
Konsep - made to order
Address: Jl. Kemang Timur Dalam, RT.10/RW.4, Bangka, Mampang Prpt.
Phone: +62 21 7192636
Any Spots you would recommend we Stop that are not on the list? Let us know in the comments section. Happy exploring!
At the time of posting, the information gathered on Top Spots to Stop on Jl. Kemang Timur was accurate. Please check websites and contact information before visiting.
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Words: Liz McClean and Jo Stevens Photography: a journey bespoke
