Fodor's Expert Review Sarinah Department Store

In a city bursting with new malls, the first is still worth a look. The brainchild of Indonesian founding father President Sukarno, Sarinah began doing business in 1962 and was Jakarta's first department store with escalators. But don't visit this state-owned retailer for nostalgia. Centrally located Sarinah specializes in Indonesian products and is the best place in town to shop for souvenirs. Find three floors devoted to the archipelago's handicrafts and textiles, including its famed batik and woven ikat in dark, rich colors. Variety here is second to none and at a range of reasonable prices. Throughout the store, bargains abound on men's and women's fashions, cosmetics, CDs, and perfume, plus anything you forgot you to pack.