If you are visiting Tangerang, Pasar Lama Tangerang is one of the places you should try to visit, especially if you love to discover hidden gems in a crowded city. Good thing for you, this article will talk a bit about the site which has been known for its history related to Chinese settlement during the colonization era. Wondering what fun you can get in this pasar Tangerang? Here is the information for you.
Get to Know Pasar Lama Tangerang
If you wonder what kind of premise Pasar Lama is, well—you should not expect it to be a gigantic place like Jakarta’s Monumen Nasional or Yogyakarta’s Borobudur Temple. In fact, if you are having a holiday in various cities in Indonesia, chances of meeting other Pasar Lama in many cities is not low.
If translated in English, Pasar Lama can be colloquially translated as ‘Lama Market’ although others may also say it as ‘old market’. From that name alone, it can be inferred that this market has been existing for a quite long time. But vintage stuff is not what you can find in this market.
Instead, Pasar Lama Tangerang serves you right just like a common, busy-daily traditional market. Hence that would not be surprising if you will find it a bit dirty and muddy especially if it rains
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The History of Pasar Lama
Source : gotravelly.com
There are no books which tell you comprehensively about this market. All histories are told from word of mouth which uniquely will lead you to one conclusion: the market’s there during colonialism.
Indonesia is known to be a colonialized country for more than three centuries, and that was the Dutch who played the role as the one on the ruling side. However, such colonialism wasn’t the triggering point of making the market.
Instead, it’s the Chinese who first settled in Pasar Lama Tangerang area. It was Chen Ci Lung, the leader of a group of people who sailed far from China and arrived on Cisadane which was situated close to where the market exists.
Therefore, the site is surrounded by a variety of premises Chinese-related. From a temple to eateries, from incense sellers to museums with lots of Chinese settlements history information are found easily around the place.
During colonialism, the market is still running. The Dutch Fort, which was built around the 17th century made the settlers were called Cina Benteng, which literally means the Chinese of the Fort. Ever since these Chinese are known by that name.
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Pasar Lama Tangerang Today
Just as mentioned earlier, Pasar Lama Tangerang is just similar to any traditional market you can find in Indonesia. But what makes it special is that the market has a strong Chinese background even today.
Even if a random person calls the market a ‘fusion’ market, that would not be a strange notion—given that there are also many specialties shops selling Chinese-related stuff. These shops will be crowded as Lunar New Year knocks on the door.
Since it is a traditional market, you will also see butchers, fishmongers, or greengrocers while visiting the premises. It may not sound like a hot spot for tourism, but well, Pasar Lama Tangerang is the witness of various types of one-of-its-kind human interest.
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Nearest Hotel Recommendations
What You Can Do There
Source : kompas.com
- Grocery shopping
Traditional market calls for daily grocery shopping, doesn’t it? Fresh vegs and fruits, poultries, meats, and even seafood can be easily found there.
- Chinese-related one-stop shopping place
If you are celebrating Chinese New Year, Pasar Lama Tangerang sounds like a great spot where you can find various stuff related to this big celebration day. Hence, décor stuff, money ‘angpao’ gift envelopes, even sweets and cakes—one like Kue keranjang, is what you can expect to find.
- A visit to the temple
Near the market, you can visit a Chinese temple named Boen Tek Bio. The premise itself is a well-known temple in Tangerang, which also happens to be the oldest temple in the city. If you love taking photos of popular landmark, it’s time to save the temple into your film roll.
- Benteng Heritage Museum
Love catching up with antique stuff? You’ll love to visit this space located in Jl. Cilame, not far from the temple mentioned earlier. In this museum, you will be able to learn about the Chinese settlements in the country.
- Culinary exploration
Numerous restaurants will be ready to greet you as you walk on the main stretch of the market. From Laksa Sari to the famous asinan sayur (pickled vegetables), satays, to many kinds of rice dishes, you can get it in all you can eat Pasar Lama, especially after dusk. At night, this street will turn into a ‘bonanza’ for ones craving indigenous food.
So, are you ready to explore Tangerang and Pasar Lama Tangerang, to be exact? The first thing you need to do is to fly and stay at the nearest hotel. Airpaz.com will be a great partner of yours since it will provide you lots of great deals on flights and hotels. All you can get simply from Airpaz Apps. Download it and be ready to discover the place you want!
