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• 27 Places To Visit In Jakarta In 2024 That Showcase The Other Side Of Indonesia

23 Mar 2023

Think of Indonesia and most of us will talk about Bali. However, the capital city of Indonesia i.e. Jakarta has a lot to offer in terms of modern city life of the country. While Bali is a more laid back city, Jakarta has its own uniqueness and thus you should plan a Jakarta sightseeing tour. If you are in the mood to party hard and make the best of your Indonesia trip, Jakarta is a must-visit place. We have compiled a list of top 27 places to visit in Jakarta that you should not miss enjoying the real essence of the city. All of these places have a lot to offer. From waterparks and art galleries to markets, there is something for everyone, irrespective of their ages. Still confused about  where to go in Jakarta ? Here are the top choices that one has!

27 Best Places To Visit In Jakarta

From history to shopping to art and architecture, Jakarta has a lot on offer when it comes to sightseeing. So choose the places you like and include them in your Jakarta itinerary. Here are the top Jakarta tourist attractions for one to visit that answer all your questions about  where to go in Jakarta. 

• The National Monument – Iconic Landmark
• Istiqlal Mosque –  A Marble Marvel 
• Merdeka Square –  Perfect Respite
• Thousand Islands –  Escape From Fast Running Life
• Taman Mini Indonesia Park –  Cultural Tour
• Ancol Dreamland –  Theme Park For All Ages
• National Museum of Indonesia –  Historic Exhibitions 
• Jakarta Cathedral –  Roman Architectural Wonder
• National Gallery –  Contemporary Artwork
• Jakarta Chinatown –  Cultural Harmony 
• Taman Suropati –  Spot To Unwind
• Menteng Flea Market –  Handicrafts Galore
• Ragunan Zoo –  A Zoo Like No Other
• Setu Babakan –  A Natural Marvel 
• Basuki Abdullah Museum –  The Local Artworks 
• Kidzania Pacific Palace –  First Ever Themed Amusement City
• Ancol Beach City –  Little Bit Of Everything 
• Tanah Abang Market –  The Biggest Textiles Market 
• Dragonfly –  Vibrant Lifestyle 
• Pasar Seni Ancol –  Cute Art Market 
• Glodok Chinatown –  All About Historical Treasures
• Waterbom Jakarta –  Beat The Heat 
• Merdeka Palace –  Official Residence Of The President 
• Grand Indonesia Mall –  Perfect Family Vacay
• Kota Tua –  Dutch-Inspired Architecture 
• Senayan City Shopping Mall – Shopper’s Paradise
• SeaWorld Ancol – Home To Largest Aquarium

1. The National Monument - Iconic Landmark

Let's start with one of the simpler yet elegant Jakarta attractions . It is one of the top Jakarta points of interest. This 132-meter-high structure was built to pay homage to the struggle of Independence. You can either enjoy the view of this amazing piece of architecture from the ground or you can climb all the way to the top and enjoy the stunning view of the city. The national monument holds a special place in the heart of the people of Indonesia. It is not only visited by the tourists, but you will find a lot of local people enjoying the sight of this amazing architectural marvel. It is also one of the best places to visit in Jakarta at night since it is beautifully lit.

Entry fee: INR 80 Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM and On evening Tuesday to Friday 7 PM to 10 PM. On Saturday and Sunday from 7 PM to 12 AM. Location: Jl. Silang Monas, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

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2. Istiqlal Mosque - A Marble Marvel 

Constructed in 1978, the Istigal Mosque is the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia and one of the stunning places to go in Jakarta . If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, this is one of the best Jakarta places to visit. The mosque has the capacity of 200,000 people. It has an amazing courtyard with designer marble and decorative minarets. The interiors of the mosque have decorative Islamic designs. The architecture and design of the mosque attract a lot of tourists every year and its sure to blow your mind as well during your trip to Jakarta in Indonesia.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 24 Hours Location: Jalan Taman Wijaya Kusuma, DKI Jakarta 10710, Indonesia

3. Merdeka Square - Perfect Respite

Spread over 1 KM, this is one of the main places to visit in Jakarta . If you have seen Tiananmen Square in Beijing and were in a state of awe with it, put it in this perspective that Merdeka Square is five times bigger in that place. It is covered in wooded areas, footpaths, and some amazing water features. One of the top Jakarta tourist places, this is a place to walk and explore so make sure to wear comfortable shoes while visiting. It's the perfect place to hang out with your special someone or travel buddies after a tiring day of sightseeing around the city.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 24 Hours Location: Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia

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4. Thousand Islands - Escape From Fast Running Life

Looking for a break from Jakartas fast life- Then a thousand Islands are best suited for you. Located on the north coast of the city these islands will give you an opportunity to feel closer to nature. Though one of the underrated places in Jakarta, here you will come across a number of amazing resorts, restaurants and secluded golden beaches with a breathtaking view. These islands will give you a chance to dip in the Indonesian sunshine and relax for a while and should definitely make it to your list of places to see in Jakarta in one day. Its among the best places in Indonesia for nature lovers, backpackers, and photography enthusiasts.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 24 Hours Location: North of Jakarta’s coast

5. Taman Mini Indonesia Park - Cultural Tour

Want to explore the history and culture of Indonesian people- Then Taman Mini Indonesia Park is a must visit place for you. The park has a spread of 250 acres and is full of heritage and traditions that make Indonesia stand out from the crowd. You will come across a number of themes pavilions. There is a detailed miniature of the archipelago of Indonesia, an IMAX cinema to enjoy some of the best movies running at the time of your visit, a traditional theatre that host regular events and a cable car. This huge park is considered one of the best places to visit in Jakarta in one day not only for the tourists but also for the locals. Traveling to Jakarta with your family and little ones- Make sure you bring them to this wonderful place at least once on your trip.

Entry fee: INR 108 Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM Location: East Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia

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6. Ancol Dreamland - Theme Park For All Ages

Amongst the best places to see in Jakarta, the Ancol Dreamland will you a chance to get away from the sightseeing. It is considered the best theme park in the country. If you are traveling with kids, there is no place better than this theme park to enjoy rides etc. This huge park includes a bowling arena, Fantasy World, Ocean Dream Samudra, Water Adventure Park and a lot of rollercoaster rides, aquarium, and beaches. The city of Jakarta is known for its humid weather and this park will give you a chance to get away from the humidity for a while, which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta city in summer.

Entry fee: INR 0.13 Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM Location: Jl. R. E. Martadinata, North Jakarta., Indonesia

7. National Museum of Indonesia - Historic Exhibitions

It is located close to Merdeka Square and is amongst the top places to visit in Jakarta Indonesia. The museum has an amazing collection of artifacts which gives a detailed perspective on the history and cultural heritage of Indonesia. If you like to explore the history of the places you visit this is made for you. You will find the Hindu-Buddhist artwork of the building very interesting and the treasure room with amazing gold artifacts will leave you in a state of awe. The collection of ancient ceramics and prehistoric finds will leave you mesmerized. In the end, the weapon collection will give you a glimpse of wars that the country has fought in history and how weapons were developed with time.

Entry fee: INR 0.040 to INR 0.19 Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays Location: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia

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8. Jakarta Cathedral - Roman Architectural Wonder

Though the Cathedral stands nowhere close to the Istiqlal Mosque in terms of size, it is still one of the finest places to visit in Jakarta city . It was built in 1901 and it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic establishment since the beginning. The front side of the church has some amazing Roman decorations and stunning white spires. The interiors give a glimpse of European cathedrals and offer a very different view of the religion in the country. The Catholic roots of the country get a fresh breath of air in this cathedral. All in all, the awesome architecture and peaceful aura of this church are sure to calm your souls.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM (Weekdays) and 6 AM to 7 PM (Weekends) Location: Jl. Katedral No.7B Pasar Baru Sawah Besar Jakarta Pusat DKI Jakarta, Indonesia

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9. National Gallery - Contemporary Artwork

Built in 1999, it is one of the best places to showcase the Indonesian talent in form of artwork. The galley has more than 1700 different pieces of artwork made by the famous Indonesian artists such as Basuki Abdullah, Redan Saleh, and Affandi and one of the best places to visit in Jakarta for art aficionados. In case you have never heard of these names, one visit to this art gallery will give you a glimpse of their amazing work and dedication towards different forms of art. There are some artworks from the internationally renowned artists from across the globe such as Victor Vasarely and Hans Harting. If you are an art lover, you will find this gallery entertaining and worth the time.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM, closed on Mondays Location: Jl. Medan Merdeka Tim. No.14, RT.6/RW.1, Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

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10. Jakarta Chinatown - Cultural Harmony 

If you are looking for the places to visit in Jakarta at night, this is the right spot for you. Better known as Glodak among the locals, this area is known as the Chinatown of Jakarta. The Chinese immigrants have established their roots since they reached Jakarta in the 17th Century. The population of these immigrants is an important part of the citys history and thus you can consider it to be one of the historical places in Jakarta. The amazing traditional Chinese architecture, markets, temples, and amazing food make it one of the best places to visit in Jakarta . In fact, it happens to be among the favorite place of all shopaholics visiting this city.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 7 AM till late night Location: Old Batavia, Jakarta, Indonesia

11. Taman Suropati - Spot To Unwind

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This is a beautiful park located in Menteng, Jakarta. This is one of the most visited Jakarta attractions. The park is the meeting point of three streets in Jakarta, the Teuku Umar Street, Diponegoro Street, and Imam Bonjol Street. Visit this place to enjoy the serenity of Jakarta. You can take a walk along the green parks, relax and unwind, or have a fun picnic here with your family or friends. Theres no end to what you can do once youre in this frivolous park in Jakarta.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM Location: Jl. Teuku Umar, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia

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12. Menteng Flea Market - Handicrafts Galore

Since shopping is among the main pastimes in Jakarta for tourists as well as locals, youll surely find some great handmade crafts and merchandise to take home from this city. The flea market in Menteng is among the best places to visit in Jakarta in one day where youll be spoilt for choice with an array of products like Indonesian arts and crafts, unique textiles, eye-catching antiques, and delicious snack items. Some o the signature handicrafts youll find here include ornate wood carvings and vinyl records. Also, you can try and get the best price for any item since bargaining is quite common here.

Entry Fee: None Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Location: Jl. Surabaya No.12, RT.15/RW.5, Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia

13. Ragunan Zoo - A Zoo Like No Other

Wildlife and nature lovers must head to the Ragunan Zoo which is spread over a whopping 185 hectares of land and boasts of over 3,600 species unlike other zoos around the world. Some of the fauna that you can spot here include orangutans and Komodo Dragons. Among the best places to visit near Jakarta , the zoo is also home to animals from other parts of the world, as well as some indigenous flowers and plants that are sure to bewitch you with their beauty! Just make sure you put on plenty of insect repellent before you set foot in this zoo!

Entry Fee: INR 20 (adults) | INR 15 (children) Timings: 7 AM to 4 PM Location: Jl. Harsono No.1, Ragunan, Ps. Minggu, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia

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14. Setu Babakan - A Natural Marvel

Setu Babakan or the Babakan Lake is a natural lake in Jakarta. The term Set or Situ means a ‘small lake’. The Lake is located at the center of Betawi Culture Village. The village was constituted to preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous Betawi culture of Indonesia. Setu Babakan covers an area of 289 acres that consists of two lakes, namely – Setu Babakan and Set Mangga Bolong. The lake draws water from the Ciliwung River and is spread over an area of 32 hectares. Setu Babakan lake is the major water source to the Betawi community settled around it, who use it for fish farming. You can enjoy rafting, boating, and fishing here.

Entry fee: Free Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Location: Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, Jakarta, Indonesia

15. Basuki Abdullah Museum - The Local Artworks

Basuki Abdullah Museum is an art museum that exhibits the works of the popular Indonesian painter Basuki Abdullah. A major feature of Basuki’s works is that they reflect realism. The museum consists of a collection of his own paintings his private collection of sculptures, puppets, weapons, masks and more. There are around 123 pieces on display. The museum was a residence which was handed over to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1998. The two-floor building was later renovated and inaugurated as a museum in 2001. It is one of the bets places to visit in Jakarta with family.

Entry fee: INR 0.011 (adults), INR 0.0054 (children) Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, closed on Saturday & Sunday Location: Jl. Keuangan Raya No.19, RT.7/RW.5, Cilandak Bar., Cilandak, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12430, Indonesia

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16. Kidzania Pacific Palace - First Ever Themed Amusement City

If you are on a holiday in Jakarta with your kids, then Kidzania Pacific Place is one of the best places to visit. It is the first themed amusement city for children in Southeast Asia. The replica city has everything that a real city has like highways, hospitals, factories, etc. The place is based on the concept of edutainment and is for the kids between the age of 2 – 26 years. Kidzania is also very inexpensive, but the activities are conducted by them are interesting. Let your children live their imagination in this one of the fun places in Jakarta.

Entry fee: INR 1,267 (half day pass for children) and INR 1,105 (half day pass for adults) Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM Location: Pacific Place, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.Kav. 52-53, RT.5/RW.3, Senayan, Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190, Indonesia

17. Ancol Beach City - Little Bit Of Everything

Located just 12 Km from the city, Ancol beach is closest to Jakarta. It is also the only beach that you can reach without a boat. Ancol Beach is a popular spot for a weekend getaway. Ancol Beach City is a grand shopping and leisure complex in Jakarta that consists of malls, restaurants, auditoriums and adventure zones. They host various water sports, including jetski, Ancol cruise, and boating, at Ancol Beach. This is a great place to spend some fun time with your family for a wholesome experience. If you are confused about what to see in jakarta in one day, head to Ancol Beach City.

Entry Fee: None Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM Location: Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Pantai Carnaval, Ancol, Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430, Indonesia

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18. Tanah Abang Market - The Biggest Textiles Market

If you are visiting Jakarta, you would not want to go back without shopping at one of the biggest textile markets in entire South Asia. The Tanah Abang Pasar has a vast collection of textiles and clothing. This one of the oldest markets in Jakarta has thousands of small shops selling clothing of all quality and prices on wholesale. Tanah Abang Market is air-conditioned and is spread across three big blocks. Weekends and holidays are the most crowded days, so it is better to visit here on a weekday and make the most of the time in this one of the amazing places to visit in Jakarta with friends.

Entry Fee: None Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM Location: Jl. Fachrudin 5, Jakarta 10250, Indonesia

19. Dragonfly - Vibrant Lifestyle

What’s the point of being on a holiday in the capital city of a country and not experiencing its nightlife- Dragonfly is one of the best nightclubs in Jakarta where you can witness the Indonesian nightlife. The place has a great ambiance with interiors done in wood and marble. The advanced lighting and sound system add to the overall impact of the place. The lounge and bar of Dragonfly will set in the party mood for you no matter how tired you are. If you are preparing a list of places to go in Jakarta Selatan, do not miss their signature events – DF Fridays and DF Saturdays.

Entry fee:  INR 1,080 Timings: Wed, Fri & Sat: 9 PM to 4 AM Location: Graha BIP Ground Floor Lobby, Jl. Gatot Subroto No.Kav. 23, RT.2/RW.2, Karet Semanggi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12930, Indonesia

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20. Pasar Seni Ancol - Cute Art Market

Image Courtesy: Pasar Seni Ancol for Facebook

Pasar Seni Ancol, also known as the Ancol Art Market is an arts and crafts center that was created to provide inspiration to the artists and art collectors. Interestingly the art market provides residential facilities for artists including painters, craftsmen and sculptors. If you are an art lover, this is a place you should definitely visit. The variety and intricacy of art pieces are worth seeing.

Entry fee: Applicable Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Location: Jl. Exit Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, RW.10, Ancol, Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430, Indonesia

21. Glodok Chinatown – All About Historical Treasures

If you are looking for places to see in Jakarta , then you should not miss out on Glodok Chinatown. However, it is not a place for sophisticated. The streets of Glodok may be narrow and muddy but there is a lot of adventure in store for you. It is a great place for food and shopping. Hope your haggling skills are on fleek. You will also stumble upon historical treasures and eateries that serve great culinary delights.

Entry Fee: None Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM Location: Jl. Gajah Mada, RT.2/RW.1, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120, Indonesia

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22. Waterbom Jakarta – Beat The Heat 

Waterbom is an interesting tourist attraction in Jakarta that both adults and kids will enjoy alike. The expansive waterpark features exciting water slides and pools. If you are traveling with your family, then you should definitely bring your kids. It is a kind of place where you can spend an entire day and enjoy to the fullest.

Entry Fee: INR 800 onwards Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Location: Jl. Pantai Indah Barat No.1, RT.7/RW.2, Kamal Muara, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14470, Indonesia

23. Merdeka Palace – Official Residence Of The President 

One of the six presidential palaces in Indonesia, Merdeka Palace is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The lavish palace was built in 1879 and was home to Dutch governors before Indonesia gained independence. Admire the tall columns and intricate facade, the very attributes of neoclassical architecture. It is one of the must-visit Jakarta tourist places that you cannot afford to miss on your trip.

Entry Fee: Free Timings: Open for visitors only on weekends Location: Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara No.3, RT.2/RW.3, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

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24. Grand Indonesia Mall – Perfect Family Vacay

Image Credit: Baqotun0023 for Wikimedia Commons

If we are talking about Jakarta tourist spots , then one of things to see in Jakarta is Grand Indonesia Mall. the mall is spread into eight levels with a variety of stores and outlets. There is a cinema hall on the eighth floor where you can enjoy watching movies. Apart from that, Magic Fountain Show is another iconic attraction in the mall.

Entry Fee: None Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM Location: Mrin No.1, RT.1/RW.5, Kb. Melati, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia

25. Kota Tua – Dutch-Inspired Architecture 

To enjoy Jakarta sightseeing to the fullest, you must not miss out on Kota Tua from your itinerary. It is a neighborhood that comprises of downtown Jakarta. Admire the Dutch-style architectures that date back to the 17th century. Glodok is also a part of Kota Tua only. So, make sure you visit that too if you are coming down here anyway. If you are a history buff, then you are going to love coming here.

Entry Fee: None Timings: N.A. Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

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26. Senayan City Shopping Mall – Shopper’s Paradise

Image Credit: VulcanSphere for Wikimedia Commons

For the shopaholic souls out there, Senayan City Shopping Mall is one of the popular tourist attractions in Jakarta that is home to all the exclusive luxury brands. This is one of the oldest malls that can be found in Jakarta and is a major part of the list of all the iconic landmarks in this destination. Appealing to both locals and tourists alike, this complex in which the seven floors tall shopping mall can be visited is actually also an apartment tower, an office, and a five star hotel property. The extensive number of restaurants and eateries along with other services and facilities simply add to an already extraordinary experience.

Entry Fee: Free entry Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM Location: Jl. Asia Afrika No.19, RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

27. SeaWorld Ancol – Home To Largest Aquarium

Image Credits: Linnaea Mallette For NeedPix

One of the interesting tourist attractions in Jakarta , SeaWorld Ancol aka Sea World Jakarta is a marine aquarium that appeals to every kind of traveler, be it someone who’s traveling with family or with their partners. This marine aquarium aims at offering a perfect blend of conservation, education, and entertainment to tourists. SeaWorld is home to the largest aquarium in the entire South East Asia that is named as Main Tank. Apart from the main tank, one can also observe various small tanks that acts as a residence for many marine animals including crabs, jellyfish, and more as well as a shark tank.

Entry Fee: INR 0.43 onwards Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Location: Jl. Lodan Timur No.7, RW.10, Ancol, Kec. Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430, Indonesia

Further Read: Indonesia In July: Exploring The Incredible Asian Hub Of Tourism

There are a lot of places to visit in Jakarta . The above-mentioned list will give you an idea of the city so that you can start planning your a Jakarta holiday in the best possible way. Know of any more places to go near Jakarta or inside the city other than the ones mentioned above? Pop them in the comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Jakarta

What is Jakarta famous for?

Jakarta is the huge capital city of Indonesia. The city is a melange of multiple ethnicities including Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Indian. This melting pot of cultures has influenced the architectural styles, food and lifestyle in Jakarta.

What can you shop in Jakarta?

Being the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is highly developed and when it comes to shopping, it is a true shopaholics paradise. Here are a few places for shopping in Jakarta: 1. Pasar Seni Ancol 2. Pasar Baru 3. Glodok Chinatown 4. Pasar Santa

What are some of the popular attractions in Jakarta?

Some of the famous Jakarta attractions are: 1. The National Monument 2. Merdeka Square 3. Taman Mini Indonesia Park 4. Jakarta Chinatown

What are some of the things to do for couples in Jakarta?

Jakarta can turn out to be a pretty interesting place for couples. Even though it may seem like more of a financial hub of Indonesia, there are a lot of activities that a couple can enjoy in the capital city. So, here are some of the romantic things to do in Jakarta: 1. Dinner at Henshin restaurant 2. Fun times at Fantasy World 3. Quality time at Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory 4. Jakarta Monas tourism at night 5. Visit the Indonesian Mini Park

What are the fun things to do inside Ancol Dreamland?

The top things to do inside Ancol Dreamland are: 1. Enjoy a glimpse of the Underwater at SeaWorld 2. Have fun at Atlantis Water Adventure 3. Admire the nature at Ecopark 4. Enjoy a thrilling Gondola ride 5. Chill at Ancol beach city

Is there a beach in Jakarta?

The only beach in Jakarta located within the city limits is the Ancol beach. However, if you’re willing to travel a little further looking for sun, sea, and sand you’ll find quite a few beaches near Jakarta.

Where can you stay in Jakarta?

Jakarta is a huge city and there are a lot of places that you can choose from when it comes to accommodation options. Starting from budget places to stay till the high-end luxury resorts & hotels, the place will leave you spoilt for choice. Here are a few places to stay in Jakarta: 1. Aryaduta Jakarta 2. Ibis Jakarta Tamarin 3. JW Marriott Jakarta 4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Jakarta

What is there to do in Jakarta for families?

If you are traveling with your family, here are the best options: 1. Museum Wayang or the Puppet Museum 2. National Monument 3. Kidzania Jakarta 4. Winter Wonderland at Pondok Indah Mall 2

What is the best time to visit Jakarta?

It is better to pay a visit to Jakarta when the season is dry. The best months in which one can plan a trip to Jakarta is anytime between June to September.

What are some top places to eat in Jakarta?

Top restaurants and eateries in Jakarta include Bandar Djakarta, Le Quartier, Lara Djonggrang, Altitude Grill, GIA, and many more.

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Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia)

25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia)

Hectic Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and has a rather unfortunate nickname as it is often referred to as the ‘Big Durian’ in reference to the famously pungent Southeast Asian fruit. Many tourists treat Jakarta as an entry and exit point to Indonesia, but if you are passing through the city and have some time to spare then there are a wide range of attractions to enjoy from quirky museums to a variety of national monuments.

Jakarta is also a great place to learn more about Indonesia’s complicated history, and you can visit a variety of culturally and historically significant locations such as the old town and the port which will give you a glimpse of how the city would have looked in past times. As well as harking back to the days of old, Jakarta is one of the most modern cities in Indonesia, and you can spend time embracing this cutting edge side to the city at its famous malls, bars, and restaurants. Jakarta may be crowded, loud, and busy, but it certainly isn’t boring.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Jakarta …

1. Go shopping in Menteng

One of the main pastimes in Jakarta is shopping, and if you want to take advantage of this fully then head to the district of Menteng which is famous for its flea market.

Here you will find a huge range of goods including arts and crafts, miles of textiles, and even food items.

The main market is known as Jalan Surabaya Flea Market which first started operating in the 1970s and is also known for its antiques.

Some of the signature items that you will find here include ornate wood carvings and vinyl records, and the market is over half a kilometer long which means that you will be spoilt for choice whatever you budget.

Bargaining is expected so don’t be afraid to haggle if you spot something you like.

2. Admire Istana Merdeka

Istana Merdeka sits in the center of Jakarta and is the presidential palace located close to Merdeka Square.

As this is the current residence of the sitting president in Indonesia, it is not open to the public, although it is well worth swinging by and admiring the exterior as this is one of the most historically and politically significant buildings in the country.

The building dates from 1879 and it is here that the historic flag changing ceremony happened when the Dutch Colonial period ended and Indonesia declared independence.

3. Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands

Amazingly, the Thousand Islands are considered part of greater Jakarta which means that if you are looking for some beach time in the city you won’t have to venture too far.

Just a few hours outside of the city center finds you at the Thousands which are called Pulau Seribu in Indonesian and you will find gorgeous beaches, coves, and inlets here.

The best way to enjoy the islands is to take a boat tour which will let you hop from one island to another and allow you to take in all the best sights at the same time.

If you are looking for a little luxury then Pulau Macan is home to an upscale resort where you can enjoy some fine dining and delicious cocktails at sunset.

4. Check out Monas Tower

Monas Tower is the most famous monument in Jakarta and stands proud in the city as a symbol of independence in Indonesia which was declared in 1945 after years of Dutch colonial rule.

The monument is located in Merdeka Square which means ‘freedom’ in Indonesian and there is a gallery where you can learn more about Indonesia’s often tumultuous history.

The main draw however is a trip to the observation deck at the top of the tower which affords views in all directions across the city.

5. Visit Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo sprawls over an impressive 185 hectares of land and you will find an amazing 3,600 species here.

Just some of the Indonesian animals that call the zoo home include Komodo Dragons and graceful orangutans, and there are also a variety of species from other parts of the world.

The zoo is also home to an array of pretty indigenous flowers and plants and is a great place to come to learn more about the Indonesian wildlife.

Note that the zoo is closed every Monday and make sure to wear plenty of insect repellent when you visit to ward off the insects.

6. Explore Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Indonesia is well known for being made up of over 17,000 islands and is split into 26 provinces.

As a result, it is unlikely you will even be able to scratch the surface of this immense country on a trip here, but if you want to get an overview of the highlights then head to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Mini Indonesia.

This park is arranged according to province and you will find models of traditional homes and can learn about the local traditions, costumes, and diverse ways of life across the archipelago.

This is a great place to come if you are travelling with children and gives you a whistle-stop tour of the country if you don’t have time to actually visit each province in person.

7. Marvel at Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque has the claim to fame of being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and has a capacity of 120,000 worshippers at any one time.

It is located near to the national monument of Monas so it makes sense to visit both at the same time.

Some things to look out for here include the beautiful Islamic motifs such as stars used to decorate the mosque as well as the water features that are repeated inside.

Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the mosque outside of prayer times providing that they dress modestly.

8. Relax on Ancol Beach

You might not imagine that a big city like Jakarta has a beach but it does in the form of Ancol Beach which is part of the wider Ancol Jakarta Bay City.

The beach here consists of a strip of golden sand that skirts along the sea front and although this is technically a public beach you will have to pay an entry fee to enjoy the facilities.

There are a number of swimming pools along the shore line and you can recline on a rented sun longer and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere outside of the city center.

There are also a range of other attractions in the same complex such as a Sea World and a water park.

9. Enjoy Kota Tua

Kota Tua also goes by the name Old Town Batavia and is one of the most historically significant parts of Jakarta.

As you walk around the area you will find pretty architecture that dates from the Dutch colonial period and you can also visit the cobbled central town square which is the signature feature of the area.

This is seen as the cultural heart of the city and many artists and photographers gravitate here to take in the relaxed atmosphere and old world feel, and the area is also studded with cafes so you can have a drink and enjoy the surroundings.

It also has a high concentration of museums so you can learn some history here at the same time.

Suggested tour : Old Batavia Guided Coach Tour

10. Visit the National Museum

The National Museum goes by the name Museum Nasional in Indonesian and is the place to come if you want to know more about this fascinating country.

The museum tells the story of the history, art, culture, geography, and ethnology of this country, and is separated into different galleries that include collections like early Indonesian ceramics and Hindu art through the ages.

The museum has been in operation since 1868 so it is also a historical gem in its own right.

11. Have fun at Dunia Fantasi

Dunia Fantasi is Jakarta’s answer to Disneyland and fans of the famous theme park from the United States may find many parts of it surprisingly familiar.

There is a Main Street here as well as a Puppet Castle and you will find a range of over 30 rides such as the Niagara Flume and the Halilintar twister.

There is also a Star Wars section and a large Ferris wheel that lets you take in the views all over the park.

This is a great choice if you are looking for something to do with children and there is also a theatre that has a range of shows about Indonesia.

12. Stroll around Taman Anggrek Mall

Jakarta is a city that is famous for its malls but the biggest of these is Taman Anggrek Mall in the west of the city.

Locals claim that some 10,000 people visit the mall every day and you will find a vast array of shops here that are suitable for all tastes and budgets.

As well as retail outlets you will also find cafes and eateries all over the mall and it is well worth a trip to see some of Jakarta’s famous mall culture firsthand.

Other attractions in the mall include a large cinema and it even has an ice skating rink.

13. Admire the National Gallery of Indonesia

Located at Merdeka Square in Gambir is the National Gallery of Indonesia which is one of the best museums in the city and has some 2,000 pieces of Indonesian art work.

For any art lovers or those who don’t know much about Indonesian artists this is definitely not to be missed and it takes you on a colorful journey through different regional pieces.

There is also a separate section dedicated to foreign collections and you will find paintings, ceramics, photographs, and sculptures here.

14. Watch a Music Festival

Indonesia is not very well known abroad for its music which is a real shame as there is an extremely talented music scene here.

This is reflected in the range of music events held here including concerts and festivals and many visitors find that these are the highlight of a trip to Jakarta.

Some of the most famous musical events held in the city include Hammersonic which is a metal music concert that takes place annually in April and the yearly Jakarta International Jazz Festival in March.

15. Visit Jin De Yuan

Located in Glodok is Jin De Yuan which is a spacious Buddhist temple that was built in 1755. It is one of the most important places of worship for the Buddhist community in the city and some signature points to look out for include the roof which is topped with two ornate dragons with pearls in their mouths.

Inside the temple you can take in the aromatic incense as well as ceremonials bells and a collection of ancient calligraphy.

16. Dine at Seribu Rasa Menteng

Jakarta is a food lover’s paradise and you will find restaurants and street food stalls all over the city.

One of the most famous restaurants in the city however is Seribu Rasa which means ‘A Thousand Tastes’ and is set in a beautiful colonial style mansion.

The food served here will give you a snap shot of a range of Indonesian cuisines and you will find classic dishes with an upscale twist.

Conveniently located in the center of town in Menteng, Seribu Rasa also has a variety of draft beers so that you can enjoy a cold drink with the spicy Indonesian food.

17. Walk around Taman Suropati

Jakarta is not known for its parks which is why Taman Suropati is such a welcome delight.

It is less of a large park and more of a strip of greenery in the middle of a square, although it is also in a culturally important part of town and looks out over a plethora of colonial style bungalows from the 1920s many of which were built in the art deco style.

It is a great place to go for a wander in the afternoon when the sun isn’t too fierce and there is an art market held here where you can check out a range of works including pretty Indonesian paintings.

18. Visit Museum Wayang

Wayang is the Indonesian name for traditional puppets and is one of Indonesia most prized cultural traditions.

To learn more about the history and cultural importance of wayang, head to the puppet museum which will take you on a journey through time and explain how these amazing objects are made.

Located in the old town part of Jakarta, this is a quirky museum that is not to be left off the itinerary and collections include fearsome masks, wooden puppets, and a show that is held every Sunday at 10 o’clock in the morning.

19. Check out the sailboats at Sunda Kelapa Port

Many visitors miss a trip to Sunda Kelapa Port but this is actually one of the most important parts of the city.

Famous in the days of old, the port is the main reason that Jakarta grew so prosperous and you can still see the wooden schooners here which are powered by their graceful sails and still look much as they would have done in ancient times.

20. Visit Jakarta War Cemetery

Many people won’t realize that Jakarta was invaded during the Second World War and many servicemen from Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were killed here.

The cemetery in Jakarta now acts as a memorial to all those who lost their lives during the conflict and this makes a moving visit for those who want to understand the history a little better.

The Dutch section is notable as it has a scenic chapel as part of the grounds.

21. Make a splash at Atlantis Water Adventure

Atlantis Water Adventure is another of the attractions on offer at Ancol and is a vast water park complex that is perfect if you want to cool off on a hot day.

The park has eight distinct areas and you will find a large wave pool as well as a variety of fun slides and pools for different age groups.

This is a good family-friendly activity and shows a different side of Jakarta away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

22. Visit Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia is not one of the best known museums in the city but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable.

It sits in the headquarters of a former bank which has been lovingly restored and tells the story of Indonesia’s currency from past times until the present.

There are a range of interactive exhibits as well as some touch screen sections and a special gallery dedicated to the spice trade for which Indonesia is so famous.

There is another section that takes you through the story of the financial crisis that hit in 1997 and another area with a dazzling array of currency from all over the world.

23. Walk around Glodok

Sitting in Taman Sari is the area of Glodok which is also known as Jakarta’s Chinatown.

It has the claim to fame of being the largest Chinatown in the country and is also one of the biggest in the world and would have started out life here during the Dutch Colonial Period.

It is now home to a range of temples, markets, and shops and you can stroll around and admire the traditional Chinese architecture and also visit its famous electronics center which is the one of the largest in all of Jakarta.

Also make sure to look out for the medicine shops that have a range of unusual remedies including dried frogs and other oddities.

24. Take in the views at Awan Lounge

At the top of the Kosenda Hotel is Awan Lounge which can serve as a welcome break in the middle of the hectic city.

This rooftop bar includes a vertical garden with trees studded around the area and the signature feature here is a glass skylight that plunges down over nine floors and is not recommended for those who don’t have a head for heights.

In the evenings you can sip a cocktail here and take in the sparking lights of the city below.

25. Visit Museum Tekstil

The textile museum is one of the less visited museums in Jakarta but it is well worth the trip if you are interested in learning more about traditional Indonesian weaving and fabric painting techniques.

The museum has over 2,000 different pieces on show including famous Indonesian batik items and you can see vintage textiles as well as newcomers to the arts scene.

There are a range of antique looms on display as well as a lovely garden which houses plants used to make dyes for the fabrics.

They even have classes here where you can study how to make Batik art work.

25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia):

• Go shopping in Menteng
• Admire Istana Merdeka
• Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands
• Check out Monas Tower
• Visit Ragunan Zoo
• Explore Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
• Marvel at Istiqlal Mosque
• Relax on Ancol Beach
• Enjoy Kota Tua
• Visit the National Museum
• Have fun at Dunia Fantasi
• Stroll around Taman Anggrek Mall
• Admire the National Gallery of Indonesia
• Watch a Music Festival
• Visit Jin De Yuan
• Dine at Seribu Rasa Menteng
• Walk around Taman Suropati
• Visit Museum Wayang
• Check out the sailboats at Sunda Kelapa Port
• Visit Jakarta War Cemetery
• Make a splash at Atlantis Water Adventure
• Visit Museum Bank Indonesia
• Walk around Glodok
• Take in the views at Awan Lounge
• Visit Museum Tekstil

12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jakarta

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 24, 2023

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is a cultural melting pot. A diverse mix of traditions, from Javanese and Malay to Arab, Indian, and Dutch swirl together in this megalopolis. The result is a dynamic, lively city with its own intriguing flavor.

You'll discover that Jakarta has the world's best coffee scene , and most socializing in the city takes place at trendy cafés – not lounges. You'll find yourself craving the fried rice found at Jakarta's countless street food stalls – and develop friendships with the chefs. And you'll end up in the city's glitzy, multipurpose shopping malls for retail therapy, along with entertainment, events, and art.

Jakarta's tourist attractions will also show you a deeper side of this cosmopolitan city. Explore models of traditional homes from all over Indonesia's 17,000-plus islands at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Feel the spirit of Indonesian independence at the Monas national monument. See the crumbling architectural from Jakarta's colonial period at the Old Town. Learn about the early humans who lived in Indonesia at the National Museum.

For more ideas on planning your trip to Indonesia, check out our list of the top things to do in Jakarta.

1. Visit the Museum Nasional

2. see kites at museum layang-layang, 3. relax at merdeka square, 4. shop 'til you drop at jakarta's mega malls, 5. experience contemporary art at museum macan, 6. take a day trip to the thousand islands, 7. learn about jakarta's history in the old town, 8. explore kemang, jakarta's trendiest neighborhood, 9. gaze at istiqlal mosque, 10. splash around ancol beach, 11. visit the jakarta cathedral, 12. learn about betawi culture at setu babakan, map of things to do in jakarta, jakarta, indonesia - climate chart.

The Museum Nasional (National Museum) is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta. Located on the western edge of Merdeka Square , this archeological and ethnological attraction boasts a rich collection of around 70,000 artifacts. It's considered to be one of Southeast Asia's best museums.

You don't even need to enter the Museum Nasional to start experiencing its many treasures. The courtyard of the more than 150-year-old building features a peaceful fountain topped by a bronze elephant statue, given by Siam monarch Chulalongkorn to Batavia in 1871. The iconic work inspired the main structure's nickname as the "Elephant Building."

The museum is divided into two distinct wings, each of which boasts its own exhibits. The new wing features four floors of exhibits on culture and human origins in Indonesia. Don't miss the collection of priceless gold jewelry and artifacts from Central Java; the exhibit of stunning rare textiles from around Indonesia; and a model of the "Flores Man," the remains of an early human discovered on the island of Flores in 2013.

A glass-walled bridge connects the new wing to the old wing, where you will find Museum Nasional's renowned collection of classical Hindu-Buddhist statues. One of the highlights is the four-meter-tall carving of Adityawarman, king of Malayapura, standing atop a ring of skulls.

The old wing also contains collections of prehistoric ceramics from around Asia, ancient Indonesian ethnographic tools, relics of the Dutch East India Company, and treasure from royal houses across the archipelago.

Hot tip: There are free English tours of the museum throughout the week, hosted by members of the Indonesian Heritage Society . Check the museum's website for current days and times.

Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110

Official site: https://www.museumnasional.or.id/

Flying kites has been a tradition in this part of the world for more than 2,000 years, and there's no better place in Jakarta to learn about this heritage than at Museum Layang-Layang, an attraction down a serene alley in Pondok Labu.

A short movie screening in the museum explains the origins of kite flying in Indonesia, as well as the many styles of kites – just the right amount of information tourists need to appreciate the attraction's collection of more than 600 colorful kites.

Look up to see a massive flying horse kite with wings that span the length of the entryway. The museum also displays the head of a fire-breathing dragon kite; a sailing ship that flies; traditional kites made from bamboo and banana leaves; and a wow-worthy 3D kite of a horse-drawn carriage, complete with spinning wheels.

If you're feeling inspired after your tour, you can use materials at the museum to construct your own kite that makes for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Address: Jl. H. Kamang No.38, RT.8/RW.10, Pd. Labu, Kec. Cilandak, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12450

Merdeka Square, a 75-hectare park surrounded by lush greenery in Central Jakarta, is the Indonesian capital's answer to the plazas around European cities. It's considered one of the world's largest public squares .

Jakartans flock to the grand expanse on leisurely weekend days with their friends and families, making Merdeka Square the place to go for a slice of everyday life in this bustling urban area.

Merdeka Square's defining feature is the National Monument . Also known as Monas , the 132-meter-tall tower topped with a gold foil flame symbolizes Indonesia's struggle for independence. The architectural marvel took 14 years to construct and was opened by Suharto, Indonesia's second president, in 1975.

The base of the monument houses the National History Museum , a small attraction with dioramas that depict the history of the Indonesian independence movement. Tourists can also take a lift to the top of Monas every hour – if they can get their hands on one of the limited tickets before they sell out.

Merdeka Square offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxing on a weekend afternoon. Watch pick-up games of soccer, spread out a picnic on one of the grassy lawns, and visit the adorable spotted deer in an enclosed area near the southeastern corner, and see if you don't leave feeling restored.

Adress: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta

You're never more than a stone's throw away from a mega shopping mall in Jakarta. The city has more than 170 shopping malls spread throughout its neighborhoods. Many of them feature impressive architecture with multiple floors of shops, theaters, restaurants, grocery stores, salons, galleries, and other things to do, making them the ideal place to spend time while you avoid the stifling rush hour traffic in the capital.

Which malls are the best places to visit in Jakarta? The answer depends on what you're looking for. Plaza Indonesia in Central Jakarta brims with international luxury brands, like Bulgari, Rolex, Kate Spade, and Christian Louboutin, as well as locally-made batik textiles. Grand Indonesia Shopping Town , a mall in view of the Selamat Datang Monument , features the largest movie theater in Indonesia, a fountain show, and a video game arcade.

In West Jakarta , shoppers can head to Mal Taman Anggrek (also known as MTA) for more than 500 stores, concerts in the central atrium, one of the country's largest indoor ice-skating rinks, and a massive LED display that stretches around the entire building.

Foodies should make a point to have a meal (or two) at the robust food hall inside of Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta.

Indonesia made international headlines when the country cut the ribbon on its first contemporary art institution, Museum MACAN, in November 2017. The critically acclaimed attraction has since built a reputation as one of the top places to visit in Jakarta.

The 7,100-square-meter space showcases an important 800-piece collection built over 25 years, primarily by art aficionado and businessman Haryanto Adikoesoemo. Inside the cultural icon, tourists can see whimsical fiberglass creations from Yayoi Kusama, Romantic paintings from beloved Indonesian artist Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman, and a unique watercolor map of Bali by Mexican painter Miguel Covarrubias.

Check the museum's website for the most up-to-date list of exhibitions and events during your visit to Jakarta.

Address: AKR Tower Level M, Jalan Panjang No. 5 Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat 11530

Official site: https://www.museummacan.org/

Need a break from Jakarta's concrete jungle? Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands, a cluster of 110 exquisite islands scattered in the Java Sea, just north of the city. Ferries and private shuttles whisk tourists to hot spots within this island chain from Marina Ancol every day.

You can reach one of the closest Thousand Islands, Pulau Bidadari , in just 30 minutes from the ferry port. Highlights of the destination include rare trees, sandy beaches , and a 17th-century fort . You can also spend the night in an overwater bungalow .

Picturesque Pulau Tidung is another favorite spot for a day trip. Tourists spend their time on this island bicycling , snorkeling , and snapping photos along the legendary "Love Bridge," which connects the main island with a smaller piece of land.

You'll feel worlds away from the big city the moment you step foot on Pulau Sepa . Located about 90 minutes away from Jakarta, the island is an adventure lover's paradise. Choose from water sports, like banana boat rides , snorkeling , jet skiing , and diving . If you miss the ferry back to the city, you can sleep in a cottage or camp out under the stars.

Indonesia's capital may look shiny and modern, but it still retains relics of its charming historical atmosphere in Kota , Jakarta's Old Town. The area served as the Dutch East India Company's headquarters in the 17th century. It's one of the best places to visit on your first day in Jakarta to get a sense of this city's storied past.

Taman Fatahillah is the center of sightseeing in Kota. Dutch colonial buildings surround the cobblestone plaza, creating a stately atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the glass-and-concrete skyscrapers found elsewhere in Jakarta.

The nearly 400-year-old whitewashed building on the southern edge of the square has been transformed from a town hall to the Jakarta History Museum . Inside, you'll find more than 20,000 historical objects, including antique maps, ceramics, and Betawi-style furniture, along with prison cells that held Indonesian freedom fighters in the 19th century.

Another worthwhile attraction to explore in Kota is Museum Wayang on the western edge of Taman Fatahillah. It takes travelers through the Javanese tradition of wooden puppetry. The cultural institution occasionally hosts free puppet shows.

For more art and culture in Kota, check out the Museum Seni Rupa Dan Keramik (Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics) , just across the square from Museum Wayang. It displays a remarkable collection of ceramics and handicrafts from Indonesia, as well as pieces from Europe and other parts of Asia.

Don't spend all your time indoors, though. Lined with intriguing wooden-shuttered buildings, Kota's side streets are a treasure trove of photographic sites and rich atmosphere. Explore the area by foot, or rent a bike from Fatahillah Square. When you're ready to refuel, the famous Cafe Batavia is the best spot to escape the heat and sip on classic punch mocktails.

Address: Jl. Lada Dalam No.7, RT.7/RW.7, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110

Devote an afternoon of your Jakarta itinerary to exploring Kemang. Widely considered to be Jakarta's trendiest neighborhood, the suburban expat area brims with cafés, shops, and sightseeing opportunities.

There are tons of things to do in Kemang. Sip a strong cup of coffee at Say Something Coffee while watching dogs play at the nearby dog park. Browse shelves of novels in the serene Aksara book store. Check out the latest apparel from up-and-coming Indonesian designers at Kemang's ever-changing roster of boutiques. Catch a flick at the Kinosaurus microcinema.

Get in touch with your creative side by seeing an art exhibit at Kemang Gallery 58 . It's also worth indulging in weekend brunch at Kemang's bustling restaurants – if you can score a table. Call ahead to make reservations.

Hot tip: It's tough to get to Kemang on public transportation. Flag a Blue Bird Taxi or hop on the back of an ojek (informal motorcycle taxi) to reach this area.

When you're visiting a country with the world's largest Muslim population, you'll want to make a point to experience Islamic culture and attractions firsthand, starting with a visit to Istiqlal Mosque. The largest mosque in Southeast Asia (and one of the world's largest mosques), this religious site in Jakarta has the capacity to hold a whopping 120,000 visitors at any given time. The five-level dome structure, much of which is made from marble from East Java, spans an impressive nine-hectare area near Monas.

Conservatively dressed tourists are welcome to visit the mosque outside of prayer times. But if you don't have time to go inside, simply stand nearby and listen to the call to prayer delivered from the structure's soaring minaret throughout the day.

Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710

Looking for a way to beat Jakarta's heat and humidity? Head north to the city's popular beach resort of Ancol. The expansive recreation area features a marina, sandy shore, and swimming pools where you can rent a sun lounger and cool off for the day. There's also a lovely promenade and boardwalk, which make great spots to watch the sunset.

Besides the beach, this area is also home to another popular attraction: Ancol Dreamland. The waterfront attraction offers fun for the whole family, including a massive oceanarium, a water park with a maze of twisting slides, a world-class golf course, botanical gardens, a zoo, and a theme park with more than 40 rides. If you're traveling to Jakarta with kids, you'll definitely want to include a day or two in Ancol on your itinerary.

In the shadows of Istiqlal Mosque stands another one of the city's prominent religious sites: St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. Better known as the Jakarta Cathedral, the neo-gothic church traces its history back to the mid-19th century. Its proximity to the large mosque is considered a symbol of Indonesia's philosophy of unity and harmony among different faiths.

From a distance, the cathedral appears to be constructed of stone, like European churches. But get up close, and you'll notice that it's actually made of thick bricks coated in plaster that's designed to look like natural stone. Step inside, and you'll see three historic altars, enough pews to accommodate 8,000 worshippers, and a statue of Mary holding Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.

Just next door to the church is the Museum Katedral , a small museum that explains how Catholicism reached Indonesia. It holds the record of Indonesia's first known baptism, which took place in 1808.

Address: Jl. Katedral No.7B, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710

Learn about the original inhabitants of the greater Jakarta area at Setu Babakan, an interactive attraction that aims to preserve and celebrate Indigenous Betawi culture. Start at the two-story Betawi Museum, then make your way outside to see Betawi homes and catch a cultural arts performance at the amphitheater.

When you're feeling hungry, swing by Zone E of the attraction to sample traditional Betawi cuisine (like fried bean sprouts and glutinous rice omelets) from the vendors. The multisensory experience will leave you with a deep appreciation for this ancient culture.

Hot tip: Every July, Setu Babakan hosts its annual Betawi Culture Festival, which gives tourists the chance to see a wedding, traditional ceremonies, and special rituals.

Address: Jl. RM. Kahfi II, RT.13/RW.8, Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Official site: http://www.setubabakanbetawi.com/en/

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Exploring Indonesia: With so much to see, it's best to take a complete look at the top attractions in Indonesia before finalizing your travel plans. Many people head to Bali for a little rest and relaxation, and to spend some time on the beautiful beaches . If it's beaches you're after, be sure to see our guide to the best beaches in Indonesia .

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions Jakarta

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital city , Jakarta, is a fascinating place to visit due to its long history, diverse culture, charming natural beauty, and never-ending development. From historical sites to high-end restaurants, discover these must-visit attractions.

1. national monument (monumen nasional or monas).

Building, Museum, Park

2. Istiqlal Mosque

3. Sunda Kelapa Harbor

5. Kota Tua Jakarta

Museum, Park, Building

6. Fatahillah Museum (Jakarta History Museum)

Building, Museum

7. Kepulauan Seribu

Technically still a part of the Jakarta Province, Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) comprises of hundreds of pristine, idyllic small islands , many of them still inhabited. However, tourism is vibrant in some of the more developed islands, including Bidadari Island, Pramuka Island, and Tidung Island.

Kepulauan Seribu Regency, Jakarta, Indonesia

8. National Museum

9. Lara Djonggrang Restaurant

Restaurant, Indonesian

10. Petak Sembilan

Market, Chinese, Street Food

11. Dunia Fantasi & Ancol Dreamland

Amusement Park

12. Jakarta Cathedral

Cathedral, Museum

13. Pasar Baru

14. Pantai Indah Kapuk Mangrove

15. wayang museum.

16. Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory

17. taman mini indonesia indah.

Amusement Park, Park, Cinema

A part of Jakarta Chinatown, Glodok is known as the center of cheap goods, especially electronics. The area is still alive with some of the city’s oldest stores, restaurants, and temples. Tourists can experience service or taste meals from legendary vendors, such as the famous ice coffee from Waroeng Tak Kie that has been there since 1927 and Jakarta’s oldest barbershop Ko Tang, established in 1936.

Glodok, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna / © Culture Trip

19. Skye Bar & Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Asian

An excellent epitome of Jakarta’s vibrant city nightlife, Skye is a lively bar and restaurant located on the 56th floor of Menara BCA building. The stylishly decorated lounge features a stunning infinity pool that makes the view of the city much more refreshing. The place also serves impressive cocktails and food.

20. Toko Merah

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Jakarta Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Dine And Stay

From historical monuments to malls, there are many best places to visit in jakarta, the capital city of indonesia. here's our travel guide..

By: Dinal Jain Published: May 05, 2023 10:00 AM UTC

Think Indonesia and its stunning beaches are the first things that come to mind. However, the country has much more to offer. Take its capital city, Jakarta, for instance. With one of the best nightlife scenes in Asia, iconic structures, and a vibrant performance and visual arts heritage, the long list of the best places to visit in Jakarta attracts all kinds of travellers.  

Situated on the northwest coast of Java island, Jakarta is the largest city in Southeast Asia . The megapolis is a melting pot of cultures and languages as towering skyscrapers are juxtaposed with humble neighbourhoods. To make the best of your trip to this city of contrasts, keep this Jakarta travel guide handy. It includes everything you need to know — from places to visit and must-try dining spots to nightlife and the best accommodations.

How much can a trip to Jakarta cost?

Expect to spend around USD 106–USD 171 per day as a couple on a trip to Jakarta. This includes food, travel, sightseeing and accommodation expenses. If you’re looking to spend a luxury vacation in Jakarta, you might have to shell out around USD 212–USD 717 per day for two people. Besides travel, food and sightseeing expenses, this estimate includes average stay tariffs for luxury hotels or vacation rentals.

Best time to visit Jakarta

Jakarta experiences tropical weather, which means the city is hot and humid and witnesses rainfall throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Jakarta is 30 degrees Celcius. And, it receives an average of 85 mm of rain per year. The capital city has mainly two seasons — the dry season, which goes on from June to September, and the wet season, which lasts from October to April. The latter is also considered the winter season.

Hence, the best time to visit Jakarta is from May through October. This is when the rain is less frequent and the temperature is warmer.

How to reach Jakarta 

The primary airport of the province is the Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) Airport, which is less than 30 km away from the greater Jakarta area. Jakarta Halim Perdana Kusuma (HLP) Airport, at a distance of just 7.6 km from the city, is another nearby airport.

Visitors coming to Jakarta from other Indonesian cities, such as Bali , can avail of a combination of transportation modes, including bus, ferry and train services.

The best places to visit in Jakarta 

The national monument.

Also known as Monas, the National Monument is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jakarta. The tower that is located in the heart of Merdeka Square was built to memorialise Indonesia’s independence in 1945. Completed in 1975, the 132-metre-tall structure houses the Museum Sejarah Nasional (the National History Museum). 

You can catch a breathtaking view of Jakarta from the Observation Deck of Monas, situated at a height of 115 m above ground level. Additionally , y ou can take a stroll around the garden of Merdeka Square and explore some prominent places situated in the compound, such as the Istana Merdeka (the Presidential Palace), the new National Library and the Museum Nasional (The National Museum).

Istiqlal Mosque

Situated in central Jakarta, this is the largest mosque in South East Asia with a capacity to accommodate around 1,20,000 people. Most of the Islamic celebrations in the country are broadcast from this mosque. Named after the Arabic word for independence, Istiqlal, the mosque was also built to commemorate Indonesia’s freedom struggle.

Museum Layang-Layang

The Jakarta Kite Museum is the perfect place to discover the kite festivals of Indonesia. It is structured as a cosy, traditional Indonesian house, complete with a courtyard, and contains around 600 kites. 

Starting with a film on the history of kite-flying, this museum tour takes visitors through the art of kite-making with various workshops and kites on display. It is the perfect place for a fun bonding session with your family. Take part in their various classes to learn all about kite making, kite painting and much more. They even offer ceramics making, umbrella painting and other workshops.

Jin De Yuan

This is the oldest of the 140 Chinese temples in Jakarta. Located in Chinatown, the Jin De Yuan is locally known as Glodok . Spread over 3,000 sq m of land, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kwan Im. It is revered for its distinct red pillars, yellow waterlily-inspired crown, fine carvings, dragon paintings and fine calligraphy on the pillars.

While the temple attracts tourists throughout the year, it’s during the Chinese New Year celebrations (around January or February) that the Jin De Yuan experiences the most footfall, especially by devotees.

Do note that the road leading to the temple is narrow and muddy, so plan your visit accordingly.

Jakarta Cathedral

Located right across the Istiqlal Mosque is this neo-gothic-style catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Brick walls, iron spires, a cross design, paintings and statues are some of the beautiful elements that adorn the Jakarta Cathedral. Considered one of the top tourist attractions in the country, it is visited by architecture enthusiasts and devotees alike, especially during Easter and Christmas.

Jakarta Chinatown

The Glodok Village, located in West Jakarta, is one of the busiest areas in the city and will give tourists one of the most authentic Chinese experiences. The narrow streets and alleyways here are lined with fresh fruit, vegetable and spice stalls, traditional Chinese food and medicine shops, electronics malls and temples like Dharma Bhakti Temple and Tan Seng Ong Temple.

Also, while you’re here, consider walking over to the Pasar Asemka (a morning wholesale market for accessories, dolls and stationery) and Pasar Pagi (a traditional market for vegetables, fruits, meat and fish).

National Gallery of Indonesia

Locally known as the Galeri Nasional Indonesia, the museum is a treat for art lovers. Located in central Jakarta, the gallery houses some of the most notable artworks by both local and international artists, such as Raden Saleh, Hendra Gunawan and Hans Hartung. Photography is permitted, so tourists can take back some of the best memories home. The National Gallery has over 1,700 pieces of art on display to promote Indonesia’s culture and recreation.

Ancol Beach City (Ancol Mall)

Head to this magnificent entertainment centre, specially built as a recreation spot about 15-20 km away from the main city of Jakarta. The complex is spread over 58,000 sq m of land and offers a vast range of shopping and dining options. You can enjoy various music events and concerts at this venue by the beach.

It has an international stadium, a concert hall, a pantai (sunset beach) and an auditorium. Visit the Ancol Dreamland resort and explore the aquarium, dolphin shows and gondola ride.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Located in East Jakarta, this tourist park is perfect for those seeking to experience the history of Indonesia first-hand. The Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a walk-through experience that showcases the lives of Indonesian people through thirty-three miniature provinces on display. One of the biggest attractions is the lake, a miniature version of the Indonesian archipelago , in the middle of the park.

Additionally, you can hop on a cable car ride, visit museums and catch a show at the Keong Mas IMAX Theatre and Tanah Airku Theatre.

Nightlife in Jakarta

As one of the most popular metropolitan cities in Indonesia , Jakarta offers exciting nightlife scenes. There are upscale restaurants with mesmerising city views, quintessential nightclubs and open-air cafes for a peaceful meal.

When partying in Jakarta, take note of the information below.

• Numerous party places in Jakarta have strict dress regulations. Men must dress formally, wearing a shirt and decent shoes. For women, a dress and high heels are required.
• The entry fee for a club can be anywhere between IDR 1,00,000 (USD 7) and IDR 3,00,000 (USD 20) on a weekend, and alcohol is heavily taxed in Indonesia.

Try out the unique Nikkei dining at the highest rooftop bar in Jakarta. The fine-dining restaurant situated on the 67th, 68th and 69th levels serves a fusion of Peruvian flavours cooked with Japanese technique. Enjoy the 360° views of the city while dining in the al fresco lounge-style seating. 

Colosseum Club

Dance the night away at one of the most happening nightclubs in Jakarta. Spread over 1,000 sq m of floor area, the neon lights and breathtaking visuals at the venue are super impressive. With one of the best audio systems in the world, the club is known for its pulsating musical performances by DJs and EDM artists. It also hosts several exciting events on weekends.

Caspar Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

World-class mixology and traditional Spanish cuisine are why you must dine at Caspar. The restaurant provides cutting-edge entertainment where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails. DJs, live performances and several exciting events create a vibrant ambience during after-hours (10 pm to 2 am) at this glam lounge.

Costéss Cafe And Bar

Located in Jakarta Selatan (south of the city), this place is equally charming both during the day and at night with its versatile menu. Costéss is situated on the 17th floor, offering a striking view of the city. It serves scrumptious Chinese and Italian dishes with handcrafted cocktails.

Valhalla, located in the Senopati neighbourhood of South Jakarta, is the city’s first superclub of an international calibre. In order to support Indonesia’s EDM music industry, Valhalla frequently invites Indonesian DJs and hosts live music performances. Additionally, the club has a capacity of 600 people and offers a range of seating options, including high tables and cosy lounges. The colourful laser lights give the club its striking appearance.

What to eat in Jakarta 

When in Jakarta, street food is the best way to indulge in pure Indonesian cuisine. Here are some delicious dishes you must try to get a real taste of the city.

Nasi Goreng

One of the most popular dishes of Indonesia, Nasi Goreng is the country’s take on the humble fried rice. It is prepared with rice mixed with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and terasi (dried shrimp paste) and served with a fried egg on the side. One of the best restaurants to try this dish at is Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih, located in central Jakarta near the National Monument.

Ketoprak 

Start your day in Jakarta with this unique tofu salad. It’s a traditional dish prepared mainly with fried tofu, steamed rice cakes and rice vermicelli noodles. The signature dish also contains bean sprouts, cabbage and cucumbers mixed with a dash of sweet soy and peanut sauce. The salad is topped with fried shallots and krupuk (a Javanese cracker).

An Indonesian stuffed pancake, Martabak is a popular dessert. It usually has a crispy crust and varies in thickness. Traditionally prepared with sprinkled peanuts, cheese and chocolate sprinkles, it also comes in savoury varieties.

Where to shop in Jakarta

Grand Indonesia Mall

A premium place to go on a shopping spree, the Grand Indonesia Mall is a must-visit. It is located in Bundaran, an upscale area in the central part of the city. The mall consists of two sections — the eight-storey East Mall and the nine-storey West Mall. Flagship stores, international brands and boutiques, like Cotton On, H&M, Gramedia, Pull & Bear and Levi’s, are lined up in the complex. You can visit over a hundred F&B stalls at the mall, including Jakarta’s only microbrewery, Paulaner Brauhaus.

Pondok Indah Mall

Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Pondok Indah, this mall is a shopper’s paradise. Locally known as PIM, the mall consists of three buildings — the old PIM 1, the PIM 2 and the new Street Gallery — connected via pedestrian walkways. The mall also has its own shuttle bus service, a disabled room, a prayer room, a nursing room and a self-driving valet. Other than checking out some of the most well-known brands across categories, you can also catch a movie at one of the two cinemas and visit the supermarket and department store here.

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

If malls are not your scene, check out this street-side market in the upscale residential area of the Menteng district in central Jakarta. Mainly famous for antiques, you can find things like vinyl records, Indonesian masks, porcelain pieces, wooden crafts and other vintage objects. This is a good place for souvenir shopping.

Where to stay in Jakarta

Hotels in jakarta.

Four Seasons Hotel

Raffles Jakarta

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta

More Hotels in Jakarta

The St Regis Jakarta

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

The Langham Jakarta

Hero & Feature Image Credit: Yohanes Budiyanto/ Creative Commons   Attribution 2.0 Generic /Wikimedia Commons

Related: The 9 Best Paradise Islands to Visit in Southeast Asia

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: Typically, three days are enough to explore Jakarta. You can cover the top tourist attractions, enjoy some of the best street food items, dine at sky-high restaurants, and splurge at high-end malls. Plan a longer stay if you also want to spend a day at Ancol Beach City.

Answer: It's necessary to get yourself acquainted with the Indonesian currency, intercity transportation, regional customs, weather patterns, culture and etiquettes of the province before making travel plans to Jakarta.

Answer: Learn some phrases in the local language (Indonesian) to communicate your basic needs with locals. Indonesia doesn’t have a strict dress code but it’s crucial to dress as required in places of worship, like mosques and cathedrals. Basic etiquette must also be maintained in Jakarta, which includes showing respect to the locals, their way of life and places of worship. One must not litter.

Answer: A visitor should carry a some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) when visiting Jakarta as it may be needed for purchases from neighbourhood stores, local eateries and for emergencies, if necessary.

Answer: The National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral are some of the most prominent historical places in Jakarta.

Answer: Ancol beach is the closest beach to Jakarta city.

Answer: Grand Indonesia Mall and Pondok Indah Mall are some of the best shopping malls in Jakarta.

• Jakarta Food
• places in asia

An interior design graduate, Dinal is a writer by passion and profession. She is an avid traveller and has worked with lifestyle brands and publications like Nykaa Fashion and Little Black Book. When she's not recommending the coolest things to do, she explores offbeat villages, writes poems, and goes stargazing! She is an enthusiast of all things handmade. Read Less

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12 Things to do in Jakarta + Tourist Spots

Jakarta may have a province-level status, but it is a massive mega-city, a melting pot of various cultures, and a charming travel destination. It has lots to offer that will give you a better glimpse of what Indonesia is about, its history and culture, and even food.

Jakarta is the place to be for enlightening museum tours and visiting landmarks of historical significance. The attractions you cannot miss are the National Monument (Monas), the Istiqlal Mosque, the National Museum, the Jakarta Cathedral, and the Fatahilah Museum. To experience an old city vibe, head to Kota Tua and discover the city’s original downtown, complete with 17th Century Dutch buildings and several museums here and there. For some culinary adventures, street food is the best. You can find the best Sate, Nasi Goreng, Gado Gado, Soto Betawi, and Nasi Uduk when you roam around the city streets.

Jakarta is your prime gateway to Indonesia through the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, 29km west of central Jakarta. The airport serves the largest flight network connecting the city to the world, with daily flights to international cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Bangkok, and Sydney.

1. Monas Tower (National Monument)

Location : Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Jakarta Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Jakarta (click below to see rates and book online) Cheapest Rates | Best Reviews  | Home Rentals/Airbnb

Jakarta Tours & Discounts

Indonesia  WIFI/SIM Card

See also :   Places to visit in Indonesia  |  Bali Itinerary  |  Sights to see in Yogyakarta

More travel tips coming up! In the meantine, enjoy this  quick list  of attractions and tourist spots in Jakarta. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

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Old Batavia (Jakarta Old Town or Kota Tua)

2. Jakarta History Museum (Fatahilah Museum)

Location : Jalan Taman Fatahillah No.1, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

3. Puppet Museum (Wayang Museum)

Location : Jalan Pintu Besar Utara No.27 Pinangsia, RT.3/RW.6, Kota Tua, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

4. Jakarta Maritime Museum

Location : Jl. Ps. Ikan No.1, RT.11/RW.4, Penjaringan, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14440, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

5. Jakarta Old Town Walking Tour

Location : Jakarta Old Town . Save on Google Maps .

6. National Museum of Indonesia

7. Jakarta Cathedral

Location : Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

8. Istiqlal Mosque

9. Sunda Kelapa Port

Location : Masjid Al-Bahrain Pelabuhan Batavia Sunda Kelapa . Save on Google Maps .

10. Chinatown (Glodok)

Location : Jl. Gajah Mada, RT.2/RW.1, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

11. Pasar Baru

12. Jakarta Shopping Malls

Where to go beyond Jakarta

Location : Bandung City, Kanlurang Haba, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Bandung Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Tours + discounts

Location : Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Yogyakarta Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Top discounts

Borobudur Sunrise Trip

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Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Temple Trip

Location : Bali, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

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Bali Private Car Charter

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Heart of Bali Tour

Location : Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Medan Travel Essentials

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Jakarta that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Jakarta

Jakarta tourist spots, things to do in Jakarta, where to go in Jakarta & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Jakarta

Click below & search recommended Jakarta hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Airbnb Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Jakarta Essentials & Top Discounts

Indonesia mobile data sim card/pocket wifi.

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

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A first-timer's guide to Jakarta

Oct 5, 2023 • 8 min read

Jakarta is fast-paced, fascinating and fun © Andreas H / Shutterstock

Jakarta is sometimes overlooked by visitors bound for Java's ancient ruins or the beaches of Bali . But skipping this vast, teeming city in the far west of Java means missing out on world-class food and coffee, a historic old quarter, thriving art galleries, some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia and a surprisingly exciting nightlife scene.

First-time visitors to Jakarta can be overwhelmed; roads are heavily congested and the many skyscrapers are often screened by a thick layer of smog. However, there's plenty to see and just offshore are pollution-free beaches and islands. Here’s everything you need to know when visiting Jakarta for the first time.

When should I go to Jakarta?

Jakarta is hot and humid all year round, but there are two distinct seasons: a dry season that runs from May to September and a wet season running from October to April. The best time to visit is from June to August, when it’s dry and the humidity drops to manageable levels.

It’s also perfectly possible to visit in the rainy season, as the daily downpours tend only to last for a couple of hours, although flooding can affect parts of the city. Avoid traveling to Jakarta close to or during Ramadan, when many businesses close and hotels are booked out.

How long should I spend in Jakarta?

Most people visit Jakarta as part of a longer trip to Indonesia , spending just a few days exploring the capital’s historic center and checking out the excellent restaurant and cafe scene. But don't overlook the splendid shopping in street markets and the many malls, as well as the many worthy museums and lively art galleries.

Spend four days here and you'll have time for an overnight visit to the beaches of the Thousand Islands , where locals head for weekend breaks. The closest strands are just a 30-minute boat ride from Jakarta's Ancol Marina .

Is it easy to get to and around Jakarta?

About 35km (22 miles) west of the city, busy Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is Jakarta’s principal airport, and all international and most domestic flights operate from here. Trains and buses link the airport to Jakarta or you can take a taxi.

Centrally located Stasiun Gambir is the main train station, with express services across Java operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) . Trains are faster and more comfortable than buses, and sometimes cheaper. Passenger ships run by Pelni connect Jakarta with destinations across Indonesia.

With its expansive sprawl, Jakarta is not a walkable city and traffic jams are a way of life. The first line of Jakarta's evolving citywide MRT system runs south from Menteng in the center of the city. For destinations off the MRT line, visitors must depend on slow buses or taxis.

The most reliable taxi company is Bluebird – or use Grab , the Southeast Asian version of Uber. Go-Jek is a motorcycle ride service that’s useful for navigating central Jakarta’s jammed streets.

Top things to do in Jakarta

Old jakarta.

Start your tour in Kota in north Jakarta, where the vestiges of old Batavia – the colonial city built by the Dutch in the 18 th century – cluster around Taman Fatahillah , a charming cobblestone square surrounded by handsome European-style buildings. Bicycles can be hired around the square, making it easy to scoot around the surrounding lanes, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Be sure to check out the old town hall, which dates back to 1627 and now houses the Jakarta History Museum . Also worth a trip is the nearby Museum Wayang , which has a superb collection of Javanese puppets (and sometimes puts on free puppet shows).

Merdeka Square

In central Jakarta, Merdeka Square is the political and spiritual heart of Indonesia. Looming over this vast expanse of grassy parkland is the 132m-high (433ft-high)  Monumen Nasional , also known as Monas or, more irreverently, ‘Sukarno’s final erection’, a reference to the former president of Indonesia who ordered its construction in 1961.

Merdeka Square makes a great retreat from Jakarta’s hectic streets and is always busy with locals kicking back. There are tremendous views across Jakarta from the top of the monument; get here early and avoid weekends if you don’t want to queue for hours.

Nearby are the Museum Nasional , which is packed with cultural treasures, and Galeri Nasional , with a big collection of work by Indonesian and foreign artists. Also here is Masjid Istiqial , Southeast Asia’s largest mosque (non-Muslims are welcome to visit if appropriately dressed).

From Taman Fatahillah, it's a short walk south to Glodok, which has been Jakarta’s Chinatown for centuries. Wandering the lanes and alleys here is an essential part of the Jakarta experience and there's great shopping here, including in the atmospheric and highly photogenic Petak Sembilan Market , where you'll find a sensory assault of fresh produce.

When you’re done sightseeing, pop into Kopi Es Tak Kie or Pantjoran Tea House , two of Glodok’s oldest cafes, for authentic Sino-Indonesian dishes and revitalizing coffee or tea.

Shopping in Jakarta's malls

Retail addicts have over 150 shopping malls to choose from in the Indonesian capital. The Grand Indonesia Mall and Plaza Senayan in Menteng are two of the most upmarket and popular malls, while the old-school Blok M mall is much more about local brands. For a more organic shopping experience, make tracks for the nearby Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, where antiques, textiles and all manner of collectible items await.

Jakarta's art and nightlife scenes

Head to Museum MACAN and the RUCI Art Space (in west and south Jakarta respectively) for insights into Indonesia’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. South Jakarta, and the area of Kebayoran Baru in particular, is where you'll find some of Jakarta’s finest bars and restaurants, such as the rooftop Skye , which offers stunning views and cocktails, or Plataran Dharmawangsa for traditional Javanese cuisine in a tranquil and refined setting.

The Thousand Islands

Finally, if you have the time, hop on a speedboat at Ancol Marina , a few kilometers north of Jakarta’s historic quarter, for a day tour or overnight visit to the Thousand Islands, where white-sand beaches and resorts create a striking contrast to Jakarta’s urban sprawl. You can also pop into the Ancol Luar Biasa fairground near the marina.

My favorite thing to do in Jakarta

I first discovered Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, by accident, while idly strolling south from Taman Fatahillah on my first visit to Jakarta. These days, I return whenever I’m in town to explore Glodok’s narrow, winding alleys and streets lined with shophouses, hole-in-the-wall cafes and restaurants and Chinese Buddhist temples. It's the perfect antidote to the skyscrapers and shopping malls that dominate much of Jakarta.

There’s a timelessness to Glodok that’s unique in Jakarta, with the latest generation of Chinese-Indonesians carrying on businesses established by their ancestors generations earlier. I love the tang of spices floating in the air, the traditional pharmacies with their dark interiors and mysterious remedies and, above all, the delicious fusion dishes that can only be found in Glodok. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

How much money do I need for Jakarta?

Jakarta is the most expensive destination in Indonesia, up there with Bali, but it’s still cheap by Western standards, so long as you don’t need a four-star hotel and are happy to eat at neighborhood restaurants rather than upscale places.

Museum entrance fees and taxis are a bargain, but alcohol is more pricey than elsewhere in Southeast Asia, especially wine and spirits, as Muslim Indonesia slaps hefty taxes on it. Here's a guide to local costs.

• Dorm bed in a hostel: 130,000Rp
• Three-star hotel room: 500,000Rp
• Airbnb studio apartment: 400,000Rp per night
• MRT ticket in town: 3,000Rp to 14,000Rp
• Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: 350,000Rp
• Cup of local coffee: 20,000Rp
• Small bottle of local beer in a bar: 35,000Rp

Frequently asked questions

There are a few questions first-timers always ask, so here are some tips to help you out.

How do I avoid traffic jams in Jakarta?

Avoid traveling in peak hours, from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays. Roads are less congested on weekends, especially on Sundays. To avoid the traffic, choose a hotel near an MRT station so you can make as much use of public transport as possible.

What type of food will I find in Jakarta?

Jakarta is a great place to not only try Indonesia-wide staples such as nasi goreng (fried rice) but also to sample many different regional cuisines, whether that means Balinese classics such as babi guling (spiced spit-roast pig) or Sulawesi -style seafood, as well as Chinese-Indonesian fusion dishes. International food is also widely available for less adventurous palates. Don't drink tap water; purified water is available everywhere.

Do I need to bargain and tip in Jakarta?

Bargaining is the norm at Jakarta’s many markets, and it's also possible at some shopping malls. As a general rule, if the cost of an item is displayed, the price is usually fixed; if not, bargaining may be possible. Remember that it’s always best to haggle with a smile. Tipping is not generally expected, but leaving a small gratuity when you dine out is always appreciated.

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17 Things to do in Jakarta. No. 4 is the Best One!

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ouI often receive questions from friends of mine (mostly foreigners or Indonesians who live outside Java) or random travellers asking, is it worth it to go to Jakarta? What is there to do in Jakarta? How chaotic is Jakarta? Is a week enough time to explore Jakarta?  As I run lots of  Jakarta tours , there are obviously a lot more questions that I get related to the city. Anyway, I’ve written about how to get to Jakarta (the city) cheaply from the airport (Soekarno Hatta Airport – CGK)  here .

Ok back to Jakarta, I admit, because of the congestion and the mess, I don’t normally recommend visiting Jakarta to friends. But after a second thought, the reason a place is unique and deserves to be explored is always different. There are a lot of special Jakarta attractions to be discovered! So here are some suggestions about things to do in Jakarta, the best Jakarta tourist attractions, and Jakarta points of interest, which I am sure you’ll find worth exploring.

Let’s get started with the best things to do in Jakarta.

6 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

1. enjoy the best bars with beautiful views.

One of my favorite things about Jakarta is the nightlife. There are great bars and restaurants all over the city. I recommend Skye Bar and Cloud Lounge and Dining. Skye Bar is on the 56th floor of the BCA Building, and Cloud Lounge and Dining is on the 49th floor. Both offer panoramic views of the Jakarta skyline (the best time to visit is for sunset). Make sure to dress nicely, as they have a smart dress code. You can find more ideas for bars to visit here .

2. Experience the luxury hotels

Luxury hotels in Jakarta are like an oasis of tranquility (you can find my guide to the  best 5-star hotels in the city here ). As soon as you arrive at the lobby, you can leave the bustling streets and the endless traffic jams behind you. It can feel like stepping into another world.  The Hermitage Jakarta  (it is a boutique luxury hotel with a great rooftop bar) and  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jakarta – Diponegoro  are probably my two favorite hotels of the moment.  The Raffles Jakarta  comes a close third with its Alice in Wonderland-style reading room.

3. Monas – the national monument

As an icon of the city and a symbol of the struggle of Indonesia, Monas is a place worth visiting. In addition to the monument, you can also find The National History Museum (Museum Sejarah Nasional) inside the monument Monas, where you can find many dioramas depicting the history of Indonesia. Besides learning about the history of Indonesia, it is quite interesting to take pictures with Monas as a background. Be creative and make your own unique picture!

The monument and the museum are located in central Jakarta. Monas opening hours: 08.00AM – 04.00PM on Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Monday). Monas Park area or the complex is open from 06.00AM – 04.00PM. The best time to visit Monas is in the evening just before the sunset.

4. Visit the thousand islands

You don’t need to go all the way to Bali to have a beautiful island getaway. Just a few hours boat ride from mainland Jakarta you’ll find the Thousand Islands (they are actually part of the city). These tropical islands offer the perfect weekend escape from Jakarta. You can go diving, admittedly it’s not that great, enjoy the beautiful beaches and relax in the sunshine away from the everyday pollution. There’s a lot of nice places to visit. Top of the list is the luxury resort on Pulau Macan or another alternative (new but lovely) is Desa Laguna . Visit if you get the chance.

5. Enjoy the nightlife

6. go to the malls.

How many malls are there in Jakarta? The answer is “Too many”! Hahaha. Ok, this probably sounds a bit of a weird idea to you, but believe me, if you want to have a relaxing day, find groceries, probably do some shopping or play bowling, why not go to the malls?

There is one store in Grand Indonesia Mall, called Alun-Alun Indonesia where you can easily find some souvenirs for your family or friends back home that are truly Indonesian (I consider Alun-Alun Indonesia quite expensive, but some stuff is ok to buy). If you want something cheaper, you should try ITC, Thamrin City, Tanah Abang (Note: I like to shop for a lot of different fabrics in Tanah Abang. It is cheap), and traditional markets around Jakarta.

Sarinah Department Store is a good spot to visit too. They just got renovated and it is now amazing! You can find plenty of options for Indonesian fabrics such as tenun, batik, songket, and jumputan. They also featured some of the top Indonesian clothes designers and brands in their bazaar space. Some of my favorite tenants are Bukanagara Coffee, Atsiri diSarinah, DEWATA restaurant, and Sari Sari.

Ideas for Things to do in Jakarta

7. visit tmii – taman mini indonesia indah.

TMII (literary translated as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park) Jakarta is in the east part of the city and is a great place to visit to learn Indonesian culture. This place is practically a miniature of Indonesia. Although I found that riding a cable car in TMII is quite scary, the scenery that can be seen from above is quite rewarding. We could see the pool with a decorative map of Indonesia. Besides the pavilions of each province of Indonesia, there are also many museums in the TMII area worth visiting.

8. Go to the beach – Ancol

Honestly, to this day I do not understand why we have to pay for the beach in Jakarta. Supposedly the beach is a public place that is free for everyone to visit! Well anyway, let’s not focus on that thing. Ancol is a beach park, one area with Dufan, the amusement park. Please, do not imagine a beach with white sand and clear water. Sorry to say, but Ancol is quite a dirty beach.

Ancol Beach could be an option if you want to enjoy the sunset while sitting in a cafe after visiting Dufan. If you love photography, photographing around Ancol is quite exciting as well. The Atlantis Water Adventures is also a nice place to go. If you are thinking of going kayaking, there are Archipelago Kayak Indonesia (in Ancol), Jakarta Paddle Club (in east Ancol) and Laut Luas Adventure (in Pluit).

9. Amusement park – Dufan (Dunia Fantasi)

Dufan or Dunia Fantasi is one big complex with the beach that I talked about earlier. This is the biggest amusement park in Indonesia (probably? There is Trans Studio Bali, Makassar and Bandung too, I have never been there so I am not sure). Playing around for a full day in Dufan is like a short getaway from the busyness of Jakarta. I can tell that going to Dufan for some Indonesians who live on another island than Java is like a dream come true. As for me, spending one day with a bunch of friends in Dufan is definitely going to be a super fun day! Don’t go there on the weekend since it will be ridiculously busy.

10. The Istiqlal mosque and the Catholic cathedral

Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Indonesia and is also claimed to be the largest in Southeast Asia. The Cathedral is located across the road from the Istiqlal Mosque, an amazing building with a neo-gothic style. Both buildings offer beautiful and charming architecture. You could say it’s like the Taj Mahal stands opposite the Sagrada Familia. Many say that these buildings are evidence of the tolerance and harmony is achievable in this life. Pic source:  Flickr .

11. Stroll jalan Surabaya

A big fan of antique stuff? You should spare one evening to walk down  Surabaya Street . You can find a lot of stores that mostly sell antiques, but please be careful when you decide to buy something from here. Not all things that seem antique are antique, some of them are newly produced as antiques. Nevertheless it is a pleasure to walk and browse around the small stores, and end it with a nice cup of coffee. There is a great coffee shop just across the road, Giyanti Coffee Roastery (opens Tuesday-Sunday 08.30 AM-5:30 PM). 

12. Visit the old town, Sunda Kelapa Harbour and Cafe Batavia

Old Town or Old Batavia has a very strong historical value, but, unfortunately, most of the buildings in the Old Town are not well preserved. Around the Old Town, there are several interesting museums to visit. The Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum), Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics as well as the Puppet Museum are all around Batavia. Usually, local people explore the area of the old town by renting an old-fashioned bike (The cost: Rp20,000 for 20 minutes (around $1.5 for 20 minutes) or Rp70,000 for 2 hours (around $5 for 2 hours)). You can cycle around the area to the Sunda Kelapa harbour. Afterward, you can relax, eat and drink at Cafe Batavia. A restaurant that serves good coffee and has an interesting interior design.

13. Try as many cafes / restaurants as you can

Yup, there are so many cafes, restaurants, bars in Jakarta. If you feel like you don’t want to eat any Indonesian food then you can find a lot of variety in Jakarta. Indian food , Greek food, Italian food, Lebanese food and much more. If you want to eat Indonesian food in a great restaurant with a nice ambiance I would recommend my favorite: Lara Djongrang Restaurant (Cik Di Tiro street No. 4 Menteng). I also like: Silk Bistro in Cikini, Sate Khas Senayan (they have several outlets) and REMBOELAN. Need one calm day to write emails or probably write an article for your own blog? Here are my suggestion for a good, comfortable cafe with free wifi and nice drinks/food.

14. Chill out in a park

Although there are many skyscrapers in Jakarta, the city also has several city parks. Two of my favorites are Lembang Park and Tebet Eco Park. Sometimes, in the early morning or late afternoon, you can find local people jogging around the park. Oh, there is a community that is trying to turn city parks into popular public spaces and create new experiences in interaction with others. At the same time, they aim to make people in the city have a sense of belonging. They have an interesting concept to show people the cities parks and get together. To find out more follow them on twitter: @HiddenParkID.

15. If it is Sunday, do the car free day

If you’re in Jakarta on Sunday, then I suggest you try a bit of exercise (or it could be just a walk) on Car Free Day (CFD) in Sudirman-Thamrin street. It starts at 6 am and lasts till 12 noon. It feels so amazing to experience and see the main road (Sudirman and Thamrin) without any vehicles. Many communities also gather there and you have the opportunity to see almost all the communities in Jakarta on one morning. I want to rollerskate during CFD one day!

16. Visit various museums, including my favourite: the Kite museum

Besides the National History museum, all the museum in TMII area and all the museum in Old Town, Jakarta still has a lot more museums to see! There is the Jakarta Textile museum, Bank Indonesia museum, Proclamation museum, Maritime museum, Museum Macan and my favourite the Kite Museum . So what are you waiting for?

PS: Should consider to visit Ragunan Zoo and the Chinatown (Glodok area) if you have more time in the city.

17. Visit tourism attractions near Jakarta

Can not stand the congestion of Jakarta and want to ‘escape’ for 1-3 days from the city? Here are what locals usually do: we often visit Thousand Islands. The Thousand Islands are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast. There are so many islands that you can explore with 1-3 hours journey by boat from Ancol (Marina harbor) or Muara Angke harbor.

If you want a comfortable trip, then Macan Island and Bidadari Island are both options. If you fancy to do more adventurous things and want to travel on a budget then Tidung Island, Pramuka Island or Harapan Island could be good for you. Other than the Thousand islands, I also suggest you consider Puncak (and probably do paragliding or just walk around the tea plantations), Bandung, Bogor (to visit the Kebun Raya), Krakatau , cultural trip to Baduy or take a look the Megalith site, Gunung Padang .

Booked Your Accommodation in Jakarta? Here are the best 3 hotels in the city for every budget:

• Luxury Hotel –  The Hermitage, Menteng Jakarta
• Mid Range Hotel – Kosenda Hotel Jakarta
• Budget Hotel – Ibis Budget, Menteng Jakarta

Whoaaaa, that is a long list! Btw, I am sure that there is a lot more other interesting stuff to do in and around Jakarta that I might have missed or haven’t done. So if you know other cool things to do in Jakarta, please let me know and I can add it here.

Next post Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Train (Without the Headache)

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About the Author Firsta

Related posts, 2 day 1 night baduy cultural tour.

Jakarta Travel Guide: Exploring the Big Durian

189 Comments

[…] First time to Jakarta? Wondering about Indonesia airport? No idea how to get from Jakarta airport to city without getting scammed? Don’t worry, I will explain (hopefully everything that you need to know). So before we start, you need to know that there are two airports in Jakarta; Soekarno Hatta, which is the commercial airport and Halim Perdana Kusuma, which is an airport that doesn’t have any commercial flights. Oh btw, don’t forget to check my article about things to do in Jakarta. […]

Woww ! Really useful to me . Great info ! .I’m heading to Jakarta next week . I love to be at the Thousand Islands . Can you suggest , where to stay in Jakarta that nearest to Thousand Island & Dufan with backpacker budget ??

Hi Anis, The harbours to go to Thousand Islands are around Pluit area (sorry! Don’t have any recommendation for this place. Dufan is quite easy access with the Trans Jakarta bus. So you can pick any hotels that the location has easy access to Trans Jakarta bus shelter.

hi frista I will bring my family for vacation to bandung and plan to jakarta too. what is the best place i can bring my kids kids at jakarta.

Hi Fadzli. Good question. For places to visit with kids you can visit the theme park in Ancol. Other than this you can try some of the usual attractions listed above.

do not forget to visit fruit garden in cibubur water park in cibubur you want to get good price for your shopping go to PGC mall go to senen shopping mall go to Thamrin City you want to pay more money for items that you can get less any where go to Grand Indonesia be careful what you going to eat in the street make sure when you order food to tell them that you do not want to much Chile you cant get way more cheaper hotel by booking thru local website such as nusatrip.com or do not forget to go to safari in puncak its one the best

i live in Jakarta for 4 years now i love this city i love the people

Hi Ramadan, thanks for some tips. I personally love Grand Indonesia and street food (yes, maybe for foreigner need to be a bit careful)!

Hi! I’m here in Jakarta almost a month now, still didn’t visit much, maybe you can help me which one is the nearest near Pluit area? I’m staying near Baywalk Mall.. Hope you can help. Thank you

Hi Anits, Pluit is pretty close to Ancol, and it is around 8-9 km only to the Old Town area (Kota Tua). Other than that there is The Mangrove Park (Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Kapuk). Have fun exploring Jakarta 🙂

I’m heading to Jakarta next week, so this was very helpful! We have a limited amount of time there, so I think I will focus on the food. Might try to make it to Surabaya street as well. Great list! 🙂

Hi Katie, Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 I am glad you found this useful. Have a great time in Jakarta.

hey, can you tell me if I can see a Komodo dragon in any zoo or Mini park in Jakarta?

also, if you know how to go to the Konmodo Islands (arranged tour?) from jakarta.

Hi Ravi, I think you can find it at Taman Safari in Cisarua (probably 1,5-2 hours from Jakarta). No. I don’t know any tours to Komodo island.

When I went to the Reptile Park in Taman Mini they had Komodo Dragons there. The keeper also unlocked the enclosure and let us in to take photos with the Komodo Dragons too – though I suspect that’s not part of the official itinerary. 😀

Hi Firsta!!

Congratulations for your blog. I will be in Jakarta next week and I will definitely do most of the things you mention above. By the way, nice profile picture you have. Park Guell, Barcelona. I know because I am from Barcelona. Good luck with your blog and keep it up!

Best regards!

Hi David, Thanks for dropping by 🙂 Ahh, you should teach me Spanish then 😀 Cheers!

Heading to Jakarta next week, by myself. Very informative blog, thanks.

Thank you for checking my blog! Have a great time in Jakarta!

Cheers, Firsta

number 11! add city tour jakarta bus on the list 😉 I blogged about it on my blog!

Hi Lynn, Terima kasih sudah mampir. Iyaaa.. kayanya seru tuh ya Jakarta City Tour Bus. I’ll continuously update this article for sure.

[…] Jakarta (Btw, if you want to know is it worth it to spend some time in Jakarta, you better check this article). The flight takes about seven hours and usually transits in Makassar (Ujung Pandang) for one hour. […]

[…] – Jakarta, Bromo, Baduy, Bale Kambang and so much […]

Jakarta is a great city. Lot of museums to visit, lot of food to try, but I still hate the traffic jam.

A city that never sleeps!

Any details about Taman Safari? What is the best way to go to Taman Safari from Jakarta?

Hi Clarice, You can rent car with a driver (probably two and a half hour drive away from Jakarta) or by train from any station in Jakarta to Bogor and then you will have to change with small public transportation (angkot) to puncak and stop at Taman Safari Indonesia (situated before Puncak). Don’t go during weekends and holidays because the traffic is going to be so bad. Hope it helps.

Awesome! Great advice Firsta. I’ll be in Jakarta for about three weeks in total, I’m sure I’ll be back to your site several times for the tips.. 😉

Wow three weeks in Jakarta? Great! Thanks for visiting my blog 😉

woot! fifteen!! I just made a shorter version of this and a few of them are the same recommendations with yours 😀 Check it out http://sapijalanjalan.blogspot.com/2014/07/5-ways-to-enjoy-jakarta-indonesia.html

[…] something is in your life until a time comes when you don’t have access to it. Most people in large cities, do often take basic things for granted. I know I shouldn’t, but I unintentionally did that. […]

My friend and I will visit jakarta next month for 2 whole days. Our plan is to try local food and spot, can you suggest where we could stay(area)?

Hi Ailea, I think you should stay around Cikini (Six Degrees hostel is a great place to stay). There are plenty of side street food stalls or nicer restaurants that serve tasty food around Cikini. You should check the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) too, locals like to watch some theatrical and art performances there. Btw, what kind of local spots are you interested in exploring? Cheers, Firsta

Bertahun2 tinggal di jakarta, tapi aku blm perna naik ke atas monas ataupun ke taman mini. Tragis banget yaa hidup gw iihik ihik ihik

Haha.. Kak Cumi kan liburannya jauh-jauh! Ke Monas yuk hari Sabtu pagi..

I will be in Indonesia next month, so this blog is so helpful. Thanks girl

Hey Ad Dequina, My pleasure! Have a great time in Indonesia!

we’ve been from monas few days ago kak ^^ I want to try the kite museum too. seem interesting XD

Yes! Kite museum is awesome! You should check it out.

I just moved to Jakarta and I’m still trying to figure out where to go and what to see in the city. This list is great! I can’t wait to check out all of these attractions 🙂

Hi Justine, Welcome to Jakarta! I hope you are having a great time here in Jakarta 🙂 So glad to hear that the list is useful!

Hey, useful tips you got there. I’ll be heading down to Jakarta this December. Need your help tho. Can you please suggest where to stay in Jakarta? I mean, which side of town. It’d be great if you could help.

Hi Dewi, Thanks for visiting my blog. I personally think that Cikini or Kuningan area would be a great place to stay.

will come to jakarta for 3 days

Hi Wajdi, Hope you have a great time in Jakarta! Thanks for dropping by here.

Hi Firsta, Thanks so much for the input in this entry. I am traveling to Jakarta next month and this blog of yours has been very helpful! I needed the inside view of the places to visit in Jakarta and you definitely have helped me to narrow them down. I would love to cycle around Sunda Kelapa (^o^)v

Hi Jia, I am glad to hear that this article was helpful. I hope you have a great time in Jakarta. Btw, just a short update. Santa market or Pasar Santa is one of the most happening places to hangout in Jakarta. I am planning to write a post about it soon! 😉

Hi… Where to do skydivIng, bungy jumping, rafting and other activities

Hi Noha, I think you can do skydiving in Pondok Cabe. Never heard any bungy jumping place in Jakarta. As for rafting, you should go to Sukabumi (Citarik). Hope it helps.

what a coincidence! no.6 is my fave too!

He he I haven’t visit Sunda Kelapa yet.

You should visit it 🙂

I am visiting Jakarta for 2 nights as a Solo traveller. After enjoying for 5 Nights in Bali heading to Jakarta to meet one of my friend. Can u suggest what all places to visit considering I am single & enjoy local culture and adventure. Thanks in advance.

Nightclubs perhaps? Or visit the Old Town and cycle around Sunda Kelapa Harbour would be great things to do. Hope you enjoy your time in Jakarta.

[…] Although in that time I have moved backwards and forwards a lot, spending some of my free time in Jakarta (oh well, can I not just have 2 home […]

We will go to jakarta in februari I am dutch and compagnion filipinna.Can i get my tourist visa on the airport?? and how much? Thanks

Hi, Yes, I think you can get a Visa On Arrival in Indonesia. It costs around $25-30.

[…] that I haven’t written a guide on things to do in Yogyakarta (hey I’ve written about things to do in Jakarta, check it out!), here are some suggestions that I give when I do jump into a random conversation with tourists in […]

[…] camping by the beach. The first time was at Semak Daun Island, one of the Thousand islands near Jakarta. The second time was at an island (don’t know the name) in Raja Ampat. My last two beach […]

First off, really appreciate your feedback to help out millions of tourists! Keep it up. Quick question. I have a layover in Jakarta for 10 hours and my wife is eager to see Mini Indonesia, so can you confirm the best way to get there from the ariport ( I suppose one of the taxis you mentioned above) and approx cost?

Oh, and you advise carrying money around or they accept cards at the booking counters?

Keep up the great advice! Cheers, Bhaskar

Hi Bhaskar,

It is possible, but it is a bit risky to go. Jakarta is pretty famous for bad traffic (in almost every part of Jakarta, not so proud of it) 🙁 I personally think that 10 hours wouldn’t be enough for get from the Airport to Taman Mini and back to the Airport again. To be safe, it is 3 hours to get out from the airport and 3 hours back. Btw, renting a car in Jakarta for 12 hours is around 60$ with a driver and gasoline. Probably you should have a talk with a taxi driver to drive you to Taman Mini, tour around Taman Mini and back to the airport. Get a bundle deal. I hope you’ll have a great time in Jakarta! Cheers!

Thanks for the prompt response. Glad I asked as Google maps shows 45 mins. Clearly not realistic about the local traffic. Well, I realized Iwe have 12 hrs in hand between flights so Tasman Mini may just be possible. Any other place you can advice. I’m happy to have quick Skype call if that helps!

With JORR now fully open (Jakarta Outer Ring Road or Lingkar Luar) the trip from the airport to Taman Mini actually isn’t too bad – probably better than heading into the city centre from a traffic point of view as you go around the edge of the city instead.

That being said, it’s always worth having a buffer when headed back to the airport as all it takes is one accident on the tollway for things to go pear shaped traffic wise. 😀

Hi Firsta, I’m visiting Indonesia in Dec to Feb, and this is my second time. I instantly fell in love with the islands and unique cultures, and your suggestions really help me organising my trip! I will be arriving in Jakarta and then move to other islands. I wonder how are the local transportations. I personally love bus and train trip rather than just flying, so I’m thinking about doing from Jakarta to either Sumatra or to Bali(or even shorter distances). Any local bus/train companies you know? Thank you!

Hi Yuri, You can only find trains in Java, the company is PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). I have never been on a roadtrip in Sumatera, but I heard from some friends that it is interesting, especially from Sumatera Barat up until Aceh (Weh island). As from Java to Bali, it might be easier (to find busses / trains) since Java is the busiest island in Indonesia. I did a roadtrip (with motorbike) from Yogyakarta to Labuan Bajo, Flores and it was super awesome! There are plenty of interesting places along the way. This is a good article about traveling by bus in Indonesia from a friend of mine, but the article is in Indonesian. http://efenerr.com/2014/03/27/tips-traveling-dengan-bis-di-indonesia/ Should give a try to google translate it. Hope it helps!

[…] big fans of Indian food so they constantly ask me to join them to eat out at Indian restaurants in Jakarta or even in Yogyakarta. It was so easy to fall in love with Indian […]

Same like you, the best is the number 6 🙂

Definitely, right? Very enjoyable thing to do.

[…] Google Hangout On Air happened at the Google Indonesia office in Jakarta. That was a great opportunity for me to take a peek in Google’s office, though I only got to […]

Hello there ! 🙂 Very interssting article 🙂 nr 6 is just a spot i might find few cool stuff for House 🙂 Any way i travel to Jkt for a xmas and Ny 🙂

What would be your recomendations what to do in JKT during this times? 🙂

Im flying over from The Netherlands soo i guess its right to say that any idea might be just good 🙂

Great article! Heading to Indonesia in 10 days time, this has really helped with what to do in Jakarta! Thank you!

Hi Harpreet, I hope you have a great time in Jakarta when you get there.. 🙂

Hi Firsta, i might be going to Jakarta end of next months. can u suggest some place near to Tanah Abang? thanks in advance.

There is Tanah Abang market where you can buy fabrics and basically shopping. Old town (Kota Tua), Taman Prasasti Museum, National Museum, Monas, Istiqlal mosque and Cathedral are pretty near as well. 🙂

We’ll are flying to UK on 16th Dec. and have 10hours halt in jakarta. I was just wondering, if we can visit Amusement park or is it be too far from the airport??

Thanks, Param

Hi Param, it is not that far from the airport. During a normal traffic it should be 1 hour to get there, but traffic in Jakarta is unpredictable especially around 4 – 8 pm (after office hour).

[…] an article about things to do in Jakarta and things to do in Yogyakarta, now I want to share with you about things to do in Bali. I hope a […]

Congratulations for your blog. I will be in Jakarta for two week and I will definitely do most of the things you mention above. Terima kasih di atas tips yang diberikan. Amat menarik dan bagus sekali.

Thanks for your kind words. Selamat jalan-jalan di Jakarta! 🙂

[…] special (quiet and cozy) – and pleasurably secret – to me, but since I will be leaving Jakarta pretty soon (really look forward for it) I will share it anyway! You can have it now […]

Even though it’s not really a Jakarta tourist attraction as such it’s worth pointing out that the cinemas in Jakarta are incredibly cheap by Western standards and of international quality from a comfort point of view – especially some of the deluxe offerings available.

In regards to your comments on Alun-Alun Indonesia, I agree, the handicrafts there are scandalously overpriced. I’m personally quite a fan of Pendopo – the branch I usually go to is in Living World at Alam Sutera, though I believe there’s other branches in Kelapa Gading and perhaps Kemang too now. Whilst you could probably find things cheaper elsewhere still the pricing is much more reasonable than at Alun-Alun Indonesia. The quality of the products they sell I’ve found to be of a generally high standard too, much better than the shoddy knick-knacks usually on offer in the vicinity of various tourist attractions

Salam 1Malaysia Firsta,

Trima kasih akan recommendations yang tepat skali. Kami akan ke Jakarta pada 19th to 22nd April dan akan ketempat tempat yang disyorkan. InshaAllah.

University LimKokWing Cyberjaya

Im interested to go to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah during the coming labor day. May i know whether i need to pay only for the entrance fee or there’s any other fee that come along when im in the taman.

It will be much appreciated if you could brief about how much time should i plan to spend on TMII.

Many of the pavilions have their own entrance fees within TMII, but they’re all quite reasonable – see http://www.tamanmini.com/page/tiket for a complete list.

As for how long, it depends on how much the various museums and attractions are of interest to you. I can easily spend all day there and I’ve been a few times. Others may get bored after half a day. Regardless though, it’s a vast destination!

Dear Firsta,

I’m Adruce Azman from Borneo, Malaysia. I will be visiting Jakarta on this 30th April. I will also make time to Bandung.

There are a few questions I want to inquire; 1. Is it possible to visit Monas Monuments, Jalan Sourabaya and Batavia in one day? Provided that I’ll be staying in Kemang Raya.

2. Do you have any recommendation on jazz clubs in Kemang Raya? For this trip, I also want to learn about Jakarta’s Jazz Scene.

3. Do you have any info on the train location in Jakarta? I wanna go from Jakarta to Bandung.

I hope you can help me on this, you may send direct email to [email protected]

Thanks and cheers!

Hi, email sent! Hope you have a great time in Jakarta.

very beautiful photos and very interesting blog . thanks for sharing .

awesome jakarta.. I love Indonesia..

Enjoy watching opera/theater/drama musical/other art performances at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre, and more.

Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre? That is new for me. Thanks for the knowledge!

Thanks so much for this! I love that this is a blog written by a native Indonesian. I’m here for two months for an internship and I’m staying in the business district, so I’m feeling quite suffocated by the pollution and traffic, and am at a loss for what to do. Looking at some of this, I’m glad I see some greenery and relaxing places to explore. The malls are a biiiit much for me but I’m intrigued by the pedestrian street and appreciate the many suggestions you have!

Hi Christine,

Thank you for visiting my blog and your kind words. 😉

Hmmm..baru kepikir, banyak juga yg bisa dikerjain di Jakarta ya.. hahahha..

Iya Kak Vika, bisa dibikin seru hehehe. Termasuk main ke mall. 😉

Hello Firsta,

I am in Indonesia for last 3 years and after reading your article looks like I still have a lot balance to do in Jakarta. Thanks and very nice writing.

Hi Pramod, Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a great fun exploring Jakarta!

Thanks Firsta for taking the trouble to do the blog.

Whoops – hit enter by mistake!

I am planning a scuba trip in December ( http://www.nad-lembeh.com/ ) and, depending on the airline schedule, will likely have one full day in Jakarta on a Sunday (as it’s quiet then!) plus the day before on Saturday although I am not sure I will have the whole day if I land in the middle of the night as a lot of the potential flights do.

I will be traveling by myself, my wife doesn’t scuba!, and am 68. I enjoy walking, sightseeing, and photography (although I might not bring my primary camera – but my beloved Ricoh ( http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8482216090/ricohgrd2 ).

Any ideas on areas I could stay – need a decent hotel but not 5 star as by myself and a few things to do? BTW while never have visited Indonesia (except Bali in 1982) I am very experienced in the far east.

PS nice G+ page.

Hi Martin, Here are some of my personal favourites: http://bit.ly/1LLLrcU . Join the Car Free Day in Sudirman – Thamrin road on Sunday, it will be a great experience. 😀 Hope you have a great time in Indonesia 🙂

Thanks for the recent helpful email.

Hello Firsta.

I’ll be traveling to Jakarta for 3 days soon, partly work and partly leisure. I’ll be staying at a hotel, Alila Jakarta, near Central Jakarta and based on my research, it’s nearby museums and Monas.

I just read your blog and it’s very interesting! I just wished I had more time to explore more of Jakarta and do some activities there. Because of limited time, what do you reckon I could check out/visit/eat/try out at Central? I don’t mind checking out the nightlife if there are any nearby my hotel. If you’re nearby, we could even meet up for lunch and you can show me around!

Looking forward to hearing suggestions from you!

Harap kamu bisa tolong saya yah! 🙂

You probably don’t want to check out the “nightlife” around the Alila (well unless you’re looking to make a “special” friend, then maybe you should. 😛 ).

As for other locations, going down to Kota and checking out Fatahillah Square and its surrounds gives a good taste of old Jakarta (if a little faded in parts now). It’s easy enough to get to by taxi or the busway.

Hi firsta I will be in jakarta between the 20th and 25th of October. Your blog is pretty informative Swamy

Thank you for this 🙂 I hope you have a great time in Jakarta.

hi I am planning to visit Jakarta in Dec 2015 first week any one interested ? contact

I used this to help me with a project, thank you ^^ It’s a very helpful blog and while reading this i realize that there’s a lot of things i haven’t done in Jakarta. Thank you again.

Hi Icha, Thanks for visiting my blog. Glad to hear that you found this blog helpful! All the best with your project. 🙂

Number 11 Try various public transportation is the best one :D, from bajaj, bemo, transjakarta, KRL Commuter Train, Andong, Perahu Getek, Metromini, Kopaja and dont miss it to try Double decker bus for free to explore jakarta city 😀

Ah right. The Mpok Siti. 😀

I think, stay at home is the best one. Hihihi

Hi Firsta! Thanks for this valuable info.

Kindly to ask you, I’ll travel to Jakarta and stay at Kelapa Gading, is it far to go to the Dufan,Old Town Batavia, TMII and Thousand Island? Nice to hear from you 🙂

Hi Shazlina, Thank you for getting in touch. You need to do 2D1N trip if you would like to visit Thousand island. You can easily go to Dufan, Old Town Batavia with the TransJakarta bus, please be advised about the ridiculous traffic. TMII is a bit far, it is also reachable by TransJakarta bus, but you need one day trip for this. Let me know if you need any additional info.

Thank you for getting in touch. You need to do 2D1N trip if you would like to visit Thousand island. You can easily go to Dufan, Old Town Batavia with the TransJakarta bus. Be advised the traffic can be ridiculous. TMII is a bit far, it is also reachable by TransJakarta bus, but you need one day trip for this.

Thanks for writing this piece. I myself am from Jakarta, but i really have no idea when it comes to places to visit (for tourists). Some friends of mine are visiting soon, and i’m still trying to figure out where to show them around. Now i know, and thanks to you!

And i totally agree with what you’ve written at the beginning (we tend to travel miles away for a vacation and not explore our own backyard). Been doing exactly that for years 😀

Hi Alvin, Thank you for the comment. I am glad to hear that this post is useful. 🙂 Yeah right, we always focus on what is far away from us. Oh, btw also check out @JKTgoodguide on Twitter. Have a nice day!

Thank you for a very informative post. What do you suggest to do in Jakarta for a man (64 yo) and his wife (58 yo) going there for a week in March? Thank you.

Hi Nourie, I can connect you with a tour guide in Jakarta. They can help you to arrange your holiday in Jakarta. 🙂 Will get in touch through email. 🙂

Can I have your correct email address? The one that you submitted here isn’t correct. 🙂 Please email me: [email protected] . Thanks!

Very nice introductary basic level blog you got there. Would hoping for a little ellaboration on the details since you’re the local there.

I have been here for a month now for the Indosat project and still living like a hermit in Puri Casablanca LOL. Maybe we can meet up for a casual coffee.I’m from Malaysia by the way LOL

Hi Billeh. Thanks for the kind feedback. I’m glad you find the blog useful. Jakarta is a nice city to be in, but it can be easy to become a hermit lol. Unfortunately I’m actually based in Bali at the moment, so I won’t be able to meet over coffee in Jakarta. Hope you enjoy your time in Indonesia and have some fun adventures 🙂

I am sivaraman from India

First of all let me place my appreciations in guiding people like us. I am visiting jakarta first time this month end and leaving for Bandung for offical work. back at jakarta and have 2 full days to explore. can u guide on how i can structure my exploring trip of Jakarta or near by places.also i am a pure vegetarian and kindly suggest some good veggie restaurants..

Hi Sivaraman,

Where do you want to visit in Jakarta? For 2 days I would suggest the National Monument and places around the area, and on the second day can check out the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Vegetarian restaurants, ummm.. not too sure. I only know these two: – VMAD – Vegetarian Madness. Address: Sarinah Building Lantai Ground No. 11, Jalan M.H. Thamrin No.11 – Loving Hut, they have several stalls around Jakarta.

Hope it helps and have a great time in Jakarta.

dates 28th and 29th MAY

hello..it is a very usefull info..thank you so much

will do the no. 6 and 7 setelah di review jadi kelihatan menarik, kenapa saya gak pernah ngeh ya.. hehehe..

Do not forget to visit Jakarta’s Ragunan Zoo that have been mention as one of the biggest in Asean. Also U can visit “Setu Babakan” to learn about the Betawi culture & heritage (native jakartan). Both are located in South of Jakarta.

I have another bucket list to visit Monas, not only the park, but also going to the highest floor of Monas. 🙂

Good choice Dee. You get great views from the top 🙂

Wuuuw someone finally writes about the crazy Jakarta city!! A nice one kak 😀 Aku biasanya cuma mall lagi mall lagi sampe eneg hahaha. Ternyata banyak yang lainnya.

Hahahah this is probably the most popular article on my blog actually. Every day 250+ people read it. 😀 Mungkin karena gak ada orang lain yang bikin.

A very interesting and also very complete report on Jakarta. We also stayed a couple of nights in Indonesia´s capital and we are still not sure if we like it or not 😀

It’s an interesting city, but a lot to take in for a first timer 😀

Very cool article and this is going to help me visit the city next year.

Glad you found the article useful Marc. Hope you have a good time in Jakarta next year.

baru nyoba yang nomor 1 dan 15 lol ?

It’s a good start :p

I really love your writing style and Thanks for this amazing information about Jakarta.

Glad you found it interesting Jesse 🙂

Hi! I have found this blog and continue reading it! My flight is next month date 9. Im so excited to go there now! We were also going to puncak too. We take 1 week vacation! Btw im from Philippines!

Hey Kaye. A week in Indonesia should be great. Puncak is a nice place if you are looking for something a bit more relaxed than Jakarta.

Hi Firsta’.. Flyng there are 6 of us including a infant and a kid . staying for 6 nights. We need to visit to boro budur, bandung and sumatra. If there is a chance bali also ok. Please help me to plan my trip. What are the places that we can see. Any flights available from jakartha to sumatra. We need a vehicle with a driver. Please help me

Hi Sama, Yes there are various flights available from Jakarta to various destinations in Sumatra. I would say that 6 nights is ok for Jakarta, Bandung, Borobudur (located in Magelang, but get in through Yogyakarta), and Sumatra. Maybe should get rid 1 destination though. I don’t think you will have time for Bali.

[…] such proper motivation, it’s time for sightseeing. With only a short time in the city I would head first to the National Museum of Indonesia. The […]

Hello, Thank you for this blog its very helpful.. i’m coming to jakarta next week, I will stay there 2 days before going to bali.. seems like i can’t visit all the places u mentioned it here.. can you please help me and tell me what is the best things or places i should visit in this 2 days? thank you

Hi Belen, My suggestions: Jalan Surabaya, the Old Town (Kota Tua), and National Monument areas. Hope you have a great time in Jakarta.

anybody know about rooms near indian embassy in jakarta ?

Hi Saji, you can try to find a hotel in Rasuna Said area and it should be easy to go to Indian Embassy.

Hi Firsta I will be travelling to Jakarta next week INSHALLAH for 4 days with my husband and my 5 year n 2 year old daughters. Do u think it is ok to get my double stroller wid me? And also if u could suggest places to visit and places to eat with my picky eaters.

Hi Sadiqa, It should be fine to take your double stroller with you. Keep in mind that Jakarta is not really a walking city. If you visit the malls you’ll probably do lots of walking, but there aren’t many open air spaces that you can explore. In regards to places to eat Lara Djonggrang is one of my favourite restaurants for Indonesian food in a nice setting. You’ll find plenty of other good recommendations based on your tastes on Google or Zomato. Hope you have a good time in Jakarta. 🙂

Ah, i never go to Jakarta. Only transit at Airport. Sad

Hope you have the chance to explore Jakarta in the future. It is an interesting yet challenging city.

I’m heading to Jakarta next week, so this was very helpful!

Hi Masirwin,

I am glad you found this article useful. Hope you have a great time in Jakarta.

Hi Firsta, I love your posts, there are so many helpful things on it, great work. We’ll be in Jakarta in October for 18 days with my wife and 3 years old daughter and we’re hoping to spend 14 days outside Jakarta and our last 4 in Jakarta. I need your help to where to spend the 2 weeks, we’ve done Bali and lombok, loved lombok and would appreciate it if you can guide us to similar places as lombok be it in java or salawisi. We’re open for suggestions, btw we’re planning on staying at the grand mercure Kemayoran, your thoughts if it’s a good choice thank you.

Dear Azzam, Kemayoran is a great place to stay if you are coming to Jakarta to attend an exhibition/fair that are usually located in Kemayoran. If not, I would recommend Cikini/Menteng or Thamrin area. How about Yogyakarta? It is one of my favourite cities in Indonesia. Check out several things to do in Yogyakarta article here . I also love Flores, you can see the Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park. Check here for things to do in and around Labuan Bajo, Flores.

Hi, I am thinking a 5D or 4D visit to Jakarta alone. Can someone give some ideas on what must do in Jakarta, and how is the transport and expenses there? Roughly how much will be needed as I am on a budget trip.

Dear Vivian, You can find some inspirations from this article. Happy planning!

kak boleh ijin copy beberapa kontenya kak?gak semua ntar saya taro link web kakaknya

Halo Try, terima kasih sudah meminta ijin. Saya tidak mengijinkan, sebaiknya Try tulis sendiri saja untuk konten yang diinginkan. Happy blogging.

can you advise me a shopping mall close to the airport CGK can you advise me a hotel close to the airport CGK where guests can use the swimming pool

Hi Jan, I don’t know any malls near the airport. Maybe Taman Anggrek and Citraland? It is not really close to the airport but close enough. If you want to use swimming pool, maybe go to hotels close to the airport.

Hi, I plan to visit in November with my wife and daughter (13 months old) for 7 days. Would you recommend Jakarta as being a good place for a family to visit? I will surely be using a buggy to get around.

Hi Sayed, Jakarta doesn’t have a lot of public spaces. It depends on what you would like to do and see. If you want to do some shopping (tons of malls) and see some city landmarks, Jakarta is ok. I personally love Yogyakarta. Maybe visit both cities? You can easily fly from Jakarta to Yogyakarta or get a train. Hope you have a great time in Indonesia.

Halo Firsta, I will be visiting Indonesia, staying in Jakarta and Bali. Where can I find good batik for good prices? And, for a larger gal like myself?

Thanks so much

Dear Shevon,

Try to check at Thamrin City when you are in Jakarta. When you are in Bali there are several art markets like in Ubud or Sukawati. Hope you have a great time in Indonesia.

I am going to visit Jakarta next week, i am planing to spare a day for 1000 island’s trip, any other place where i can go if incase if will have 4-5 hours max because i have to reach airport at 09:00 pm

Hi Kaiser, I don’t have any idea for a day trip to 1000 islands. Maybe a trip to Kelor and Onrust. I would recommend to explore the Kota Tua area (old town area).

Hi! Early of february next month i’ll be in jakarta. Im staying in thamrin city. My flight back to Malaysia is at 7.30am. What time is the perfect time to leave the hotel? I hope Im on time to reach soekarno airport.

Hi Melle, with departure time at 7:30 am, this means you have to be at the airport at 5:30. I think around 4-4:30 should be ok. Please consult to the receptionist of your hotel to make sure. Have a great time in Indonesia.

[…] was in South America when I saw several photos from the exhibition in Jakarta. The exhibition of Yayoi Kusama with titled: Life is The Heart of a Rainbow. I realised that I […]

Hi.. I’ll be in Jakarta for 5 days from 14th Feb. As a solo traveller, I have a several questions to ask. ? I’m staying at Mangga Dua area. Is it safe for me? ? I do understand Jakarta weather now is probably raining with thunderstorm. Is it difficult for me to go anywhere? ? Any island that I can visit for a day tour instead of staying overnight at the island? ? Which place I can get the cheapest souvenirs?

Hi Azlina, My favourite is Cikini-Menteng area, but nothing wrong with Mangga Dua area. At the moment it is usually rain in the afternoon, close to sunset time. So I guess it should be ok to explore the city. I have never been gone to an island for a day from Jakarta, but I know that you can find a day trip for Onrust – Cipir / Kayangan Island – Kelor Island. I don’t have any recommendation for the travel company, sorry. For cheapest souvenirs, umm.. it depends what you would like to find. For Batik/fabric/clothes stuff, can try to check out Thamrin City. Hope you have a great time in Indonesia.

Hi firsta, Our flight on jakarta is on may 5-9 2019 which starts the ramadan day. No idea if there still open attractions/tourist area or any recommendations that even ramadan day my family especially the kids will enjoy our vacation in this city. Do’s and don’t during ramadan etc. Thank you!

Dear Celeste, I’m sorry for the late reply. Hope you get in ok and have a great time in Jakarta. The tourist attractions are open as usual. It is better to not eat in public. Restaurants usually have curtains for their window glass.

Hi first, It is my first time travel in Indonesia, I arrive in the 2nd week of October. The purpose of my travel is research and data collection for my university project on the paper industry. For which I need to visit copy paper companies offices and factories. I have the following questions: – is Jakarta city good for my research or would you recommend any other city as well.? – if I am in Jakarta city, which area should I take a hostel accommodation in , where I will have easy access to all the city.? – can I rent a scooter or a motorbike to move around? What will be the rental prices! Awaiting your reply Adnan

Hi Adnan, I’m sorry, I’m not a paper expert so I can’t help you with the first question. For the second question, I think this all depends on where the location of your research. Since Jakarta is a very packed city, it’s a lot better to stay around the area where you will spend most of your time (it’s wise to try to not commute a lot in the city). So I think there is no one area where you can stay to have easy access to all the city. Central of Jakarta (such as Sabang or Menteng) is kind of okay, but still not a comfortable area if your research is around, let’s say, Kelapa Gading or East Jakarta area. The third question, I’m sure you can rent a scooter, but I don’t have any info on that. I would advise reading more about Jakarta conditions to get the idea of the city. Hope this helps. Good luck with your project.

A city that is so busy but offers a beautiful life.

Yes, it is indeed a very busy city.

Beautiful article and nice city to live. Thanks for sharing!

Can you suggest any good beach place for 4D and 3N outing near Jakarta with children and aged person.

Hi Deb, some options that I could think of: (1) SukaSantai Farmstay in Sukabumi, (2) Roemah Pulomanuk in Sawarna, Banten and (2) BSP Farm in Cigombong, Bogor. Not too far from Jakarta and should be a nice escape from the big city.

Very usefull . Surabaya Street would be favorite!

I love Surabaya street too, Harumi.

Dear Firsta Do you know the meaning of your name ? Firsta is a farsi word means angel. So, I think you are really an angel. I visited Batam Island for two times but did not go to Jakata. But I have a plan in my mind about this city. Thank you very much for giving us some pretty ideas regarding Jakarta.

Hi there, Thanks for letting me know. That’s cool. I hope you have a great time in Jakarta in the future.

Hiiii. Have you ever been to Vietnam before?

Yes, I have been to Vietnam several times. A lot of tasty food!

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » Jakarta

JAKARTA Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Jakarta is a city of ten million people making the largest in all of Southeast Asia. With such a vast city, it stands to reason that there’s no shortage of things to do in Jakarta. It is a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Dutch and English histories, and an emerging destination for nightlife and shopping.

As one might expect from a city with such a rich history, you’re likely to find unique clashes of culture here. The city carries a strong sense of history, evidenced by its buildings and people.

But you won’t be stuck for what to do in Jakarta. It is also a modern city, embracing burgeoning entertainment and retail sectors, and driving new travel to Jakarta with resorts, theme parks, and commercial development.

With this in mind, our Jakarta itinerary looks to take in the best of many worlds within Jakarta. We get to explore the historical and cultural sides of the city, but also the fun and modern aspects that make it popular with new tourists.

We also enjoy a little bit of shopping and even some rock n’roll Jakarta-style. Here’s what you can do in Jakarta!

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Best Time To Visit Jakarta

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If you are visiting Indonesia then there is a strong chance you’ll be passing through it’s capital, Jakarta. Unless perhaps you are purely here to visit Bali in which case you may not. There are two things to consider when planning an itinerary for Jakarta:

If you’re looking for long, sunny days and as little rainfall as possible, come between June and September. This is probably the best time to plan a Jakarta itinerary, as you’ll be able to enjoy all Jakarta’s offerings in their full capacities.

The rainy season can sometimes bring flooding in the lower-lying parts of the city. But even if you visit during the ‘wet season’ between October and May, you’re unlikely to ever be cold. Do bring a water proof jacket though.

The daily temperature will seldom drop below the high 60s Fahrenheit (15c), and rain is mostly intermittent, even in the rainy season. On many days the rain will actually be a welcome relief from the soaring subtropical temperatures.

The second consideration is whether you’d prefer a slightly less busy time of year. In the month of Ramadan, the city slows down as people observe the holy month. Many businesses may close during prayer time, and some locals may leave the city to visit family for Eid.

On the other hand, some hotels have been known to offer discounted rates over this time, as tourism tends to slow down accordingly. Before visiting Jakarta, you may want to check when Ramadan will be observed.

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of average conditions you can expect in Jakarta through the year, not taking into account the month of Ramadan, which follows the Muslim lunar calendar and changes every year. It should give some idea of When to visit Jakarta/

Where to stay in Jakarta ? The expats in Jakarta have nicknamed the city ‘Big Durian’, after a local fruit. Apparently, this is because they think of the city as being the New York of Indonesia.

Both cities are notorious for traffic, but Jakarta does not have the advantage of a subway system. With this firmly in mind, planning where to stay can help you save lots of time getting to where you’d like to go. Buses and taxis are plentiful, though walking can be a faster option for close-by activities at peak times.

The Sudirman Central Business District – SCBD for short – is basically the CBD of Jakarta. As such, it’s the most visited tourist area for entertainment, clubs, malls, hotels, and shopping.

Ancol is a popular seaside area and has several attractions in that area. The Sea World aquarium and water, eco and adventure parks make it a popular Jakarta itinerary item with families.

Kemang is a good option if you’re partial to nightlife spots. There are also lots of expats here, so you’re likely to find a good mix of entertainment, food and drink options. Ultimately, where to stay when planning a trip to Jakarta depends on your budget.

Best Airbnb in Jakarta: New apartment in complex

Completely renovated, modern and luxurious – this Airbnb is perfect for your first time in Jakarta if you want to stay close to Mangga Dua. The shopping mall is just moments away, and you’re also close to public transport options. Since the apartment is part of a complex, you can use the on-site pool and gym for free.

Best Budget Hotel in Jakarta – YELLO Hotel Harmoni

Starting at a little under $40 USD, you’d be hard-pressed to find a budget hotel at a better location. It offers direct access to the HXC mall, good food, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and very comfy beds. Of the hundreds of hotels in Jakarta, the Harmoni consistently rates in the top 20 for single and business travelers, despite being a budget hotel.

Best Luxury Hotel in Jakarta – The Hermitage, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The 1920s touches at this art-deco boutique hotel in the Menteng district make it one of the most beautiful in all of Jakarta. Spacious rooms and a rooftop bar for those wonderful warm sunsets. If the on-site glass-top cafe or gastronomic bistro isn’t for you, the area is known for a vibrant live music scene, restaurants and cocktail bars to add to your to-do list.

Best Hostel in Jakarta – Six Degrees Hostel

It’s hard to find someone who’s had a bad experience at Six Degrees. Besides its convenient location, the key attraction is its rooftop garden and bar. Sunsets from here are quite an experience. The ultra-friendly staff will also arrange walking tours of the city and free use of the hostel’s bicycles. The mini-cinema, gym and free breakfast are the clinchers – making Six degrees the best value hostel in Jakarta.

Six Degrees Hostel is one of our favourites in Jakarta but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

The key to a great 2-day itinerary in Jakarta is balance. A little bit of everything on each of your 2 days in Jakarta is better than a one-day overload of one particular type of activity. Fortunately, Jakarta is big enough to try this approach, with similar but different options to satisfy all ages and interests.

Getting around a city as crowded as Jakarta can be challenging. As a rule of thumb: if it’s close enough to walk, that’s probably the best option anyway. But there are public and private transport options, like taxi cabs, which operate much like any other major city.

Motorcycle taxis or ojeks can be hailed like any conventional taxi. The upside is that you can negotiate a rate before you take the ride. In recent years, ojek co-ops have started using apps similar to Uber as well. Note that many Insurance companies do not cover you for any accidents that happen on motorbike taxi’s.

Slightly upgraded from that are trikes – a lot like the famous tuk-tuk from Thailand . These tend to be pretty efficient if your party is small enough to use them. For the most part, ojeks and trikes are good for short distances within the city.

Here’s a tip: If you can avoid taking the bus, do so. They’re generally a lot slower, and sometimes quite irregular. This might therefore interfere with any plans on your Jakarta itinerary.

Istiqlal Mosque | Jakarta Catholic Cathedral | Monas Tower | Atlantis Water Adventure | Taman Anggrek Mall

We’ll start the Jakarta itinerary with some fascinating history and culture, and then onto some fun relief from the heat. We’ll end the day with a theme park excursion the whole family can enjoy, and we’ll even do some shopping on the way.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Istiqlal Mosque

• Why it’s awesome: It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
• Cost: Free, but a $1 USD – $2 USD gratuity for your guide is expected
• Food nearby: Kantin Koperasi Istiqlal is ideal for a quick snack with a local flavor.

It’s only fitting to start our Jakarta itinerary here, as no Jakarta trip is complete without it. Istiqlal means ‘independence’, and the mosque was built to commemorate Jakarta’s independence.

This mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia . The huge white dome of the Istiqlal Mosque that rises above the nearby treetops is impossible to miss. The mosque is an active house of worship, as well as school, but allows tourists to visit its second floor.

There are five floors in all. Four of them form balconies from which to observe the main area. A guide will offer to take you around to the areas in which you are allowed. Bear in mind that Islamic rules regarding footwear and clothing are observed which means dress respectfully. But a coverall gown will be provided if needed.

The mosque (or masjid) can host up to 120, 000 people, which is an incredible sight to witness. It is likely to be fuller on Fridays. Many dignitaries have visited the mosque, including US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Prince Charles.

The Istiqlal Mosque and adjacent Catholic Cathedral are two major Jakarta points of interest.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Jakarta Catholic Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A unique piece of European cultural history within Asia
• Food nearby: Miyama Japanese and Teratai Chinese restaurants

Here’s a piece of trivia worth knowing: The official name of the Catholic cathedral in Jakarta is Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga . Its official English name is St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.

The Cathedral with its distinctive gothic spires is the perfect second stop for our day one itinerary, as it is directly opposite from the Istiqlal Mosque. The proximity of the two buildings symbolizes the nation’s desire to celebrate both its diversity and unity.

The beautiful building was opened in 1901, but is still a very active church, as crowds attend masses – sometimes to overflowing. At other times, visitors are invited to take a look at the museum or the bookshop.

The museum is especially interesting, as it contains various artifacts and records that detail the legacy of Christian faith in the region. Most fascinating of all are the various old clerical robes and hats, documents, paintings, goblets, and other trinkets. They truly offer a glimpse into an important past for Indonesia.

In the catholic tradition, the church is adorned with various statues and symbols. Most notable are the key statues of Mary and a depiction of The Pietà.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Monas Tower

• Why it’s awesome: Monas offers visitors a sense of what independence meant to the Indonesian people
• Cost: $1 USD
• Food nearby: Nasi Goreng Pak Kumis is great for a local-flavored snack.

We’re a short walk away from another one of the major Jakarta landmarks, so let’s stop by Monas National Monument to pay our respects to this nation. The monument project was initiated by Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, as a symbol of the nation’s independence. It was completed after his death in 1975.

This beautiful building stands an impressive 137 meters in Merdeka Square, and offers several points of visual and experiential interest. Start in the yard, where the walls bear relief sculptures of Indonesia’s most important historical events. Here you can trace the Majapahit Empire’s rise and fall, the arrival of the Dutch, the road to independence and beyond.

Push on into the Indonesian National History Museum and the Meditation Hall. The most impressive of the exhibits here are the copy of the original proclamation of independence and the gilded map of Indonesia.

For an additional thrill, you can access a viewing platform near the top of the tower. At 117 meters, it provides a breathtaking view of the city.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Atlantis Water Adventure

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a welcome and cooling distraction on a hot day for all ages
• Cost: Weekdays $7 USD; Weekends $10 USD
• Food nearby: A variety of food stalls within the park

Time to add some fun and games to our Jakarta itinerary. Hop on a taxi and head north towards Danau Ancol, where we can enjoy the Atlantis Water Adventure water park. Remember to pack your swimming costume (naked swimming is not permitted), and take note that the park makes a point of saying it’s not just for kids.

The jewel in the water park’s crown is the Multistructure, a new eight-slide monster. But there’s also Crazy, the highest and longest slides in the park. Reckon you can do a 22 meter-high, 150 meter-long glide?

Our favorite is the Skybox. It’s a glass enclosure that flushes you down an 80-degree tube at 56km/h! It doesn’t last long, but the sensation will stay with you for a while.

Nine separate rides or pool areas can be found within the park, making it a great place in Jakarta to go waste a couple of hours or even an entire day.

Insider Tip: Be aware that the park does get crowded on weekends, so be sure to show up early or simply choose a weekday that suits you better.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Taman Anggrek Mall

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the biggest mall in Jakarta, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia!
• Food nearby: Food court and many options

Let’s head back into the city, to the biggest mall in Jakarta to satisfy our shopping bug. The Mall Taman Anggrek (or “Orchid Garden Mall”) is a spectacular seven-floor experience that plays host to nearly 18 million shoppers per year – Definitely one of the major Jakarta attractions.

The mall itself is quite a sight. Sitting above the seven lower floors are seven residential towers, which can be seen from miles around. The mall itself contains around 400 stores, covering an impressive 360 000 square meters.

As with any modern mall, there’s a grand variety of shops to explore, from fashion to jewelry, electronics and more. There are 20 exhibition areas so something will always be happening at one of them.

Of special note is the mall’s ice rink! Yes, this mall has its very own ice rink attraction – ideal for when you need a break from exploring the 400 retail outlets.

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Jalan Surabaya Flea Market | Museum Wayang | Pasar Baru | Ancol Dreamland

Welcome to day two. We’ve got more shopping and unique cultural aspects of Jakarta to explore today. But there’s also a ton of fun to be had with a visit to an amusement park, and we will end your 2 day itinerary in Jakarta with some live music to rock to!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

• Why it’s awesome: It’s like a fascinating walk through time
• Cost: Free, but you might buy a few things
• Food nearby: Local stalls for snacks and food

Let’s start the second day of our Jakarta itinerary by checking out the old-time goods at the most famous flea market in Jakarta. The Menteng flea market also goes by the names Jalan Surabaya, or Pusat Barang Antik.

Though it’s defined as a flea market, it’s actually a collection of stalls and shops that specialize in items that appeal to the antique collector. That said, you don’t really need to understand antiques to shop here – you can simply look for something you like.

The most important factor is your bargaining skills. Most market vendors will expect you to haggle (so make sure you know how to barter ), and that’s fair because sometimes you’re taking their word for it that the item in question is indeed antique.

It’s all part of the fun, really. You can find items of furniture, curios, jewelry, trinkets, and even pottery. There may be several items from Indonesian and even Dutch history here. Whatever you might be seeking from a bygone age, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

There are a couple of stalls offering food if you’re on a break. You can lose a good couple of hours of your Jakarta itinerary just talking to the vendors and browsing through the goodies on offer. If you spend one day in Jakarta, be sure to spend it here.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Museum Wayang

• Why it’s awesome: Explores a unique aspect of Indonesian culture
• Food nearby: Cafe Batavia is a popular and highly-rated eatery nearby

The Museum Wayang – or puppet museum – may not be top of mind when thinking about places to visit in the city. But this guided tour is fascinating and dives deep into the culture of puppetry tradition in Indonesia.

UNESCO proclaimed Indonesian puppets as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, which gives you some idea of the cultural importance of these fascinating items. The guides are exceptionally informative, as they are puppeteers themselves.

Interestingly, the museum also displays Indian puppets. The traditional Wayang performances are based on Ramayana and Mahabharata of Indian mythology. If you’re lucky, there might be a performance or a puppet-making workshop taking place when you arrive.

The walk among life-size models is intriguing. The puppets are usually made of wood and buffalo hide and take months to make. If you’re totally in love by the end of the tour, stop by the souvenir shop and consider buying a puppet of your own. (Remember to bargain!)

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Pasar Baru

• Why it’s awesome: If you’re looking for the widest range of market goods to browse and buy, this is your place.
• Food nearby: Goku restaurant (vegetarian Indian) and Tropik (ice cream!) are highlights.

If you’re able to hold off eating up to now, you’ll be rewarded as you visit Pasar Baru, in Jakarta’s busiest locale. Some call Pasar Baru “Little India”, though it has several major cultural influences including Dutch and Chinese.

The main attraction is, of course, its market. Here you can find almost anything and everything, from materials (silk and satin) to clothes to electronics (cameras and radios).

But what makes it worth doing around lunchtime is the choice of street food you can try. Pop down alleyways and side streets, and you’ll find small eateries that serve fish, meat, noodles, and almost any locally-flavored snack you can think of.

An interesting side-note is that there are a few religious locations in the area that you can visit. One popular site is the Sin Tek Bio temple, built by Chinese farmers in the mid-1600s.

You’ll spend a few hours here, as the area is pretty big and there is lots to see and try.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Ancol Dreamland

• Why it’s awesome: A broad selection of activities all in one area
• Cost: $2 USD per adult and per car at the main gate. Add Fantasy World from $15 USD, Sea World from $6 USD, and Atlantis from $9 USD per person. Some rides may cost extra.
• Food nearby: There are plenty of eateries and restaurants in the resort.

Time for a fully-designed tourist experience – we need at least one on this Jakarta itinerary. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (or Ancol Dreamland) is a resort that is specifically designed as a tourist attraction complete with shops, beaches, parks, and other recreational facilities.

You can enjoy a marina, more than 70 eateries, an art market, a gondola ride, a theme park, two beaches and more.

The Gondola ride is a cable car experience that is definitely a highlight, as you can see the surrounding area from above – a gorgeous sight, especially in the evening. Attached is a theme park, Dufan, which has more than forty rides including the roller coaster named Hallintar!

If you’re feeling really courageous, try the most notorious of the rides, the Tornado and Hysteria!

The kids will also enjoy the aquatic park SeaWorld, which includes alligator and shark pools. Beyond the aquatic theme, there’s also an eco-park to explore, offering green-themed edu-tours around Eco-Energy, Eco Care, Eco Nature, and Eco-Art.

A bonus is that some of the restaurants here are open 24 hours, so if you’re a late-night reveler, you’re good to go in Ancol.

Six Degrees Hostel

It’s hard to find someone who’s had a bad experience at Six Degrees. Besides its convenient location, the key attraction is its rooftop garden and bar.

• Free Breakfast

Thousand islands | Gedung Kesenian | Museum Layang-Layang | War Cemetery | Kidzania

You lucky fish! If you have 3 days in Jakarta or more, there a few other offerings to consider. Here are a few more places to consider for a 3 day itinerary in Jakarta and beyond.

The Thousand islands

• Get out of the city hustle and bustle
• Tropical beaches to replenish the soul and the body
• It’s best to do over a weekend in Jakarta

If you do have more time beyond your 2-day itinerary in Jakarta, consider a boat ride out to explore a few of the literal thousand islands to visit in the Indonesian archipelago . A full weekend to sit on a beach and relax is ideal, but the boat ride only takes an hour or two.

Some say a classy beach resort is the best place to stay in Jakarta. Of the best are Pulau Bidadari, which is the closest, and Pulau Macan, which is popular with honeymooners and eco-tourists.

You can get to most of the islands by speedboat from the Marina Ancol resort for around $15 USD. Here’s a tip: If you want to opt for a slightly cheaper way to get to the islands try Kali Adem harbor in MuaraAngke. This is a fishing jetty, but you could score a cheap trip to an island from here, where privately or via ferry for $3-5 USD.

If you want to go from island to island once you’re there, several resorts will let you rent boats to island-hop. This would be another enviable addition to your Jakarta itinerary.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta

• A feel of an old Euro-style theater
• Shakespeare’s Othello was the first-ever performance here
• The premiere concert hall in Jakarta

Take an evening out to attend a performance of an opera, play or symphony at this amazing old colonial-era theater.

This beautiful old theater was commissioned in 1821. Over the years, it has served many functions. For example, during World War II, the occupying Japanese army used it as a military headquarters for the region.

The building also served as a headquarters for groups during the Indonesian push for Independence. It has even been a university building. Today it serves as one of the city’s main opera houses and theaters. Hosting regular performances of classics and modern works.

Museum Layang-Layang

• Another most unusual museum to marvel in
• Kite making, ceramics and batik workshops on offer
• The founder and owner still works here as the main guide

By now you’ve realized that Indonesia has a fondness for puppets. It also has a special place reserved for kites, of all things. In the unusual but quaint Museum Layang-Layang, it is the latter that is celebrated.

In a traditional-looking house in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, Endang Ernawati opened this monument to a passion that seems unequaled. There are over 600 kites on display here, and some of them are incredibly unique.

Visitors usually marvel at the smallest (2 cm) and the largest (26 meters). But you’ll also find the strange, like a duo of kites that need to be flown together to produce a sound, not unlike a flute! You may also be intrigued to find the kite that is flown at a traditional wedding.

Among the other highlights is a giant 3D horse and cart, and bamboo and banana-tree leave constructed flyers. The museum  hosts workshops specially for children where kids can make their own, and adults can paint theirs. All the while, the guide will offer interesting bits and pieces on the history of kites in Indonesian culture.

Jakarta War Cemetery

• A serene and respectful monument to War heroes
• Commissioned by the Commonwealth and Dutch authorities after World War II
• Gates opened upon request on weekdays

If you’re a cultural or historical tourist, the War Cemetery in the suburb of Menteng Pulo is a somber reminder of the devastation of World War II on the region and its people. It’s a definite item on any history buff’s Jakarta itinerary.

The cemetery contains the graves of Indonesian, Dutch and commonwealth (English, Indian, Pakistani and other) forces. It commemorates the soldiers lost during the Japanese invasion in 1942 and the subsequent re-taking of the region.

At the center of the cemetery stands the Cross of Sacrifice, which can be found in many Commonwealth war cemeteries around the world. The Dutch section of the cemetery contains a small chapel.

What makes a visit here so enriching is the many stories that can be learned from the plaques and stones, especially in the British section of the graveyard. There are around 1200 graves in all, including those belonging to POWs who died during the war, and even a few given to heroes of the Indonesian Revolution.

• A cutting-edge approach to edutainment and fun in a Kids Park is indeed possible
• Kids can learn about professions and how money works
• Adults can take a break at the food court

Kidzania in the CBD is a kids’ play park with a difference. It is designed to look and feel like a real city, and lets kids take on roles in real occupations. It taps into that children’ desire to roleplay, while simultaneously giving them basic life lessons as they navigate the ‘city’.

The park is divided into a number of scenes, themed by activity. There’s even a flight simulator! Each of the activities or scenarios – whether it be a car dealership, fire department, city parade or disco lounge – is designed to impart life skills.

Each kid is given ‘KidZos’ on entry, which they treat as money in Kidzania. On a smaller scale, the kids will also learn about a number of professions along the way.

Sadly, no over 16s can participate, but there is a food court and pizzeria to enjoy. Don’t worry about the kids as there is plenty of high-end security to make sure everyone remains safe within the enclosed park. If you bring kids, this is a MUST on your extended Jakarta trip itinerary.

It’s a good idea to check with travel authorities when traveling anywhere, and Jakarta is no different. The region is prone to volcanic activity and other natural threats, so it will reassure you to know if any such warnings are in effect.

Like in any major city, it’s best to err on the side of personal caution in Jakarta. Take care not to be too casual with valuables like cameras, wallets, and jewelry. If using crowded public transport, be aware of the threat of pickpockets.

Ask advice from your hotel or a trusted local desk about things like reputable taxi companies and fair rates. There are several unlicensed operators out there who are looking to overcharge you if they can. It’s not a good idea to ask for an unmetered quote from a taxi operator. Better to make sure the meter is running, and even then to make sure it’s a legit operator.

With so much traffic in the city, you’ll want to be extra vigilant when walking around on your vacation in Jakarta. Drivers aren’t always alert, and different ideas might apply to pedestrian safety.

Drinking tap water is not safe. Fortunately, bottled water is available almost everywhere. Keep in mind to ask about the ice in your establishment as well. If the ice is made directly from tap water, it’s best to avoid it.

For the most part Jakarta and Indonesia are safe destinations if you are sensible and heed local advice.

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If you have between two and eight hours to spare on your itinerary for Jakarta, a day trip is the perfect way to see a part of the city that interests you. This is also because most day trips from Jakarta are guided. You’ll get to experience the attraction as its intended. Here are five of the most fascinating on offer.

Jakarta: Like a Local Customized Guided Tour

What better way to explore a city than with a knowledgeable local? Take a walking tour through Jakarta’s coolest neighborhoods  someone who can show you all the best-kept secret. The little things matter, like where to get the best food or knick-knacks, or how much to pay for what.

And the best part is that you can customize your tour according to what you want to see. The guide will meet you at your hotel, and you can specify where you’d like to go within the time you have. It’s a very personal approach to exploring the city that can leave a unique, lasting impression.

Jakarta: Bogor Cultural Tour with Botanical Gardens Visit

This is one of the longer day trips from Jakarta and will require one whole day to do. It’s a ten-hour excursion to the countryside and towards the city of Bogor. Among the stops will be the glorious botanical gardens, an authentic local gongsmith’s, and a puppet maker’s workshop.

The gongsmith visit is a notable highlight. It’s unusual, and shows visitors gong manufacturing techniques that have been used for hundreds of years.

Jakarta: 3-Hour Chinatown Guided Walking Tour

The biggest Chinatown in Indonesia offers a wealth of colorful sights, sounds, stories and food to experience first hand.

The expert guide starts the walking tour at a 19th-century house and takes you through the streets towards the traditional market. On the way, you’ll pass by and learn about Chinese art and calligraphy, religion and traditions at the temple, and even get your fortune told.

Jakarta: Old Batavia Guided Walking Tour

Jakarta’s fascinating Dutch Colonial history is explored in this three-hour walking and biking tour of what was then called Batavia. See how the Dutch East India Company’s presence here influenced the architecture and the culture.

For example, The Old Railway Station and The Jakarta History Museum are just two of the fascinating stops on this essential tour of Old Town Jakarta. Traditional Indonesian street food at the market stop will replenish the body. The bike is also included in the price of the tour.

Jakarta: Indonesia in Miniature Park Tour

Arrange for a pick up from your hotel for this one – it’s included in the service. The gorgeous representation of Indonesia is a beautifully designed walk-through of small islands and pavilions.

Each of these represents a province, complete with fascinating miniature artifacts that depict important aspects of the district. Best of all, you then get to take a breathtaking cable ride to see the whole park from above. The day finishes with a visit to the Museum of Indonesia, exploring the extraordinary culture and history of the region.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Jakarta itinerary.

What should you include on a Jakarta city tour itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Jakarta highlights: – Istiqlal Mosque – Jakarta Catholic Cathedral – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market – Pasar Baru

Where should you stay if you have a 3 day Jakarta itinerary?

If you’re only in Jakarta for a few days, it’s best to base yourself somewhere central like Mangga Dua or Sudirman Central Business District.

What is the best month to visit Jakarta?

June-September are the most popular months, as they offer the best weather for exploring Jakarta.

Is Jakarta worth visiting?

Most people overlook Jakarta in favour of Bali, but we highly recommend it. As the largest city in Southeast Asia, it’s packed with things to see and do.

If touring Jakarta forms part of a larger Indonesia itinerary, we hope this article has offered a little taste of everything the region has to offer. Jakarta is an eclectic combination of Southeast Asian and European colonial culture, history, and food; a melting pot ready for exploration and enjoyment.

Remember also that observing local values and customs will go a long way to helping you enjoy all the city’s many offerings. Here’s hoping that this itinerary is a great help to you on your trip to Jakarta.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Rose Wilson

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Excellent guide and tells a lot about Jakarta and how someone can use time to see the wonder of the city within a short time. It helps a lot and thank you.

Just now discovered your website while preparing to spend a couple of weeks in Java, starting at Jakarta. Brilliant site. So much useful information. I’m signing up right now. Best wishes, Will

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Top Things to Do and Interesting Places to See in Jakarta

The Special Region of Jakarta is the national capital of Indonesia, situated towards the northwestern side of the main island of the country. The city is known for a variety of fun things to do in Jakarta ranging from history, entertainment, leisure, and adventure. There is something to enjoy in each category when you visit Jakarta. Among the best places to visit in Jakarta are mosques, water parks, amusement parks, markets, beaches, entertainment centers, and more.

There are enough Jakarta tourist attractions to keep you busy for several days. There are few where you have to choose between several Jakarta attractions of the same kind. For example, there are numerous waterparks spread across the city. You can include all of them in your itinerary of the Jakarta trip, but that would leave you bored at the end of the day. There are only so many water slides one can enjoy back to back. So pick the one you think you will enjoy the most and spend a good amount of time there. Amusement parks are among the most fun things to do in Jakarta and there are plenty of those as well. Don’t worry though, we have picked out the best places to go in Jakarta for you and organized them in a 4-day itinerary in the next section.

Jakarta sightseeing is rather pleasant as you get a variety of experiences in the city. The city is known for its diversity in all aspects: food, culture, art, and more. The art scene is incredible in the city, especially contemporary art. Besides paintings and sculptures, there are several things to see in Jakarta in terms of performance arts as well. There are many Jakarta tourist spots including art galleries, theatre, performance centers, art centres, and cultural centers where you can admire the work of incredible artists. Shopping is yet another major attraction in the city. Among places to go in Jakarta for shopping are boutique shops, handicraft shops, markets, and malls. You can shop till you fall down and explore several places to see in Jakarta at the same time. Many of the markets are located quite close to tourist attractions and landmarks.

Jakarta’s trip is incomplete without exploring the beaches and islands. The beaches in Jakarta are lines along the city’s eponymous bay and the islands are situated in the same bay. You can spend an entire day enjoying a boat ride hopping from island to island, and enjoying different activities in Jakarta offered there. For those who are looking for beautiful views, the islands are the most interesting places in Jakarta . This is not to say the city is dull in any form. As much as the day is fun, the nights are even more happening. Jakarta tourist places for enjoying nightlife are as varied as they are plenty. You can enjoy sightseeing during the day & party your heart out in the evening.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Enjoy the Best Tourist Places in Jakarta in 4 Days (Travel Itinerary)

In this section, we have outlined all the top things to do in Jakarta which you can cover in 4 days.

1. Jakarta Cathedral (St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral)

This Roman Catholic Cathedral is among the popular places to visit in Jakarta. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this Cathedral.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Jakarta City to see Jakarta Cathedral and other attractions.

2. Monas Monument

Monas Monument or Indonesian National Monument celebrates the independence of the nation. There is not much to see here besides the monument so you would only need 15 to 20 minutes for this place.

3. Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua Jakarta)

The Old Town is among the best places for Jakarta sightseeing. You can see many heritage buildings here and also several major Jakarta tourist attractions. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this area.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Jakarta Old Town to understand the history behind this old town.

4. Taman Kembaug Sepatu (Hibiscus Park)

This large garden is dedicated to hibiscus flowers. Unless you are interested in strolling, there aren’t many fun things to do in Jakarta at this garden. You should be in and out within 30 minutes.

1. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

This is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta. Taman Mini is the most iconic building in the city and your Jakarta trip is incomplete without a visit here. You will need anywhere between 2 to 3 hours at this place.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Miniature Park) in advance.

2. Ragunan Zoo

The Zoo has numerous animals exhibited in the zoo. You can easily spend 2 hours at this Jakarta tourist attraction.

3. Istiqlal Mosque

The mosque was built in 1978 and is one of the largest for Jakarta sightseeing. You won’t need more than 30 minutes to explore this mosque.

4. Fatahillah Square

The square is one of the biggest Jakarta tourist places. The square is surrounded by many old buildings and a museum. You can spend 20 to 30 minutes at Fatahillah Square.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Fatahillah Square in advance.

5. Lubang Buaya Memorial Park & Museum

This museum is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta to learn and understand the region’s culture and traditions. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

1. National Museum of Indonesia

It is also known as the Elephant Museum, this place tells the history of the nation. It is one of the Jakarta tourist spots to visit to gain a historical and cultural perspective on the nation. You will need a couple of hours to explore the exhibits in this museum.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the National Museum of Indonesia in advance.

2. Indonesia Bank Museum

The bank outlines the history of finance and economics in the country. It also tells about the role played by the national bank in the history of Indonesia. You will need 2 hours to explore the exhibits here.

3. Wayang Museum

Wayang is a form of puppet storytelling. It is an integral part of Indonesian culture, you will need about 2 hours to explore this museum. You can even enjoy Wayang performance at this place among the top things to do in Jakarta, Indonesia.

4. Jakarta History Museum

Also known as Fatahillah Museum, it is the prime collection of Jakarta’s history. There are more than 23,000 exhibits in this place. It is one of the most interesting places in Jakarta. You will need 2 hours for this museum.

1. Ancol Dreamland (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)

This is yet another amusement park among places to go in Jakarta. You can spend an entire day at this place. It has several sub-parts listed below. Even the beach is adjacent to the park so you can enjoy the ocean as well near this Jakarta attraction. All the Jakar-ta tourist places listed in this day are a part of Ancol Dreamland.

2. Ocean Dream Samudra Amusement Park

This large amusement park can keep you engaged with several activities in Jakarta. You can easily spend rest of the day exploring the various rides here and rejuvenate yourself.

3. Sea World

This large aquarium exhibits marine flora and fauna for you to admire. If you tour the entire place, it will take you at least 2 hours.

4. Jakarta Beaches

The city has a long coast line owing to Jakarta bay. Beaches in Jakarta are the biggest attractions. You can enjoy leisure here or the water sports. It’s up to you. You can spend 3 hours or more here.

If you are staying for a longer time then you can check out the section that follows to get a complete list of all the Jakarta tourist attractions.

Things to do in jakarta, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in jakarta.

• Taman Mini Indonesia
• National Monument
• Istiqlal Mosque
• Jakarta History Museum
• National Museum
• Wayang Museum
• Jakarta Bahari Museum
• Jakarta Cathedral
• Museum MACAN
• Museum Bank Indonesia
• Selamat Detang Monument
• Taman Prasasti Museum
• Museum of Textile
• Monas Monument
• Indonesia Museum
• Proclamation of Independence Monument
• Benteng Heritage Museum
• Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum
• Museum Layang-Layang
• MOJA Museum
• Museum Sumpa Pemuda
• Masjid Kubah Mas
• Museum Mandiri
• Satriamandala Museum
• Patung Dirgantara Monument

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Jakarta

• Taman Suropati
• Setu Babakan
• Mangrove Ecotourism Park
• Curug Parigi
• Godongijo Ecotourism Park
• Muara Angke Wildlife Refuge
• Srengseng City Forest

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Jakarta

• Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
• Dunia Fantasi
• Ragunan Zoo
• Sea World Ancol
• Kidzania Jakarta
• Taman Ismail Marzuki
• Ocean Dream Samudra Amusement Park
• Istana Merdeka
• Transera Waterpark
• Taman Legenda Keong Emas TMII
• Trans Studio Theme Park Cibubur
• Trans Snow World Juanda
• Taman Situ Lembang
• Situ Gintung Tourism Park
• D’kandang Depok Park
• Depok Fantasi Waterpark
• Jakarta Planetarium
• Tugu Kungstkring Paleis
• Pasar Seni Arts & Crafts Center
• Magic Art 3D Museum
• Faunaland Ancol
• Snow World International Mall Revo
• Pondok Indah Water Park
• Skyrink Jakarta
• Gedung Kesenian
• Dinosaur Adventure
• Kampung Main Cipulir
• J Sky Ferris wheel
• Bounce Street Asia
• Monas Dancing Fountain
• Taman Wisata Pasir Putih

Shopping in Jakarta

• Surabaya Street
• Mayestik Market
• Glodok Chinatown Market
• International Mall
• Mall Taman Anggrek
• Taman Puring Market
• Kalibata City

Beaches & Islands in Jakarta

• Pulau Bidadari Island
• Ancol Beach
• Onrust Island
• Kahyangan Island
• Ancol Beach Pool

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Jakarta

• Watersports
• Ice Skating
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkelling
• Speed Boat Rides

Sightseeing in Jakarta

• Merdeka Square
• Taman Menteng
• Taman Lapangan Banteng
• Wisata Kota Tua Jakarta
• Taman Rekreasi Wildatika
• Jakarta Old Town
• Taman Potret
• Jembatan Kota Intan Bridge
• Fatahillah Square
• Taman Ayodya
• Taman Langsat
• Bundaran Hotel

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Jakarta

• Bandar DJakarta
• Le Quartier
• Plataran Dharmawangsa
• Lara Djonggrang
• Namaaz Dining
• Bunga Rampai
• Altitude Grill
• Tugu Kunstkring Paleis

Where to Stay in Jakarta?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Jakarta. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Jakarta.

Luxurious Hotels

• The Langham, Jakarta
• Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta
• Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
• The Orient Jakarta, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
• The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan
• Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
• Pullman Jakarta Indonesia
• Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta
• Pullman Jakarta Central Park
• Fairmont Jakarta

Mid-Range Hotels

• Ashley Tanah Abang
• Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk
• Fraser Residence Sudirman, Jakarta
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jakarta – Diponegoro
• Ascott Jakarta
• The Grove Suites
• Hotel Gran Mahakam
• JS Luwansa Hotel and Convention Center
• Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection
• Holiday Inn Jakarta Kemayoran, an IHG hotel

Budget Hotels

• Grand Orchardz Hotel Kemayoran
• Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta
• Vertu Harmoni Jakarta
• Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
• Novotel Jakarta Cikini
• ASTON Priority Simatupang Hotel & Conference Center
• Four Points by Sheraton Jakarta, Thamrin
• Hotel Horison Ciledug Jakarta
• Yello Hotel Harmoni

Custom Tours Package in Jakarta

How to reach jakarta.

The best option for Jakarta travel is Soekarno Hatta International Airport located 20 kms towards the north of the city. You can get direct flights to visit Jakarta from several cities in Asia, Australia and Europe. You can reach all the best places to visit in Jakarta by bus or by taxi. If you are staying at a luxury hotel, you might also get airport pickup included in your package. The next most convenient alternative is using a cab. You will be charged higher at the airport for the cab. You can also choose between regular public buses and shuttle buses to reach your hotel or Jakarta tourist attractions.

You can get direct train for Jakarta trip from many cities and towns in Indonesia. But, international travel by train is not available owing to all the oceans surrounding the island. You can book your tickets as early as 90 days before your date of Jakarta travel. The same goes for bus travel. There are 3 major bus terminal in the city receiving buses from several cities, towns, and villages on the island. There are also tour buses available from major cities like Bandung and Surabaya which cover several fun things to do in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Even if you want to travel to by car, you have to be on the island, unless you have a car which can run on water as well. There two routes to reach Jakarta attractions by road, Route number 1 & 2. Quite easy to remember, isn’t it? Route number 1 runs west to east and through the city. There are many things to see in Jakarta located on this route. Route number 2 connects to Jakarta from the southern side. On this route too you will find several Jakarta tourist spots.

You can get ferry, boat cruise and luxury boat rides to the islands in Jakarta bay. Other than that, there are hardly any connections by water for Jakarta travel.

Image Reference

• Jakarta Cathedral – CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
• Monas Monument – Bonar Gultom / Flickr
• Jakarta Old Town – J-lorentz / Wikimedia Commons
• Taman Kembaug Sepatu – MrGajowy3 / PixaBay
• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – Gunawan Kartapranata / Wikimedia Commons
• Ragunan Zoo –
• Istiqlal Mosque – HKmPUA / Flickr
• Fatahillah Square – Midori / Wikimedia Commons
• Lubang Buaya Memorial Park & Museum – Chris Woodrich / Wikimedia Commons
• National Museum of Indonesia – CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
• Indonesia Bank Museum – Siska Maria Eviline / Flickr
• Wayang Museum – Masgatotkaca / Wikimedia Commons
• Jakarta History Museum – Rhmtdns / Wikimedia Commons
• Ancol Dreamland – Riyana Fauzy / Wikimedia Commons
• Ocean Dream Samundra Amusement Park – Rosiaziz10 / Wikimedia Commons
• Sea World – Chicken Little / Flickr
• Jakarta Beaches – Ya, saya inBaliTimur / Flickr
• The Best Things to Do and Tourist Places to Visit in Pärnu
• Visit The Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Rovaniemi

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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Your Most Complete Guide to Jakarta Indonesia

Discover what Jakarta has to offer with cost-cutting strategies, insider tips, and the most detailed  information on hotels, transport, attractions and major interests.

JAKARTA TRAVEL RESOURCES

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Pasar Tanah Abang – Want batik? This is Southeast Asia’s Largest Textile Market!

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POPULAR JAKARTA ATTRACTIONS

Ragunan ZOO

Ragunan Zoo is the largest zoo in Jakarta and a very popular attraction for visitors to the city.  It occupies roughly 147-hectares of land in South Jakarta.  

Kota Tua is one of most popular places to visit in Jakarta. It is  ‘Jakarta’s Old Town’ . This is an area about 4.5 km north of the Monas that mainly consists of Dutch colonial buildings …

MONAS (National Monument)

The Monas, short for  Monumen Nasional  is one the top tourist attractions in Jakarta. Visiting the Monas should definitely be something to consider during your trip to Jakarta.

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Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places in Jakarta (2024)

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Hi there, I’m Somtochukwu. Can you try pronouncing that? I've always gone by Somto (Sohm-toe). I'm a child of Nigerian immigrants who decided to pursue her dream of living an extraordinary life. In 2015, I chose faith over fear, packing my bags and moving to Spain with $1,000 in my pocket. This was after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused me to develop a giant bald patch in the middle of my scalp. Living in Spain and traveling around Europe for a year changed my life forever, allowing me to discover the freedom of solo travel and the freedom of working from anywhere. Today, I’m a full-time travel writer whose mission is to help you navigate this big, beautiful world with confidence and have those omg-pinch-me-moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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"A melting pot of differences."

Jakarta tourism.

Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta is also the nation's cultural, economic and political centre. Amble leisurely through Kota Baru, or Jakarta's Old Town, where colonial Dutch architecture remains preserved as they stood during the times before Indonesia's independence. Take in the heady sights and smells of Glodok, Jakarta's historic Chinatown area, before heading towards central Jakarta to marvel at MONAS, Indonesia's National Monument to its freedom struggle.  Fall in love with the Thousand Islands or Kepualan Seribu, one of Indonesia's most hyped beach getaways and lose yourselves in the pristine white sands of the archipelago. Jakarta offers much to any tourist and alongside the historic sights of the city lies the ultra-modern malls and its bustling nightlife scene. 

The sprawling nature of Jakarta, with its crowds, its maniacal traffic and the sheer speed of life in the city may overwhelm some tourists at first sight. But beneath this rather busy exterior, Jakarta is a city filled with interesting contrasts of the contemporary, traditional, extravagant and the humble. It is an eclectic mix of many Asian and South-East Asian cultures (the native Batavian culture in particular), Dutch and Islamic influences and channels them all into a beautiful set of contrasts.

With a wide range of activities and the best nightlife in all of South-East Asia, Jakarta is an experience for the culturally curious and the adventurous tourist.

Things To Do In Jakarta

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Merdeka Square

Thousand Islands

Grand Indonesia Mall

National Monument of Indonesia (MONAS)

Top Hotels In Jakarta

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More on Jakarta Travel

Currency in jakarta, shopping in jakarta.

Welcoming over 2.5 million visitors annually, Jakarta is a vibrant Asian metropolis famous for indigenous items like batiks, textiles, and jewellery. Over 150 world-class shopping malls offer high-end fashion, flea markets, and retail and wholesale shopping.

Here are some ways to make the most of shopping in Jakarta: -

• Jakarta is famous for its antique markets. The best antique markets are found in Old Town and near Sunda Kelapa, with all kinds of antiques ranging from old records to memorabilia from the Dutch period.
• Jakarta’s most-visited shopping destinations include Santa Modern Market, Thamrin City Trade Mall, Grand Indonesia, Mangga Dua Mall, and the high-end Tamman Anggrek, Indonesia’s largest mall.
• Tanah Abang Market is Southeast Asia’s largest textile market, with thousands of shops offering traditional fabrics and souvenirs.
• Allocated to crafts, antiques, woodwork, trinkets, beadwork, and even puppets, Pasar Seni, Jalan Surabaya Flea Market and Pasar Baru are Jakarta’s oldest shopping complexes.
• Glodok is the Chinatown of Jakarta, where you can buy an array of items from Chinese medicines, trendy t-shirts to electronics, and sample noodles and dumplings.
• Some other upscale places for shopping in Jakarta are Central Park Mall, Gandaria City, Summarecon Mall, Baywalk Mall and Plaza Senayan.

Nightlife in Jakarta

Jakarta offers chic and cosmopolitan nightlife owing to its swanky bars, nightclubs with electrifying DJs, sky-high lounges, night markets, nocturnal wildlife safaris and much more.

Here are the best ways to enjoy the nightlife in Jakarta -

• Pulsating with music, happy crowds, and unparalleled cocktails, Jakarta's best nightclubs include Colosseum Club, Dragonfly, Blowfish, and Fable.
• For panoramic skyline views, head to rooftop bars like BART - Bar At The Rooftop, Karumba, Three Horse Bar and Holywings Gatsu Club V. 
• Enjoy fine dining at Cloud Lounge on the 49th floor, Embassy Lounge, Awan Lounge, Henshin and Skyloft.
• Pick up traditional clothing, trinkets, souvenirs and tasty street food from Kota Tua and Pecah Kulit Night Markets. 
• Take your kids on thrilling wildlife safaris in the dark at Safari Park Cisarua or Ragunan Zoo. 
• Have a spiritual experience at Istiqlal Mosque, which remains open overnight. 
• Almost all nightclubs and bars in Jakarta have dress codes. Men must wear semi-formals, while women are required to be in dresses and heels.
• Always carry a valid ID card.

History of Jakarta

Jakarta used to be an important trading port (as evidenced by Sunda Kelapa) of the Hindu kingdom of the Pajajaran Dynasty. However, after the 17th Century, the Dutch established their colonial foothold in the Indonesian region, which created an entirely different culture which was a hybrid of traditional Indonesian and Dutch influences. Vestiges of this hybrid are still found in Jakartan architecture. Dutch colonial rule ended with the Japanese occupation in 1942, and the name Jakarta was restored. Still, it wasn't until 1950 that Jakarta officially became the capital of the new republic.

Read more about the history of Jakarta .

Language of Jakarta

The language most commonly spoken is Bahasa Indonesian. In tourist-friendly places, English is also generally spoken but one can expect more of the local language to be used.

Do's and Don'ts in Jakarta

• Jakarta is relatively more conservative than other Indonesian areas in dressing, so it is advisable for tourists to dress modestly.
• Tipping is a practice in Jakarta.

Religion of Jakarta

Daily budget for jakarta, exchanging money in jakarta, best time to visit jakarta, top stories about jakarta tourism.

Art & Culture

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FAQs on Jakarta

What are the things to do in jakarta, what are the places near jakarta, what are the top hotels in jakarta, how much does a package cost for jakarta, what is the local food in jakarta, what is the best time to visit jakarta.

The best time to visit Jakarta is from June to September when the weather is pleasant with a fair possibility of rainfall. Being a subtropical region, the weather in Jakarta is warm and humid throughout the year. There are two major seasons in Jakarta - Dry Season (May - September) and Wet Season (October to April) . The dry months are the busiest time of the year to visit Jakarta with accommodation charges surging. October is the warmest month of the year, with an average high of 34-degrees Celcius because of constant rains and high humidity. July - August are the driest months, and the best months to travel to Jakarta.

The Wet Season does not attract a lot of people with January receiving the highest rainfall. It's advised not to visit during this time of the year as there are chances of intense thunderstorms and typhoons. However, accommodation is very cheap, and the city isn't crowded. The average temperature of all months is consistently around 25 - 28 degree Celcius. If you're visiting during the period of Ramadan (Early May - June) one must adhere to the rules of the state during the holy month.

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Top 10 Things To Do and Places to Visit in Jakarta

If you are only here for a day or even a week or more, there are many places to visit in Jakarta. Jakarta has many things to do: tourist attractions, shopping malls, and hidden back streets for nightlife, food, and fun.

In Jakarta, you will not find it short of tourist places to visit, tourist attractions to see, and things to do. Here is our list to help you out.

See Best Accommodations in Jakarta

Top Places to Visit in Jakarta

Ancol dreamland / dream park (taman impian jaya ancol).

If you are looking for a place to visit in Jakarta away from the busy city, this is as cheesy as it sounds, Ancol Dreamland could be your dream place. It is open 24 hours with amusement park – Fantasy World (Dunia Fantasi (dufan)), Atlantis Water Adventure, Ocean Dream Samudra (pentas lumba) for animal shows, Seaworld, beaches (pantai), Art Market (pasar seni), golf range, bowling, Ocean Eco Park, gondola, Hailai club, art academy, paintball and wakeboarding.

National Museum

Being two centuries old, National Museum of Indonesia (musium nasional) is an iconic tourist attraction in Jakarta. It is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat in the center of Jakarta city and is an archeological, historical, ethnological, and geographical museum. Jakarta’s national museum is well known as Elephant Building (gedung gajah) because of the elephant statue there. Visit here to get acquainted with Jakarta and Indonesia’s history and culture.

National Monument

In Jakarta’s city center of Merdeka Square stands the National Monument (Monumen Nasional (Monas)) tower. It is a famous tourist attraction in Jakarta as it is a symbol to be beckoned with. It stood to symbolize the fight for Indonesia and was constructed under the direction of President Sukarno. It is open from 800-1500 daily except the last Monday of the month. Definitely one of the places to visit in Jakarta!

National Gallery

National Gallery of Indonesia combines a museum and art gallery in Jakarta, where you can enjoy culture, history, and visual arts. Your visit to Jakarta would be well rounded with a visit to this place to admire the local arts.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater)

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is a concert hall built during the Dutch colonial period in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is situated close to the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. Check out the various arts programs, from theater shows to musical performances. This is the place to visit to stock up on cultural shows and concerts.

Find the best hotel deals in Jakarta with Booking.com *

Top things to do in jakarta, shopping in jakarta.

If shopping is your thing, Jakarta offers a lot, from high-end to budget shopping, from malls to markets. You may also want to look at places to stay near Plaza Indonesia * to maximize your shopping spree. Recommended Shopping malls or shopping centers or markets in Jakarta: Plaza Indonesia of FX Mall – designer goods Grand Indonesia Mangga Dua – cheap yet quality imitation goods Blok M – shoes, clothes, bags Pasar Ikan – souvenirs and household items

Eat and Drink

Don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Best Indonesian Food to try all the delicious local delicacies and where else, but Jakarta is the best place to hunt for them! Pondok Laguna is one of my favorite restaurants in Jakarta that serves delicious local Sundanese food. This place is popular with locals and travelers, so you may find it packed during peak hours like lunch and dinner. Another widespread culture here is the coffee culture; many locals go to coffee shops and cafes to hang out and have a good cup of coffee. With so many choices, you may want to check out our recommendation of a local’s favorite coffee place in Jakarta .

Being a large city, Jakarta is not short of things to do at night. For nightlife, you have many choices of clubs and bars. There are places like Kemang for the younger but dynamic crowds in Jakarta clubbing scenes or cafes like Ecobar. It is one of Jakarta’s coolest places to party, and the club is trendier yet affordable. Or you can go to the more famous traveler’s street Jalan Jaksa, for some choices of bars, clubs, and cafes; the better reason to party here is there are more food choices.

Find hotel deals near the vibrant nightlife of Kemang *

Walk around pasar baru (jakarta’s market).

Come here for a nostalgic walk down memory lane in Pasar Baru, one of the rare streets of Jakarta that is pedestrian-friendly. You will find many locals here and family-run businesses selling clothes and watches. Many vintage fashions here, such as shirts, dresses, belts, and jackets, sell as low as USD1 from second-hand/old to new. Also, catch the best local Indonesian food you can find, for example, bakmi. Start walking from Metro Atom at Jalan H. Samanhudi and then walk towards the rear of the Jakarta Art center ( Gedung Kesenian Jakarta).

Spa and Massage and Beauty

Jakarta has many spas, massage, or beauty choices for self-pampering. You can go for traditional Indonesian massages or soothing spas in the middle of the city, or even go for manicure and pedicure, facial and hair wash, and styling in various malls and establishments, ranging from affordable to splurge. If you have more time in Jakarta, you can go for a weekend getaway at the Javana Spa, only 2 hours away from the city.

Best Accommodations in Jakarta

Booking.com * is a good choice because most bookings can be canceled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility. Agoda.com * is another good one because they have Asia’s most extensive hotel listings.

The best areas to stay in Jakarta would be north and central Jakarta, which have most of the tourist attractions. Here are a few of the best accommodations that we recommend for a stay in Jakarta:

Luxury (from 150 USD)

The Hermitage, by Marriott, Central Jakarta

A charming refurbished colonial house made into an elegant hotel. The location is also strategic, near a train station and quick access to the city center and beyond. With an outdoor pool, a gym, a luxurious lounge area, and a restaurant in a courtyard, this hotel also gives a romantic atmosphere with some rooms opening up to a back garden. It’s truly a dream. Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Jakarta Pacific Place, Kuningan, Central Jakarta

For those who want high security and a well-known hotel with world-class services. You will find all the usual luxury here, with an impressive outdoor pool and bar featuring a city skyline view. Kuningan is also well known for its upmarket shopping malls and restaurants with good sidewalks. Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Mid-range (50 – 150 USD)

Harris Vertu Hotel Harmoni, Gambir, Central Jakarta

For those looking for the best value mid-range hotel in the middle of the action. It is situated smack between all the top places to visit in Jakarta . Recommended for savvy travelers who want to cover everything in a short time. Modern, clean rooms, an outdoor pool with a view, spa, gym, and restaurant. Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Ascott Jakarta

Ascott Jakarta is a well-regarded, serviced apartment hotel in the heart of Jakarta. It offers spacious, fully furnished apartments with separate living and dining areas, kitchens, and modern amenities. The hotel has a fitness center, swimming pool, and dining options. Ascott Jakarta is known for its comfortable accommodations, convenient location, and excellent service, making it a popular choice for business and leisure travelers. Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Budget (below 50 USD)

Wonderloft Hostel, North Jakarta

For those on a budget who still want to be in the city center. This hostel is in the north, right at the corner of the famous Jakarta’s Old City, Fatahillah Square. It has a charming mix of old colonial style with hipster-inspired interiors. Best value for money! Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Yello Hotel Harmoni, Gambir, Central Jakarta

It is for those on a budget who want an alternative to a hostel. This place has private rooms in a hip and stylish budget hotel style. The location is excellent, within walking distance of the National Monument Park. There is also a restaurant if you are too lazy to go out and brave the traffic at the end of the day. Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

See Best Hotels in Jakarta

See best jakarta airport hotels, nearby jakarta.

Check out our Top 10 Day Trips from Jakarta list or if you are looking for some sun and sea, see our Top 10 Beaches near Jakarta . Popular trips around Jakarta are Bogor and Taman Safari or Bandung for shopping.

Also, read on Jakarta Travel Guide for more information.

Versi Bahasa Indonesia – 10 Tempat Wisata di Jakarta yang Menarik

Fascinated by Indonesia, Rachel hopes to bring the best Indonesia Travel Guide to independent travelers so that they can enjoy what Indonesia has the best to offer. Being an independent wanderer herself, Rachel knows what it takes to make a good, fun-filled yet responsible independent traveling. So let’s join her to discover wonderful Indonesia together.

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Indonesia to deploy over 5,000 police officers to to ensure top security during World Water Forum in Bali

Sunday, 21 Apr 2024

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Image from Antara via Vietnam News/ANN.

JAKARTA (Vietnam News/ANN): Indonesian police will deploy more than 5,000 personnel to ensure security for the 10th World Water Forum (WWF), which will take place from May 18-25 in Bali - the country's famous tourist island.

Police Inspector General and Bali Police Chief Ida Bagus Kade Putra Narendra said on April 21 that Bali police are ready to coordinate with the National Armed Forces (TNI) and other stakeholders to secure the global forum.

Security at the WWF will be similar to the G20. The venues will be divided into three rings of security, he said.

The security operation will be carried out for 10 days, starting on May 17, by prioritising preemptive and preventive measures with the mobilisation of other forces.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing Mohammad Zainal Fatah said the Indonesian government will propose strategic water-related projects worth 9.6 billion USD at the forum.

The projects are currently being curated and selected by the Ministry of National Development Planning, he added.

According to Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, representatives from 193 countries are scheduled to attend the ministerial meetings of the forum. Eight heads of state have so far confirmed their attendance.

Themed "Water for Shared Prosperity," the upcoming forum will cover six sub-themes: water security and prosperity; water for humans and nature; disaster risk reduction and management; governance, cooperation, and hydro diplomacy; sustainable water finance; and knowledge and innovation.

It is expected to issue a ministerial declaration. - Vietnam News/ANN

Tags / Keywords: Indonesia , Full Security , Police Officers , More Than 5 , 000 cops , 10th World Water Forum , Bali

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