Pajak Ikan Lama
Medan's historic textile market, offering vibrant batik, silks, and embroidered goods. A bustling hub with a rich past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Pajak Ikan Lama
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Medan's historic textile market, offering vibrant batik, silks, and embroidered goods. A bustling hub with a rich past.
"Discover vibrant batik and silks at Medan's historic market, a treasure trove for textile lovers."
🎯 Compare Prices First
Don't settle for the first price! Shop around and compare, especially for batik and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Navigate Persistent Sellers
Be polite but firm. If sellers follow you, a polite 'no thank you' usually suffices.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 7,384 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Batik and Silks
Throughout the market
Discover a dazzling array of hand-dyed batik fabrics and vibrant silks, perfect for unique souvenirs or custom clothing.
Hand-Embroidered Shawls and Mukenah
Inner shops and specific vendors
Find intricately hand-embroidered shawls and traditional Muslim prayer garments (mukenah) at competitive prices.
Legendary Cendol
Various food stalls
Savor the sweet and refreshing taste of legendary cendol, a local favorite often found at market stalls.
Historic Market Atmosphere
The entire market area
Experience the unique ambiance of Medan's oldest market, a place steeped in history and local culture.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Crowds and Sellers
Beyond the Name: What to Expect
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Compare Prices First
Don't settle for the first price! Shop around and compare, especially for batik and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Navigate Persistent Sellers
Be polite but firm. If sellers follow you, a polite 'no thank you' usually suffices.
🛍️ Look for Inner Shops
For specific items like kids' mukenah, explore the inner shops for potentially better finds and friendlier service.
🛵 Grab Motor for Access
Consider using Grab Motor for easier navigation and parking, especially if traveling alone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Compare Prices First
Don't settle for the first price! Shop around and compare, especially for batik and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Navigate Persistent Sellers
Be polite but firm. If sellers follow you, a polite 'no thank you' usually suffices.
🛍️ Look for Inner Shops
For specific items like kids' mukenah, explore the inner shops for potentially better finds and friendlier service.
🛵 Grab Motor for Access
Consider using Grab Motor for easier navigation and parking, especially if traveling alone.
💧 Try the Local Cendol
Don't miss out on the legendary cendol! It's a refreshing treat amidst the market buzz.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pajak Ikan Lama is a historic market in Medan, primarily known for its wide selection of textiles like batik and mukenah. While many appreciate the variety and potential for good deals, some visitors find the persistent sales tactics uncomfortable. The market's historical significance and unique atmosphere are often highlighted as positives.
"It's average. When buying souvenirs, be careful and compare prices, as they could be vary widely between shops. Some sellers are too aggressive with their hardselling"
Firdaus Hamdan
"This place is good especially for find batik and souvenirs. However, some of illegal sellers will keep following you, forcing to buy their items and even stay outside the shop waiting for you to finish shopping and then continue to follow until they give up. Very uncomfortable."
Muhammad Hifni Afzan Harun
"A good place to look for batik from Padang.. also to buy telekung and kain sarung. If tour looking for kids telekung go to the inner shops of the area. You'll find a pakcik selling telekung.. he's quite friendly. Tip; if you're travelling alone ride the Grab Motor.. for easier access. Good luck.🤟"
MohdFairuz MohdEsa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pajak Ikan Lama is located in the heart of Medan. You can easily reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services like Grab, or local public transport. For easier navigation and parking, many visitors recommend using a Grab Motor.
Parking can be challenging due to the market's busy nature. While some parking is available, it can get congested. Using ride-sharing services or Grab Motor is often a more convenient option.
The market is best explored on foot. For getting to and from the market, ride-sharing apps or local transport are recommended.
Yes, various local buses and minivans (angkot) pass through or near the Pajak Ikan Lama area, making it accessible via public transport.
Pajak Ikan Lama is centrally located in Medan, making it easily accessible from most hotels and tourist areas within the city. Travel time will vary depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Pajak Ikan Lama. It's a public market, and you can freely browse its stalls.
The market generally operates from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific stall hours may vary, but it's busiest in the mornings.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting earlier in the day can also help you avoid the peak rush.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected, especially for textiles and souvenirs. Be polite and compare prices before making an offer.
There are no specific entry requirements. Pajak Ikan Lama is an open market accessible to everyone.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, including batik fabrics, silks, hand-embroidered shawls, mukenah (prayer garments), and sarongs.
Batik prices can vary significantly. It's recommended to compare prices across multiple shops and be prepared to negotiate. Some visitors suggest looking for deals on men's batik shirts.
Yes, several shops specialize in mukenah. For children's sizes, exploring the inner shops might yield better options and friendlier service. +1
Be mindful of persistent sellers who may try to hard-sell. It's advisable to compare prices and be firm but polite if you're not interested.
While textiles are the main focus, you can also find some food stalls, including legendary cendol and sate Padang, though some find the latter expensive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find local delicacies like legendary cendol and sate Padang. While cendol is a popular treat, some visitors find the sate Padang to be expensive.
The market itself has food stalls. For a wider range of dining options, explore the surrounding areas of Medan, which offer diverse culinary experiences.
Street food at popular markets like Pajak Ikan Lama is generally safe, especially at stalls with high turnover. However, always exercise caution and choose busy vendors.
Prices can vary. For example, a portion of sate Padang was noted to be around 20k IDR, which some found expensive.
While the focus is on local dishes, some food stalls might offer simpler options. It's best to inquire directly at the stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their goods.
Capture the vibrant textiles, the bustling market scenes, and the unique architecture. The colorful displays of batik and silks make for great shots.
While there are no official restrictions, be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography, especially in crowded areas.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens for low light would be suitable. An iPhone or smartphone camera is also great for capturing candid moments.
Always be respectful. Ask permission before photographing individuals, and be aware of your surroundings to avoid disrupting shoppers or vendors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit