Blok M Square

Blok M Square, located in South Jakarta, is a unique destination for collectors and casual browsers alike. The basement area is especially popular among those searching for books—ranging from rare originals to widely available pirated copies. It’s an open secret among frequent visitors that the variety here is vast, with everything from academic texts to old comics stacked high in cramped stalls. Alongside books, the area has gained a loyal following for its wide selection of vintage media, including cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records. For music lovers and nostalgia seekers, Blok M Square offers a treasure trove of analog charm. Several vendors specialize in specific genres or formats, making it a great place to dig through crates of old-school albums or stumble upon forgotten classics. Bargaining is expected, and part of the appeal lies in the thrill of the hunt, whether you’re after a limited-edition pressing or just something quirky to add to your collection. The atmosphere, however, may not suit everyone. While the building is equipped with functioning air conditioning, the comfort is somewhat compromised by the prevalence of indoor smoking, especially in the basement level. This can detract from the experience, particularly for visitors sensitive to smoke. Still, for those who can overlook this, Blok M Square remains a vibrant and affordable haven for analog enthusiasts and secondhand shoppers.

It still had the best spot for shopping for many needs. I visited here at night when most stores were already closed, only some of them such as the bookstore, clothes, paint, and also the canteen. This was inside the square, but outside was more hectic because many street food stalls. But I didn’t have documentation since too crowded and focus eat delicious foods. And like my brother said, if you had enough money, go to Blok M Plaza, but if you have frugal living style, you can go to Blok M Square.

The place has really improved—there are now plenty of food options and even a play area for kids. A much better experience than before!

Those looking for a modern deluxe mall Blok M Plaza across the street from Blok M Square would be the place of choice. However don't skip the Square. It provides something else: plenty of food stalls, shops for daily household needs, clothes and other retails. This area is easily accessible by public transport. Highly recommend!

Shopping mall and food stalls. Endless options for street food. Great environment and friendly people.

One of the trendy and happening spot in South Jakarta. If you are looking for the latest trend in culinary and fashion then you definitely have to come and see it yourself.

Since it was transformed into a sophisticated culinary center, parking has become increasingly difficult to find. Parking is uneven; what should be a car parking area is instead used as a motorbike parking lot; there is also no single motorbike parking slot; they are distributed across the area. Furthermore, unlawful parking persists even after we have tapped in.

In the evenings (after ~3 pm) there is a hawker food market set up on the south side of the mall. Each stall cooks your food to order, except the buffet tables, where you can select your choices and then pay by weight/choices. Each stall takes cash, and you pay after you get your food. The tables in behind are open to anyone to sit down and eat; there are also low tables to sit on the ground in front of the stalls. The food is good and the vendors friendly, though don’t expect anyone to speak English (apart from numbers for payment).