As The Jakarta Post ventured out one day, we discovered many great things to do, see, buy and eat along Jl. Kemang Timur.

Getting there

Tucked behind Kemang’s main road, Jl. Kemang Raya, Jl. Kemang Timur is relatively difficult to access by public transport. Instead, opt for a taxi or online-based transportation. A Go-Jek from Central Jakarta will cost you between Rp 15,000 (US$1.13) and Rp 20,000, while an Uber will likely put you back around Rp 45,000-50,000 from the same location.

What to wear

Jl. Kemang Timur does not have a sidewalk, so if you’re planning on walking through the area, sturdy sneakers and comfortable, light clothes are advised, due to the uneven road and heat. Bring a small umbrella in case of rain.  

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pasar Baru

What to see

Those on the lookout for a yoga class can take one here, at Gudang-Gudang.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

At the street’s southernmost point sits Gudang-Gudang, an art gallery/yoga studio/communal space. With a focus on Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, there are multiple classes each day. In addition to yoga, the building’s rooftop and gazebo, located in the backyard, make ideal party spaces. While its exterior is unassuming, Gudang-Gudang is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of Jakarta.

COMO Park is home to Indonesian cafe, Lokal Deli.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

Next door is COMO Park, a multi-storey, open air building offering yet another communal space. There are restaurants, stores and a green space that acts as a dog park. On the bottommost floor is clothing store Footurama, a Jakarta-based retailer. On the ground floor, there are small cafes and eateries, such as Indonesian cafe, Lokal Deli.

Dog owners can drop their pets off at Vodka and Latte for a quick trim or for an all day daycare service.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

The most unique combination we found on Jl. Kemang Timur was Vodka and Latte, a Japanese dog grooming salon with a pet store and the famous Oh La La cafe inside. Named after the owner’s white terrier and poodle, Vodka and Latte, respectively, the pet salon also provides a daycare service for your dogs, so you can drop them off at any time during the day.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Kota Tua

What to eat

Opened in 2015, Goni Coffee specializes in drinks, but also has a breakfast and lunch menu.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

In addition to the stops in COMO Park, there’s Goni Coffee. Opened in 2015, the unassuming cafe boasts many coffee options and a small breakfast and lunch menu for those looking for something more substantial. The open, spread out cafe is a good place to hold a meeting, or perhaps just to do some work.

The Bali-based Nalu Bowls has opened their first Jakarta branch in Kemang Timur.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

Bali’s very own Nalu Bowls has come to Jakarta, and has opened their newest branch in Kemang Timur. With a small menu made exclusively of smoothie bowls, it’s a good place to stop for a healthy breakfast. All bowls are topped with homemade granola and there are a multitude of extra toppings for additional customization. Their smoothie bowls range from Rp 60,000 to 85,000 for their staple acai bowl, Mavericks.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Sabang

What to buy

Klots Home Furnishing is the newest addition to Kemang Timur’s collection of furniture and home decoration showrooms. Modern and classic designs are the main styles on offer, but they also boast practicality among their products. On top of that, most of their home decorations are hand-picked by the Klots team. The showroom has a homelike and elegant feel to it. 

The minimalist Cotton Ink display.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

Cotton Ink is one of Indonesia’s biggest local brands, specializing in affordable yet chic wardrobe staples for women. With two stores in Jakarta, their Kemang Timur showroom adopts a ‘less is more’ theme and features white decor. Their current collection includes printed Batik accents with flowy fabric, perfect for Jakarta weather.

Designer Niluh Djalantik does not forget her roots with a Garuda display.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

The Balinese shoe designer, Niluh Djelantik, also operates her one, and only, Jakarta showroom in Kemang Timur. Thou her shoe and bag collections are famous worldwide, Niluh has not forgotten her roots, illustrated by the Balinese shrine at the front of her store and the Garuda installation inside.

There are a multitude of options for handmade pots at Galeri Pot.(JP/Gianina Ivodie Gilardino)

Galeri Pot has been in Kemang Timur since 1996 and is considered a favorite among expats. The majority of their pots, lamps and vases are 100 percent handmade, yet are sold for very good deals. Galeri Pot exports their products to many different parts of the world, boasting designs from local Indonesian talent in a wide variety of designs and colors. (sul & vod/kes)