Jakarta is a city where people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities coexist to create a dynamic city life. This city has one location that is a melting pot of various scenes, including art, culinary, and nightlife. Blok M Jakarta, to be precise.
Because it is located in Jakarta’s Golden Triangle and has multiple transportation options, this area is very accessible. This also makes Blok M a meeting point and strategic location for enjoying the full Jakarta experience. In this article, we will learn about the history, what can be found, and why Blok M should be on every traveller’s bucket list in Jakarta.
The Overview of Blok M Jakarta
Blok M area is one of Jakarta’s most well-known commercial and shopping districts. Located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, it runs from Iskandarsyah Street east to Bulungan Street west. From Falatehan Street in the north to Melawai Street in the south. The development is similar to others near Kota in West Jakarta and Menteng in Central Jakarta.
There are three highlights of Blok M that is a great place to visit: Blok M Plaza as the main shopping centre, Blok M Square as the little Tokyo shopping area attraction, and the M bloc area. Crowds throng its street daily, even more so at night. The popularity of the quarter is largely due to the low prices of goods (due to the relatively low property costs for vendors) and the nightlife.
Blok M’s History and Origin
Blok M Jakarta was originally one of the elite housing complexes in Kebayoran, South Jakarta. Blok M, which is close to Pasaraya Mall, Melawai Market, Blok M Mall, and Mayestik Market, has become a commercial area. Historically, the Dutch built the Blok M area as an elite residential area in overcrowded Weltevreden (Gambir and surrounding areas). The Kebayoran area is divided into blocks with small parks, emulating the concept of a city with parks that previously existed in Menteng.
Then, in the 1980s, the Blok M neighbourhood in South Jakarta became synonymous with the social scene for young people in the capital. Blok M has since become a popular gathering place for various Jakarta groups.
How to Get to Blok M by Jakarta MRT Station
The easiest way to reach the Blok M area is by using public transportation MRT. You can access the MRT from any station, but get off the train at Blok M MRT station. The TransJakarta bus system is an efficient and affordable way to get around, with multiple lines passing through the area. Besides TransJakarta, the Blok M terminal also provides various routes to other parts of Jakarta, and some even take you directly to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
What You Will Find at Blok M Area Attractions
This area has a wide variety of options in various scenes. Here are some of them:
Tonnes of Culinary Spots at Little Tokyo ( Top Jakarta Attractions )
Blok M is well-known for being one of Jakarta’s premier culinary destinations. You can enjoy various Japanese restaurants and snacks here, from street foods to well-known restaurants, from traditional Indonesian foods to the rest of the world’s signature dishes.
“Gulai Tikungan” or “gultik,” a traditional Sukoharjo curry rice dish found in the Bulungan Street and Barito complex, is a food icon of the Blok M. The delicious taste and reasonable prices make this food important to Blok M’s culinary identity in Indonesia.
A Haven for Thrifting and Collecting Vintage Items
Blok M Jakarta has become a haven for people who enjoy thrifting and collecting vintage items. This neighbourhood is home to a plethora of vintage-themed shops and stalls. Treasure hunters can find everything from vintage clothing and accessories to retro furniture and vinyl records here. You can mostly find these treasures on the lower ground floor of Blok M Square.
The sellers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their products, making the experience even more enjoyable. Blok M is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of thrifting and classic treasures, whether you’re looking for a timeless piece to add to your collection or simply looking to embrace nostalgia.
Therefore, you won’t find too many 5-star options directly near the shopping malls. Instead, you will find a wide selection of two and three-star properties.
Various Options for Stays
There are numerous lodging options in Blok M, Jakarta, to meet various needs and preferences. There is something for everyone, from luxurious hotels to low-cost guesthouses. The area is home to several well-known international chains that provide first-rate amenities and services. The Liberta Hotel, The Ambhara Hotel, and Gran Mahakam are some of the Blok M lodgings where you can stay overnight.
Numerous guesthouses and backpacker hostels offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for those on a tight budget. Blok M is also easily accessible, with good public transportation and proximity to the city centre. As a result, it is an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers looking for a place to stay in Jakarta.
There are Lots of Bars for You to Spend The Night
Blok M in Jakarta is the place to be if you want a vibrant nightlife experience. With so many bars and clubs, you could easily spend the night hopping from one to the next. Triple O, known for its hidden location inside Soon Coffee and Eatery, is a popular venue. Tori Bar is yet another popular Japanese-styled bar. Yujiro Club & Bar is the ideal place to sing your heart out if you enjoy karaoke. You can also enjoy live music performances inside the M Bloc Space at FOYA and M Bloc Bar.
The variety of bars in Blok M ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the night, whether you are a local or a tourist. It is one of the top Jakarta attractions that you must experience. It is a good place to get slowly and sociably smashed out of your skull. It is the best place on the Blok for cheap drinks and honest bar bills, but the service can be patchy.
A Melting Pot for The Cultural and Entertainment Scene
Blok M is spacious and frequently used for events, whether they are culturally themed or artistic performances. Typically, Martha Tiahahu Literacy Park, M Bloc Space, and the Blok M Square area are popular locations for these events.
An annual event called Ennichisai was held in the Blok M Square area, where it introduced various types of Japanese culture, from culinary delights to various important processions in Japanese culture. Even though this event has been on hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors who have attended can experience very strong Japanese culture during this event.
Best Time to Visit Blok M Jakarta
Blok M Jakarta is best visited on weekdays, in the afternoon or evening. The atmosphere of the area truly comes alive during this time. Locals and tourists are exploring the streets’ various shops, markets, and restaurants.
Furthermore, the nightlife scene in Blok M is vibrant in the evening, with numerous bars and clubs offering entertainment and live music. Overall, the afternoon and evening hours in Blok M Jakarta are unique and memorable.
