JAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget + Indonesia Requirements

JAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget + Indonesia Requirements

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“Anywhere else, aside from Jakarta?”

This was the reply I would usually get whenever I said I was going to the Indonesian capital. “No, just Jakarta,” was my answer. And it took them a second to realize that they heard my response right.

Jakarta feels strangely familiar. There is so much about it that reminds me of Metro Manila, my home city. Both are capital cities of developing Southeast Asian nations. Both are among the biggest urban hubs in the world, serving as a home and/or workplace for tens of millions of people. And for many international tourists, both are seen mostly as a jump-off point to another destination, a necessary means to a more spectacular end. In Jakarta’s case, this spectacular end can be the beaches of Bali , the temples of Yogyakarta , or the picturesque volcanoes in other parts of Java.

But like Manila, Jakarta can hold its own. It may not be as Instagram-worthy, but it does have a long history and rich culture, making it a great stop for Indonesia first timers. From the numerous museums to the sumptuous street food, the city will give you a taste of what the world’s greatest archipelago has to offer.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING JAKARTA

Jakarta is the capital of and the largest city in Indonesia. Located in the island of Java, the city serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of the country. Jakarta is sprawling. Over the years, as it continues to draw in more people, it also paves way for the development of neighboring areas.

Jakarta Sign

Today, Jakarta may also refer to the Greater Jakarta area or the Jakarta metropolitan area, which is also called locally as Jabodetabek , short for Jakarta–Bogor–Depok–Tangerang–Bekasi, referring to the nearby cities in West Java and Banten. And with an estimated population of 35 million, it is the second largest urban hub in the world, next only to Tokyo.

The history of Jakarta dates back to the 4th century CE, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Southeast Asia. It has been known by several names. Under the Sunda Kingdom, it was known as Sunda Kelapa, an important trading port at the time. In 1619, the Dutch took control and founded Batavia which became the capital of the Dutch East Indies. Then in 1942, Batavia fell to the Japanese and was under the Japanese occupation until 1945. It was 1949 when the Indonesian independence was proclaimed and Jakarta became the national capital.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Language: Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia. But most can understand and speak English.
  • Religion: Islam is the dominant religion. A small part of the population practice Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
  • Timezone: UTC+7 (Indonesia Western Time). Jakarta is one hour behind Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp). USD 1 is around IDR 15,700; EUR 1 = IDR 16,200; PHP 1 = IDR 273 (as of December 2022).
  • Modes of Payment: Cash. Some establishments like restaurants also accept credit cards, but most still prefer cash. However, there are some places that only take card payments.

INDONESIA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

As of our most recent visit (November 2022), these are the requirements required for travelers going to Jakarta as mandated by the government. These must be presented when you check-in for your flight.

  • Passport. Must be valid for at least 6 months.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter Jakarta. Your vaccination certificate must indicate 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
  • PeduliLindungi App. Download the app through google playstore or app store and register.
  • E-customs Declaration Form. Fill out the form here . Print or save a digital copy of the generated QR Code.

Depending on your country of citizenship, a visa may also be required. (Filipino citizens may enter Indonesia VISA-FREE.)

WHERE TO STAY IN JAKARTA

Jakarta is huge. Covering 664.01 square kilometers, Jakarta is divided it into its five administrative cities: Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta, North Jakarta, and South Jakarta. Easy to remember, right? But these three areas have the key points of interest for tourists:

The Packer Lodge Jakarta

  • Central Jakarta is home to major landmarks like the National Monument and Istiqlal Mosque. Also situated here is Gambir Station, a major railway station that connects the capital to other cities in Java Island. You’ll also find Grand Indonesia, one of the biggest malls in the country, around the corner. A large concentration of the accommodations in Central Jakarta can be found in Menteng .
  • North Jakarta covers the harbor area, the historic port of Sunda Kelapa, and Ancol, a waterfront complex with a theme park, water park, and other various attractions.
  • West Jakarta , the closest to the airport, roughly 30 minutes away. Within its territory lie parts of Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town. Glodok , Jakarta’s Chinatown, where you can find a lot of food spots, is also here. A number of different types of accommodations are spread over West Jakarta.
  • South Jakarta , which harbors the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), with plenty of office buildings, condominiums, hotels, and shopping malls. If you’re interested in experiencing the nightlife in Jakarta, this is the place to be. The accommodations in this area varies from high-end hotels to budget hostels so there are a lot to choose from.
  • East Jakarta . This is the largest among the five administrative cities of Jakarta. However, there’s not a lot of accommodations available here. It is also the area farthest from the airport.

Best Area to Stay

In our opinion, the best area to stay is the part where Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, and North Jakarta meet. Staying here puts you in a position close to the key attractions and with plenty of dining and lodging options.

This area includes these neighborhoods:

Best Area to Stay in Jakarta

  • Glodok (Chinatown) in West Jakarta
  • Menteng in Central Jakarta
  • Kota Tua in North/West Jakarta

Any of places above are great for first-time Jakarta visitors. However, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to spend their nights going out or partying, South Jakarta might be a great option too. Just keep in mind that this area is a bit farther from other parts of the city, especially if you plan to visit attractions in North Jakarta.

Top Budget Hotels and Hostels in Jakarta

I booked a dorm bed at The Packer Lodge near Kota Tua for only PHP 450 per night . Yep, that’s only USD 8 or 124,000 IDR. But by random streak of good luck, I was upgraded to a private solo room for FREE! (Possibly because they might have overbooked the dorm.)

The Packer Lodge Jakarta Private Room

But there are plenty of other options, too! Here are some of the top reviewed but affordable properties on Agoda:

  • ibis Styles Jakarta Tanah Abang. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • City Biz Residence. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Sleepy Raccoon Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Cool Living. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Hotel Alia Pasar Baru. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Wonderloft Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Jakarta Hotels!

Klook TPT2024

HOW TO GET TO JAKARTA

The primary airport that serves Jakarta is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) , formerly called Jakarta Cengkareng Airport. It is located at Benda, Tangerang, close to West Jakarta. It was expanded in 1991 to replace Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, which now services mostly domestic and private flights—for international flights. CGK is said to be the busiest airport in Southeast Asia and currently has 3 terminals with a fourth terminal being built.

Jakarta Airport

Manila to Jakarta

As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is well-connected. If you’re coming from Manila, Cebu Pacific flies directly to Jakarta and vice versa DAILY. The flight departs from Manila at 8:40 PM and takes around four hours. This is perfect for busy bees who cannot afford to file another leave of absence from work or students who can’t miss a school day. This also means you arrive in Jakarta just before midnight, bypassing heavy traffic to the city center.

For your return journey, Cebu Pacific’s Jakarta-Manila flights are scheduled at 12:30 AM, allowing you to make the most of your last day in Jakarta! Just leave your luggage temporarily at your hotel upon checkout, explore the city the entire day, and pick it up before heading to the airport.

Manila to Jakarta Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific has three bundle options for your flight booking: GO Basic comes with a free hand-carry baggage allowance (7kg). If you want a checked bag and reserved seats, GO Easy includes a one piece checked baggage (up to 20kg) and a standard seat. For more flexibility, GO Flexi allows you to cancel your flight for free and store the value as a travel fund.

To book, visit: www.cebupacificair.com .

Jakarta Airport to City Center

Travel time from the airport to your hotel depends on which part of Jakarta you choose to stay, but it could take between 30 minutes to an hour. The most convenient way is by taking a taxi or using a ride hailing app. More details about these below.

Countless taxis await potential passengers at the airport. After going through customs and before reaching the exit, you’ll be welcomed by people offering you taxi services. If you want to take a taxi, a recommended taxi service by locals is Blue Bird . You’ll find a Blue Bird booth to your left after you exit, near the SIM card stores.

However, in my experience, their rate was higher than Grab, but this could vary. You can go to the booth to inquire about the fare going to your hotel and compare it to rates on Grab or Gojek.

By Grab or Gojek

Jakarta Airport Grab Pickup Point

These two are the ride hailing apps available in Jakarta. It is easy to use and booking a ride only takes a few minutes. The Grab pick-up point in Terminal 3 is located at the parking of the arrival area. After you pass through customs, turn to your right and head towards the Pick-up zone. You should be exiting through the West Lobby door. At the parking, you will find signage for the Grab Pick-up Point.

It is important to know that the fare that shows on the app is not the final fare. A parking fee and highway fee or toll fee will be added on top of it. This was also clearly communicated by the person at the Grab Pick-up point once I got there and the driver after I entered the car. But the Grab fare still turned out cheaper than the Blue Bird rate even after adding these fees.

  • Parking Fee: IDR 5,000
  • Highway/toll fee: IDR 18,500

Gojek is also available at the airport. The pick-up point at Terminal 3 is also located at the international parking area. Gojek also adds the parking fee & toll fee plus a location fee on top of the fare that shows on the app when you book your ride.

Internet Connection / Data SIM in Jakarta

The most affordable way of staying connected in Indonesia is by purchasing a data SIM card. However, SIM cards in Jakarta need to be registered first, so you’ll need to present your passport to get one. Two of the most popular internet providers are XL Axiata and Telkomsel.

You can get a SIM card at the airport, but keep in mind that the prices here are significantly higher than prices at a telco branch or SIM card center. Moreover, airport stores are open only from 7:00AM to 3:00AM.

If you’re from any of the countries below, you can have the data SIM card delivered to you via Klook:

  • Deliver SIM to INDIA
  • Deliver to SINGAPORE
  • Deliver SIM to HONG KONG
  • Deliver SIM to VIETNAM

If you’re from the Philippines or any other country, you may opt to pick up Indonesia DATA SIM at the Jakarta Airport (Soekarno Hatta International Airport). The pick up location is at the JavaMifi booth at Terminal 3 Departure at the 2nd floor. The staff will also help you set up the sim card on your phone. However, the operating hours is from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM only. You can purchase one here: Indonesia DATA SIM Jakarta Airport Pickup!

If you’re arriving in Jakarta late at night, you won’t be able to avail of this since their registration has a cut-off time. Another option to consider is Grapari , the SIM card center of the telecommunications company Telkomsel . They have multiple locations all over Jakarta. If you want to save and you can manage to go from the airport without data, just look up the Grapari branch closest to your hotel. More info on its website .

Jakarta Airport Data SIM Internet Rates

HOW TO GET AROUND JAKARTA

Jakarta is a very busy city and there are various transportation options available. There are a lot of taxis all over the city and you can also use ride hailing apps. Commuting is also an option since they have an efficient public bus transportation called Transjakarta . However, because it is a busy city, the traffic gets heavy especially during rush hours.

If you’re visiting attractions, some of them are within walking distance from each other. You can walk from The National Monument to see Merdeka Palace, and then walk to the National Museum. You can also explore Kota Tua or the Old Town on foot. You can choose from the following mode of transportations to explore Indonesia’s capital depending on your budget and preferences.

There are a lot of taxis around the city. In some areas there are cabs lined up by the side of the road so you don’t have to hail a cab on the street anymore. The suggested reliable taxi company in Jakarta is Blue Bird . Their units are easy to spot because they’re, well, blue.

Riding a taxi may pose a challenge because of language barrier since not everyone speaks and understands English. But what you can do is write down the address of your destination or find it on Google Maps, and show it to the driver when you take a taxi. You may also ask your hotel to call a taxi for you and ask them for help to communicate your destination to the driver.

By Grab or GoJek

Grab Bike Motorcycles Jakarta

  • Car. If you want a more convenient mode of transportation, book a Grab or Gojek. It is more simple since all you need to do is pin your pick-up location and destination on the app and wait for your car to arrive. You may also pay using credit card or cash when using ride hailing apps.
  • Motorcycle. This is the best way to beat the traffic in Jakarta. If you’re traveling solo, Grab and GoJek also have a motorcycle/bike option. The motorcycle is also much cheaper compared to the car option. So if you’re on a budget, this is a great option to get from one place to another quicker and at a less price.

By Transjakarta Bus

Taking public transportation is the cheapest option. Each ride costs only IDR 3,500 no matter where your destination is. The bus is very efficient since there are 13 lines and over 200 stations all over the city. You may use Google maps to know which bus line you should take and where you should get off to reach your destination.

Jakarta by Bus

Here’s how you can ride the Transjakarta buses:

  • Purchase a Transjakarta Card at a convenience store. These cards are available at any Indomaret, Alfamart, and other convenience stores in Jakarta. Each card costs IDR 27,500.
  • Top up your card at the digital kiosk at any station. You may also top-up your card when you purchase it at a convenience store, but their minimum amount is IDR 50,000 while you can top up as low as P10,000 at the station.
  • Tap your bus card on the ticket barrier at the station to enter.
  • Tap again to exit the station where you’ll get off.

Riding the bus can take much longer compared to the taxi, car service, or motorcycle taxi. You can look up your destination on Google maps and compare the travel time for each and decide from there depending on your time and budget.

THINGS TO DO IN JAKARTA

Also known as Old Batavia , Kota Tua is Jakarta’s Old Town. It was a part of the first walled settlement of the Dutch in Jakarta and also served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies. In this area, you will find Dutch-style structures from the 17th century. Some of them used to be government buildings that has been turned into museums. Here are some of the places you can visit in Kota Tua.

Jakarta History Museum

  • Jakarta History Museum , also called the Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum. It used to be the city hall of Batavia. After Indonesia gained its independence, it became the seat of the West Java governor until 1961 and a museum in 1974. Today it highlights Indonesia’s past from the pre-historic era to the Dutch colonization to independence. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
  • Fatahillah Square , where shophouses used to stand. It is located right at the center of the old town and is surrounded by museums. It serves as a recreational area for locals and tourists alike. Bikes are also available for rent at IDR 20,000 per unit, good for 30 minutes.

Kota Tua Buildings Jakarta

  • Museum Wayang , putting the spotlight on Indonesia’s traditional puppet theater. Admire various types of wayang like wayang kulit , Javanese leather puppets, and wayang golek , Sundanese three-dimensional wooden puppets. In the museum’s garden, you will find the funeral site of Jan Pieterszoon Con, the Governor-general of the Dutch East Indies. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
  • Museum Bank Indonesia , housed in a heritage building that used to be the De Javasche Bank, the central bank of Dutch East Indies. It was converted into a museum in 2006, presenting the role of Bank Indonesia in Indonesian history as well as the history of currencies and trade in the country. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
  • Bank Mandiri Museum , the corporate museum of Bank Mandiri. Established in 1998, this museum is home to artifacts that was used in banking activities in the past. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 15,000
  • Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics , housed in the former Court of Justice under the Dutch. It showcases traditional Indonesian paintings and ceramics. Join a pottery workshop and make a piece of your choice. The workshop lasts for 30 to 45 minutes. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 – Pottery Workshop: IDR 50,000
  • Cafe Batavia , set in the second oldest building in the square. Constructed in the 19th century, the 2-story building has a bar, performance stage, and lounge area on the ground floor and the “Grand Salon”, which is the main dining hall on the upper floor. This is one of the most recommended restaurants in Jakarta because of its historic location, good food, and great service. They serve Indonesian food from breakfast to dinner plus a few western dishes. Their menu also includes coffee, tea, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic drinks. – Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM; Saturday, 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Cafe Batavia

The biggest Chinatown in Indonesia, Glodok was established back in the Dutch colonial period.

Glodok Jakarta

Today, Glodok is dotted with stores selling snacks and Chinese medicine. There’s also a market where you can buy seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Foodies will also be delighted by an array of dining options, from street food stalls to food courts.

Merdeka Square & Surrounding Landmarks

Merdeka Square serves as a recreational park for the locals. With an area of around 75 hectares, the square is so vast that they even have a shuttle to take you to the National Monument , its centerpiece.

National Monument Jakarta

If you visit at night, you will see the Monas light up and illuminate the square. There’s also a food court area here where you can have snacks or a meal.

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Entrance Fee: FREE

Here are some of the structures within and around Jakarta’s Merdeka Square:

  • National Monument , also called Monas , the symbol of Indonesian independence. The 132-meter (433-foot) monument was erected under President Sukarno and was opened to the public in 1975. Incorporated in its design is the date of the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence — August 17, 1945. Visitors may enter the National Monument and climb to the top to get a panoramic view of central Jakarta. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Entrance Fee: IDR 40,000

Merdeka Square Jakarta Landmarks

  • National Museum of Indonesia , aka the Elephant Museum or Museum Gajah because of the elephant statue in front of the museum building. It is said to be the most complete in the country. It boasts around 141,000 artifacts including pre-historic, anthropological, and archeological artifacts from Indonesia and other parts of Asia, housed in two main buildings: Gedung Gajah which is the old wing, and Gedung Arca which is a new wing that was added in 2007. – Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000
  • Jakarta Cathedral , officially named The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Jakarta. The current neo-Gothic structure is not the original church, but what was rebuilt after it collapsed in 1890.
  • Merdeka Palace , located on the north side of Merdeka Square. It is also known as Istana Merdeka in Indonesian. The construction of the palace started in 1873 and was completed in 1879. It was then called the Palace of the Governor-general. After Indonesia gained its independence in 1949, it became the residence of the president of the Republic of Indonesia. You may see the palace from across the street near Merdeka Square.
  • Istiqlal Mosque , the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Its construction took 17 years, from 1961 to 1978. It was built to mark the independence of Indonesia hence the name Istiqlal , which means independence in Arabic. Visitors may enter the mosque through Gate 5, which is right across the Jakarta Cathedral. They also provide a guided tour of the mosque to tourists. The tour is FREE but you are welcome to give a tip or donation. Tour is held every 30 minutes from 10am to 11:30am, from 1pm to 3pm, and 4pm to 4:30pm.

Istiqlal Mosque Tour Schedule

A 19th century market located in Central Jakarta, Pasar Baru is one of the oldest shopping districts in the city.

Pasar Baru Jakarta

The whole street is lined with stores selling mostly textiles, shoes, and clothes. You will definitely not miss this area when you visit because the street is marked by a bridge and a gate that displays its name.

Ancol Beach

Ancol is a waterfront complex located in the coastal area of North Jakarta. Inside Ancol is a theme park called Dunia Fantasi or Dufan. You’ll also find Atlantis Water Adventure which is a waterpark featuring the ancient cities of the Mediterranean.

Ancol Beach Jakarta

Also located within he complex are an ecopark, an art market, and Gondola Ancol , which is the first cable car ride in Indonesia. Each of these attractions has a separate entrance fee.

You may purchase tickets online through their website . You may also pay for the ticket at the entrance on-site, but take note that they only accept card payments for now.

Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000

Textile Museum

Textiles are a huge part of Indonesia’s culture. Museum Tekstil displays collections from different parts of the country. Located in West Jakarta, the museum was inaugurated in 1976 in honor of Madame Tien Soeharto, who was Indonesia’s first lady at the time.

Aside from the different textiles, traditional weaving instruments and equipment used to make batik also take centerstage inside the museum.

Textile Museum Jakarta

Visitors may also join a workshop where you can get try making batik. From the gate of the museum, turn to your left and follow the sign that says Pendopo Batik . You may also tell the person at the entrance that you want to make batik so they can lead you to the workshop area. Here, the nice ladies who make batik will guide you through the whole process starting from tracing your chosen design and using the tjanting , a traditional tool used to apply the liquid was to the fabric in batik making. The whole process takes around an hour and you get to keep your batik and the tjanting as a souvenir!

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 Batik Making: IDR 40,000

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market Jakarta

Along Jalan Surabaya in Menteng District lies a flea market. The street is lined with stores selling tons of various antique items. A visit to Jalan Surabaya is a must — especially if you’re interested in antique items or you just like looking at random unique pieces, from trinkets to collectibles to chandeliers. Also available are old CDs and vinyls, ceramics, and a lot more!

WHERE TO EAT IN JAKARTA

Jakarta’s food scene mirrors Indonesia’s rich culture and long history. The food here is a mix of different cuisines from various parts of Indonesia, with influences from other places. You won’t have a hard time looking for a place to eat in Jakarta because it’s bursting with choices — from street food stalls to hawker centers (food courts) to proper sit-down restaurants. And because Indonesia has a strong coffee culture, you will also find a lot of cafes ranging from traditional establishments to modern ones that give a new spin to everyone’s favorite drink.

Petak Enam Jakarta

  • Sabang Street. Found in Central Jakarta, Sabang street food or Kampung Kuliner Sabang is located along Jl. H. Agus Salim. Starting at around 5PM, vendors begin to set up and open up their tents by the side of the road. This is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta if you want to try various Indonesian dishes — including sate , gudeg , nasi goreng , and martabak .
  • Glodok. Chinatown’s streets are flanked with establishments selling snacks, fruits, and desserts. Some stalls also sell meals like bakso and nasi goreng that you can eat right there on the kerbside while sitting on a chair.
  • Petak Enam. If you prefer to have a meal more comfortably while you’re in Chinatown, head over to Petak Enam, a food court in Glodok. The place is filled to the seams with stalls offering various Indonesian dishes and other cuisines too including soto betawi , which is beef soup with coconut milk broth; and nasi campur , white rice served with different types of meat dishes.

– Rumah Makan Surya Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Address: Jl. Bendungan Hilir 

  • Kopi Es Ta Kie. A breakfast place in Glodok, Kopi Es Ta Kie is one of the oldest cafes in Jakarta. This family-owned institution has been in business since 1927 and has been passed on over generations. They are open from early morning to early afternoon serving food like nasi campur, bakmi ayam, and more along with their coffee. Aside from the restaurant in Glodok, they also now have several branches in Jakarta. – Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. But they might close early once they sell out.
  • Kopi Oey Sabang. Kopi Oey has several branches, too, but their most popular branch is probably the one in Sabang. The coffee shop has an Indonesian Chinese design with walls paintings and framed photos of food. Their menu includes a variety of nasi goreng, soto and sop, mie or noodles, pasta, roti, and other Indonesian breakfast food. If you’re a coffee lover, included in their selection are single origin coffee which you can pick your preferred brewing method. – Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM – Address: Jl. H. Agus Salim 
  • Giyanti Coffee Roastery. if you’re after cafes with Instagrammable interiors, consider Giyanti Coffee Roastery in Jalan Surabaya. This is a perfect stop for coffee and pastries for breakfast or after you feast your eyes with antiques and shop at the flea market. It has a vibrant interior and a lot of seating space including an outdoor area with a garden feel. Because it is also a roastery, you can also purchase coffee beans here that you can take home. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Address: Jl. Surabaya, Menteng  – Note: Giyanti Coffee Roastery does not accept cash payments. You may pay using debit or credit card.

SAMPLE JAKARTA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 3-Day Jakarta itinerary with breakdown of expenses. This assumes that you will be flying with Cebu Pacific, staying in Central Jakarta, and taking public transportation to go around. You may use this itinerary and make adjustments based on your schedule and preferences.

  • DAY 0: ARRIVAL 11:50 AM – Arrival in Jakarta 1:00 AM – Purchase SIM card, IDR 250,000 1:30 AM – Grab to hotel, IDR 160,000 1:40 AM – Hotel check-in
  • DAY 1: CENTRAL JAKARTA 8:00 AM – Wake up call 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Kopi Oey Sabang, IDR 90,000 10:00 AM – Buy Transjakarta Card, IDR 27,500 10:30 AM – Walk to Merdeka Square 10:40 AM – National Monument, IDR 40,000 11:30 AM – Walk to Merdeka Palace 11:40 AM – Merdeka Palace 12:00 PM – Lunch, IDR 100,000 1:00 PM – National Museum, IDR 25,000 2:30 PM – Bus to Istiqlal Mosque, IDR 3500 3:20 PM – Jakarta Cathedral 3:45 PM – Istiqlal Mosque, Tour at 4pm 5:00 PM – Walk to Pasar Baru 5:10 PM – Pasar Baru 6:10 PM – Bus to Padang Street Food, IDR 3,500 6:40 PM – Padang Street Food, IDR 100,000 
9:00 PM – Back to hotel
  • DAY 2: KOTA TUA 8:00 AM – Wake up call 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Kopi Es Tak Kie, IDR 85,000 10:00 AM – Bus to Kota Tua, IDR 3,500 10:30 AM – Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramic, IDR 5,000 11:00 AM – Pottery Workshop, IDR 50,000 12:00 PM – Lunch at Cafe Batavia, IDR 200,000 1:00 PM – Jakarta History Museum, IDR 5,000 2:00 PM – Museum Wayang, IDR 5,000 3:00 PM – Museum Bank Indonesia, IDR 5,000 4:00 PM – Bus to Ancol, IDR 3,500 5:00 PM – Ancol, IDR 25,000 7:30 PM – Dinner, IDR 100,000 8:30 PM – Back to hotel 9:00 PM – Lights out
  • DAY 3: JALAN SURABAYA & GLODOK 9:00 AM – Wake up call 10:00 AM – Early check-out, leave bags 10:30 AM – Brunch @ Giyanti Coffee Roastery, IDR 100,000 11:30 AM – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market 12:30 PM – Textile Museum, IDR 5,000 1:30 AM – Batik Making, IDR 40,000 2:30 PM – Bus to Glodok, IDR 3,500 3:30 PM – Explore Glodok 7:00 PM – Dinner, IDR 80,000 8:00 PM – Back to hotel, get bags 9:00 PM – Grab to airport, IDR 160,000 9:40 PM – Flight Check-in 12:30 PM – Flight out

This itinerary will set you back around IDR 2,700,000 (USD 172, EUR 165, SGD 235, PHP 9700), excluding airfare and travel tax , but assuming you book a hotel room that costs around IDR 200,000 per night. You may still minimize the cost if you stay in a dorm or book a cheaper hotel like we did. In reality we only paid IDR 124,000 per night.

This also includes a big allowance for incidental expenses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When is the best time to visit jakarta.

May to October is the best time to visit since these are the driest months in Jakarta.

Jakarta has a tropical climate. The temperature here doesn’t change so much throughout the year. However, the chance of rain varies significantly making the wet and dry season very apparent. The dry months are from May to October, with the driest month being August, so schedule your trip around this time if you want to avoid the rain ruining your plans.

The wettest months are September to April, with the most rain in January. During these months, some parts of the city are prone to flooding.Public holidays may also affect the traffic and the operating hours of attractions and other establishments. Here’s the list of public holidays in Indonesia:

  • New Year’s Day – January 1
  • Chinese New Year – February 11
  • Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad – February 28
  • Hindu New Year – March 3
  • Good Friday – March or April
  • International Labor Day – May 1
  • Eid-al-Fitr
  • Ascencion of Jesus Christ – April or May
  • Pancasila Day – June 1
  • Eid-ul-Adha
  • Islamic New Year – July 30
  • Independence Day – August 17
  • Maulid Nabi – October 8
  • Christmas – December 25

Where to exchange currencies in Jakarta?

I’ve only tried a couple of money changers along Gajah Mada near Glodok. They are open until late night and there’s one that is open for 24 hours. DollarIndo and Primatama have the same or very similar rates, which are pretty good.

Jakarta Money Changer

What is the power plug or socket used in Jakarta?

Electricity Info: 230V, 50Hz frequency. Type C and F plugs and sockets.

Electric Sockets Types C F

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A first-timer's guide to Jakarta

Oct 5, 2023 • 8 min read

Jakarta residents shopping in a traditional market lit by shafts of light

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.

View of modern residential skyscrapers in downtown Jakarta

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.

The Sejarah History Museum on Taman Fatahillah, Jakarta

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).

Carnival crowds with colorful parasols in Glodok, Jakarta's Chinatown

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.

A snorkeler in the blue waters of the Thousand Islands near Jakarta

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

The gleaming white frontage of the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta

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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Jakarta Travel Guide

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

A GoJek driver in Jakarta waiting to pick up a passenger.

All Transport Guide

Jakarta is a huge metropolis! Learn how to get around the busy streets of Jakarta with our easy-to-follow guide.​

Train at Jakarta Airport-Railway Station. From here many passengers will travel to BNI City Station in Central Jakarta to access other forms of transportation such as the MRT.

Jakarta MRT Guide

Make use of the Jakarta MRT Network to avoid traffic and enjoy your holiday in this big metropolitan.

Jakarta MRT Map

Jakarta Airport Guide

So you've arrived in Jakarta, what's next? Learn how to navigate the city's international airport and how to get to your hotel.

National Gallery of Indonesia. This is a very popular art gallery that showcases some of the best artwork in Indonesia. It is located directly east of the Monas, minutes from Gambir Train Station.

Attractions

Getting bored in Jakarta? These attractions are something to look forward to and soon.

Taman Fatahillah and other attractions in Kota Tua can be accessed from Jakarta Kota Station.

Jakarta "How To"

Get to know the must-sees in Jakarta so you will have a more satisfying holiday.

Look for this sign in Jakarta Airport Terminal 2 to find the hotel.

Where to Stay

Get to to know the best neighborhoods in Jakarta. Find out the most convenient hotel and accommodation options.

Masks are commonly seen in this market

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

The National Gallery of Indonesia is a great spot to explore while in Jakarta. It is right beside Gambir Station and the Monas.

Pasar Raya Blok M – Want to find the largest souvenir store in Jakarta. It’s right here.

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Suropati Park – Watch local artists play music for free at this public park.

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Bundaran HI and the Selatmat Datang Monument in Central Jakarta.

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National Gallery of Indonesia. This is a very popular art gallery that showcases some of the best artwork in Indonesia. It is located directly east of the Monas, minutes from Gambir Train Station.

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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.  

The colorful bicycles adds to the festive ambiance of Kota Tua

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 …

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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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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » Jakarta

11 BEST Places to Visit in Jakarta (2024)

Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, is a megacity that is alive and buzzing 24 hours a day. The locals always have a smile on their face and a positive outlook. You’ll have one too when you hear about the world-class street food and coffee scene! Not only that, there’s plenty to see across the different neighbourhoods too. Chinatown and Glodok show the city’s colonial past, while Merdeka Square is a confident representation of modern Indonesia. Throw in some great nightlife and Jakarta is the complete package!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit in Jakarta. By the time you’ve ticked a few off, your smile will be as wide as one of the locals!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Jakarta:

These are the best places to visit in jakarta, faq on the best places to visit in jakarta.

Mangga Dua, Jakarta

Mangga Dua is Jakarta’s world-famous shopping hub. In fact, it’s one of the largest shopping areas in all of Southeast Asia! From Mangga Dua Square where many big concerts are held to Mangga Dua Mall with its excellent retail store bargains, you’ll have no shortage of things to do.

  • Check out the concert hall lineup at Mangga Dua Square
  • Get a tattoo in Mangga Dua Square
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner in Gunung Sahari Street

Not only does Jakarta boast some kick-ass attractions, but also a myriad of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. Be sure to check out the best places to s tay in Jakarta and book yourself an Airbnb epic enough to match the level of epic you’ll find in this list below!

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#1 – Kota Tua – A perfect place to visit in Jakarta if you’re on a budget

Kota Tua

  • Explore Jakarta’s colonial downtown
  • Find some street food hot spots in Jakarta
  • Check out some interesting and unusual museums

Why it’s awesome: Kota Tua is Jakarta’s Old Town, and it’s normally the first stop for tourists and travellers in town. This is hardly surprising – the oldest and most historic buildings from the Dutch colonial era are found here! The city’s original downtown contains Dutch-style squares and plenty of history to uncover. At the turn of the century, the buildings were rapidly deteriorating, but many have been restored since and the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Explore the architecture and cool street food spots either on foot or by bike!

What to do there: Not sure how to see Jakarta’s Old Town? Well, a good place to start is Fatahillah Square. This is slap bang in the middle of Kota Tua (what was once known as Old Batavia). Around the square, there are plenty of museums where you can absorb Jakarta’s colonial history or find some quirky exhibitions. Many are low priced, and some are completely free! Highly recommended are the Jakarta History Museum and Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, which are both self-explanatory. The Wayang Museum shows off Javanese puppets and dolls!

#2 – Merdeka Square – A great place to visit in Jakarta if you’re travelling solo!

Merdeka Square

  • Take a break from Jakarta’s traffic and chill
  • Stroll around one of the largest public squares in the world
  • Surrounded by some of the coolest landmarks in Jakarta

Why it’s awesome: If you’re travelling solo and you want to make some friends in Jakarta, you’re bound to come across someone at Merdeka Square. After all, it’s one of the largest public squares in the world and it’s where the locals come to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Not to mention the stifling traffic, which is seemingly always gridlocked! The square is centered around the National Monument, standing at 132 metres high. There’s an interesting museum at the base, but if you’re unafraid of heights and want some great pictures then head to the observation deck at the top!

What to do there: As well as chilling in the square and visiting the national monument, there’s plenty to do. Some of the most important points of interest in Jakarta surround Merdeka Square. You’ll find the National Gallery, the Merdeka and Negara Palaces, and the National Museum, which we’ll tell you more about later! Even with all these cool attractions, nothing beats escaping from busy Jakarta life and relaxing in the shade with your travel companion or alone with a book, watching the world go by! On weekend evenings, don’t miss the spectacular fountain show complete with lights and music.

#3 – Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – A very cool place to go in Jakarta for a day!

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

  • Explore full-scale house models from all over Indonesia
  • Let the kids choose between the water park and the space exploration museum!
  • One of the best places in Jakarta to spend a whole day

Why it’s awesome: Running low on Jakarta vacation ideas? Head here, where they’ve thought of literally everything. The park’s name literally translates to Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park. The only thing they forgot was huge – it covers a massive area. But of course, it has to as it packs in parks, an IMAX cinema, a water park, and that’s just for starters! This is the perfect place to go for the day with the family, or simply to have a quirky and relaxed adventure.

What to do there: Where to start! Get a dose of Indonesian culture by exploring the models of traditional houses from around the country. You can also take home some cool souvenirs, as there’s a traditional handicraft market which sells clothing too! Then, move on to a mini re-creation of one of Indonesia’s most important temples, Borobodur. Find somewhere to have a tasty and traditional lunch then head to the atrium in the afternoon, which houses 760 native birds! If you’re still there in the evening (and why wouldn’t you be), head to one of the regional houses for a free traditional performance!

#4 – Glodok Chinatown – A must-see for foodies!

Glodok Chinatown Jakarta

  • Explore one of the street food hotspots in Jakarta
  • Visit the Chinese temples of the area
  • Head to one of Jakarta’s largest shopping centres.

Why it’s awesome: Glodok may not be the most tourist-friendly destination, but it is home to some of the best places to eat in Jakarta. In our book, that definitely makes it worth a visit. Indonesian street food has a mishmash of influences, and one of the most important is Chinese. It’s in Glodok that you’ll find a number of street food stalls along the narrow pavements, as well as a range of Chinese restaurants which range from dingy and quiet to upmarket! It’s hard not to find something delicious here.

What to do there: Eat, eat, eat! Whether it’s grilled pork, fried duck, or delicious satay sauce, you’ll find something to keep you sated. It’s not all about food in Glodok though. The area is home to a number of quiet and peaceful temples, which don’t have anywhere near the number of crowds as some of the more popular religious sites in Jakarta. They’re a great place to relax and contemplate away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Glodok is close to Kota Tua, so you can easily combine both in a day trip if you fancy!

#5 – Dunia Fantasi (Ancol Dreamland) – Awesome place to visit in Jakarta with kids!

Dunia Fantasi

  • Take the kids to this internationally themed amusement park
  • Get views of Jakarta Bay from the top of rollercoasters
  • Jakarta must-do for the whole family

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes cultural attractions can get a bit tiresome and heavy when you’re travelling with kids, so why not mix it up and head to one of the most fun places in Jakarta – Ancol Dreamland! It’ll put a face on the smile of the little ones with spinning teacups and Hello Kitty Dreamland, while even the surliest teen will have their indifferent frown re-arranged by the Hysteria vertical thrill ride! There are 9 new attractions planned at the time of writing (2019) so it’s only going to get better by the time you arrive!

What to do there: First thing to do in the theme park is make a plan of the rides you don’t want to miss and head to them first. You don’t want to spend the day stuck in queues! As Jakarta can get hot and humid, we highly recommend the log flume ride to cool off. It’s not all about rides at this cool internationally inspired theme park though. Head to Ancient Greece or Ancient Egypt without leaving the Indonesian capital and admire these fantastic recreations! When you fancy something a little more relaxed, see movies about Beautiful Indonesia at the on-site Kalila Adventure Animatronic theatre!

#6 – National Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Jakarta

National Museum

  • Learn about every aspect of Indonesian culture
  • Over 100,000 pieces exhibiting this country’s rich heritage
  • One of the major points of interest in Jakarta

Why it’s awesome: Just across from Merdeka Square is where you’ll find one of the most impressive and important museums in South East Asia – the National Museum of Indonesia. Don’t miss the beautiful elephant statue in the courtyard (it’s kind of hard to if you go in really), which gives it the name it’s known among locals – the Elephant building. The museum collection consists of more than 100,000 articles. These relate to art, agriculture, languages, and religion of the national and regional history of Indonesia. An unmissable Jakarta attraction!

What to do there: If you want to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia, there’s nowhere better to go. Visit the top floor to see the impressive jewels and precious metal artifacts that belonged to the archipelago’s rajahs and sultans. If you’d prefer to go further back in time, visit the exhibition of batik cloths from the 1 st century AD which has been beautifully preserved! You can also find exhibits dedicated to the 700+ languages spoken across the island chain, a great way to find out more about local life.

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#7 – Istiqlal Mosque – One of the most religious places to see in Jakarta!

Istiqlal Mosque

  • Visit the biggest mosque in South East Asia
  • Take a guided tour and learn more about the architecture and symbols
  • One of the most famous places in Jakarta

Why it’s awesome: Indonesia has freedom of religion, but the majority of one of the largest populations on earth follow Islam. In fact, almost 90% of the country’s 260 million population are Muslim! So, it’s fitting that you can find the largest mosque in South East Asia in Jakarta, and the 3 rd largest in the world then. It can fit 20,000 people more than Barcelona’s Camp Nou football stadium. You can find Istiqlal Mosque just a stone’s throw away from Merdeka Square and opposite Jakarta’s Catholic cathedral.

What to do there: Istiqlal Mosque is open to the public and it’s possible to take a guided tour. This comes highly recommended as it enables you to learn more about Islam and also admire the intricate symbols and architecture. The designs not only reflect the principles of Islam but also represent scenes from Indonesian history too. A visit to the mosque can be tied in with a visit to Jakarta’s other Historical House of Worship, and the attractions which surround Merdeka Square.

#8 – Suropati Park

Suropati Park

  • Escape the humidity for a natural and fresh breeze
  • Enjoy the mix of nature, art, and city life
  • A great place to meet cats when visiting Jakarta!

Why it’s awesome: Originally beginning as a village green surrounded by mansions in the fancy Menteng residence, Suropati Park is now a favourite spot of tourists and locals alike who want to escape the traffic and noise of the concrete jungle. This is a great place to spend a lazy day after you’ve visited some of the busier landmarks in Jakarta. Lay down on the grass and pet one of the park’s many cats, or listen to the music being made by groups of local friends on their acoustic guitars!

What to do there: As with most parks, there’s plenty of choices depending on how active you want to be! If you’ve got a workout regime you’re planning on keeping up during your holiday, this is a great spot for jogging or running. However, since it can get so hot and humid, we’d recommend avoiding it at midday! For a more relaxed morning or afternoon, check out the ASEAN monuments donated from neighbouring South East Asian countries!

#9 – Jalan Jaksa

Jalan Jaksa

  • Explore Jakarta’s backpacker hub
  • Enjoy a mix of street food, cool cafes, and a variety of accommodation
  • Just a short walk from the best places in Jakarta

Why it’s awesome: Now is a great time to head to Jalan Jaksa. It used to be full of flophouses and old rickety hostels, but the process of gentrification has brought it up to speed without losing its charm and character. If you’re travelling in Jakarta on a budget, it’s probably where you’re going to end up – and you’re probably going to love it! The area is about 1km south of the National Museum and Merdeka Square, so it’s easy enough to walk or take public transport to see some of the top landmarks in Jakarta!

What to do there: Eat, sleep, and be merry. Jalan Jaksa is the perfect area to meet new friends if you’re travelling solo since there are so many bars and cool hostels. It’s a great base for visiting the city too. You can easily get to pretty much all of the other locations on our list on foot, and the ones you can’t just a cheap journey away on public transport. If you’re planning any day trips from Jakarta, pop around the corner to Gongdangdia Station. This connects you to Jakarta’s main station where the island of Java is your oyster!

#10 – Babakan Lake and the Betawi Cultural Village

Babakan Lake and the Betawi Cultural Village

  • Learn about the indigenous Betawi Culture
  • Take a paddleboat out onto the lake
  • One of the best natural landmarks in Jakarta

Why it’s awesome: Another perfect spot to escape from Jakarta’s hustle and bustle. Not only that, you can experience a traditional cultural village and learn about the indigenous way of life in Jakarta’s surroundings. Setu Babakan (Babakan Lake) is actually the centre of the village. This is probably best recommended as a day trip as it takes about an hour and a half to get to the village on public transport. Located in Southern Jakarta, it’s more than 20km from Merdeka Square – but that shouldn’t put you off!

What to do there: It depends when you visit really. All through the year, you’ll be able to appreciate the traditional architecture of the houses and buildings here. You can also enjoy regular performances featuring dance, music, and masks celebrating Betawi heritage. Each Sunday, there are regular cultural performances. You can also head out onto the calm waters of the lake in one of the cool bird-shaped pedalos, or in a canoe. If you’d prefer to just view, you can do that from under the shade of papaya, banana, and rambutan trees!

Short on time and want to see as much as possible? Check out our  3-day itinerary for Jakarta , and plan your trip before visiting! 

#11 – Ancol Beach City – A great place in Jakarta if you love to shop!

Ancol Beach City

  • Take part in FREE watersports!
  • Shop till you drop at one of Jakarta’s biggest malls
  • Great place to take the family

Why it’s awesome: The shopping and entertainment complex on the shores of Jakarta Bay is one of the best places in Jakarta for a fun day out. Spend the morning enjoying some retail therapy at a range of local and international shops, before taking part in some free water sports in the afternoon. So, if you’re visiting Jakarta on a budget this is the perfect spot for some adrenaline-fuelled activities! Try out jet-skiing, banana boats, and for something a little more chilled, the Ancol Beach cruise!

What to do there: Shopping and water sports isn’t quite enough? It’s lucky that there’s more going on here then, isn’t it?! The shopping centre also has a concert stadium which has hosted multiple international stars. If you’re feeling really brave, put your name forward for karaoke on the beach… don’t worry, it’s not at the concert stadium! Whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure to find plenty of Jakarta vacation ideas in this place alone!

Get insured for your trip to Jakarta!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Jakarta

What is Jakarta famous for?

Jakarta has a rich history, but is more well known today for its heavy traffic and high levels of pollution.

Is Jakarta worth visiting?

Jakarta has some unique attractions and gorgeous old colonial Dutch buildings. I would say it is worth visiting for a few days.

Is Jakarta a safe place to visit?

When you think of Indonesia, you think of lovely safe Bali, but Jakarta is different and not considered as safe – tourists should exercise caution when visiting.

What is the best place to visit in Jakarta with friends?

Jalan Jaksa is a great place to hang out with friends, enjoying some good food and mingling with other backpackers.

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best things to do in Jakarta. We hope you’ve found our list a useful and informative guide to some cool, interesting, and even some unusual activities you can fill up your time within the Indonesian capital. Don’t forget to take another look at our list of the best places to stay in Jakarta to get a good idea of what you can get for your budget!

More than all that, our list should help you to see Jakarta through the eyes of a local in some ways. After all, if you don’t let the chaos get to you, and have a genuine passion for travelling, you can really get to know this incredible megacity.

All that’s left is for us to wish you a fantastic trip to Jakarta, whatever you end up doing!

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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

Rose Wilson

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Jakarta is a great city. Perhaps this city is the paradise for shopping! There are so many big shopping malls, popular shopping streets and markets. Thank you very much for giving us a very good guide line for a particular part of travelling.

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A City that Never Sleeps

Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia. Jakarta is a huge, sprawling metropolis, home to over 10 million people with diverse ethnic group backgrounds from all over Indonesia. During the day, the number increases with commuters making their way to work in the city and flock out again in the evenings. Located on the northwest of Java Island, the province of DKI Jakarta has rapidly expanded through the years, absorbing many villages in the process. In fact, Jakarta is a conglomeration of villages known as kampung , now crossed by main roads and superhighways.

A City that Never Sleeps

The Charm of the Metropolis

A part of the local experience is that you may drive down one wide avenue one minute, then suddenly find yourself squeezed into a small street together with scores of cars and motorbikes. With its many suburbs, Jakarta has become a  Megapolitan city . Therefore, when you visit Jakarta it is best to invest in a good map or rely on GPS to navigate around.

Jakarta is not only the seat of the national government and the provincial government, but it is also Indonesia’s political center. Moreover, Jakarta is the hub of Indonesia’s national finance and trade. It is no wonder, that you will find Jakarta as a dynamic city, with activities taking place around-the-clock throughout its populated areas.

This city is divided into 5 districts, namely Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta Utara, Jakarta Barat, Jakarta Timur, and Jakarta Selatan . The term ‘Jabodetabek’ refers to Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi - the Greater Jakarta area consists of megacities surrounding the capital.

A City that Never Sleeps

Jakarta Pusat or central Jakarta is where you can find the iconic landmarks such as Monas, The Merdeka Palace , The National Museum , Istiqlal Mosque , The Jakarta Cathedral , and Monumen Selamat Datang or the welcome monument widely renowned as Bunderan HI.

Some of the most prestigious shopping malls and upscale hotels are located right in the heart of Central Jakarta. Here you can enjoy the 24 hours excitements of Jakarta!

Jakarta Utara or North Jakarta is where Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or Ancol Dreamland is located. It boasts a variety of amusements such as Dufan Theme park, Seaworld, Atlantis Water Adventure Park, Ecopark, an Art market and comfortable accommodation choices with a complete culinary destination. From Ancol Bay, you can hop on a boat and head to Jakarta’s pristine getaway, enriched with tropical islands named Kepulauan Seribu, or The Seribu Archipelago and sometimes also simply famous as The Thousand Islands.

Here, there are more than 10 islands that one can explore. Some of the most famous are Bidadari, Tidung, Pari and Pulau Macan, the home of private beach huts that lets you plunge directly from your bed to the open sea.

Jakarta Barat or West Jakarta, Jakarta Timur or East Jakarta and Jakarta Selatan or South Jakarta are those areas where a cluster of houses are located alongside offices, public facilities and more choices of shopping malls!

The amazing historical heritage in West Jakarta is Museum Fatahillah and its surrounding Kota Tua or Old Jakarta district is where you can ride a classic bike to tour the area. The new iconic destination in West Jakarta is the contemporary art exhibition venue named Museum Macan, where Yayoi Kusama’s artworks are displayed.

In East Jakarta, you can visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, the miniature of Indonesia Archipelago. You can explore the details of traditional houses and a glimpse of Indonesia’s diverse culture in this park.

When visiting South Jakarta, make sure to drop by at Setu Babakan and get to know the story of Betawi culture, the native ethnic group of Jakarta. There are a museum and traditional Betawi houses with few activities that you can experience, such as getting to know the traditional dance and music, tasting the local beverage of Bir Pletok, have a bite of Kerak Telor and making small ondel ondel, the iconic figure of Jakarta!

A City that Never Sleeps

Indonesia’s Independence Day is also celebrated annually on the 17th of August with various activities throughout the nation. Especially in Jakarta, you will find communities decorating their homes with the national color of red and white.

Unique games and races are packed with participants of all ages. Balap Karung or the sack race and Panjat Pinang or the Pinang climb are two iconic games that are always crowded with spectators.

By Air  Jakarta has two international airports, one is the larger Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located in Tangerang, now in the neighboring province of Banten. The other is the smaller Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, which is reserved for limited domestic flights. 

Overland As the nation’s capital, Jakarta is connected by land to major cities in Java, public transport to get to Jakarta is available by bus and train.

People who visit Jakarta, usually take time to stop by the neighboring Bogor, famous for it's Botanical Garden and highlands getaway in the Puncak area.

Or if you prefer the coastal area, head to Banten and spend a holiday at Anyer and Carita Beach.

By Sea  Tanjung Priok is the name of Jakarta’s seaport, located in North Jakarta. It is the busiest seaport in Indonesia.

In April 2018, Genting Dream Cruises, based in Singapore, has opened special itineraries to visit Indonesia’s capital for this summer to voyage. A delightful choice for the one who wants to splurge aboard a luxurious cruise ship.

The best way to travel around Jakarta is by rented car, taxi or package tour. Be prepared though to meet traffic jams, especially when traveling during peak hours and into business districts, including the Old Batavia area. 

It is advisable therefore to choose a hotel near the location where you will have your meeting or business appointments or to the attraction or destination you wish to visit. Distances between points of interest in Jakarta can sometimes be far and might be interspersed with traffic.

Jakarta in Moving Frames

An exploration of the wondrous labuan bajo, borobudur - the grand temple, mandalika - where the waves collide, likupang - escape to the new world, the heartbeat of toba, nearby spectacles.

TeamLab Future Park: Jakarta's Interactive Art Experience

TeamLab Future Park: Jakarta's Interactive Art Experience

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Merdeka & State Palace: Indonesia's Historic Moments

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Old Batavia: Jewel of Asia in the 16th Century

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Taman Mini: Indonesia's Rich Cultural Showcase

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Motomoto Art Museum: Enrich Your Photo Content

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The Grand Istiqlal Mosque

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Fatahilah Museum

Glodok

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Vihara Dharma Bhakti (The Jin De Yuan)

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Jakarta Shopping Extravaganza

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Jakarta Street Food Scene

Jakarta Street Food Scene

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National Museum

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Catholic Catedral

What they say, romantic bandung - the paris of java.

Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.

Romantic Bandung - The Paris Of Java!

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Trip.Best: Jakarta

Top 4 Luxury Hotels in Jakarta

Top 4 Luxury Hotels in Jakarta

Top 12 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

Top 12 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

Popular Family Hotels in Jakarta

Popular Family Hotels in Jakarta

Top 3 Instagrammable Hotels in Jakarta

Top 3 Instagrammable Hotels in Jakarta

Top 20 Premium Hotels in Jakarta

Top 20 Premium Hotels in Jakarta

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Top 20 4-star Select Hotels in Jakarta

Jakarta travel guide.

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Experience Jakarta

Jakarta Old Town

Jakarta Old Town

Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square

Museum Nasional

Museum Nasional

Jakarta Cathedral

Jakarta Cathedral

Glodok Chinatown Market

Glodok Chinatown Market

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque

Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park

Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park

Sea World Ancol

Sea World Ancol

National Monument

National Monument

Merdeka Palace

Merdeka Palace

Where to stay, millennium hotel sirih jakarta, hotel cikini, dwijaya house of pakubuwono, reddoorz @ meruya 2, legreen suite supomo, pullman jakarta indonesia, batavia apartments, hotel & serviced residences, amaris hotel juanda, cordex hotel ancol, sampit residence managed by flat06, the st. regis jakarta, hotel ciputra jakarta managed by swiss-belhotel international, what to eat.

Kila Kila By Akasya

Kila Kila By Akasya

Bandar Djakarta Ancol

Bandar Djakarta Ancol

Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Jakarta

Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Jakarta

Al Nafoura Lebanese Restaurant

Al Nafoura Lebanese Restaurant

Harum Manis

Harum Manis

Ganesha ek Sanskriti BRI II

Ganesha ek Sanskriti BRI II

Plan B Spanish Resto

Plan B Spanish Resto

Queens Head Jakarta

Queens Head Jakarta

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Sailendra Restaurant

LOEWY

Discover the Real Jakarta With a Local Expert

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Gunung Tangkuban Parahu

Gunung Tangkuban Parahu

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Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika

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Bogor Botanical Gardens

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White Crater

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Braga Street

Popular premium hotels near jakarta.

Pullman Jakarta Central Park

Pullman Jakarta Central Park

Jhl Solitaire Gading Serpong

Jhl Solitaire Gading Serpong

Pullman Ciawi Vimala Hills Resort

Pullman Ciawi Vimala Hills Resort

The Botanica Sanctuary

The Botanica Sanctuary

Grand Aston Puncak Hotel & Resort

Grand Aston Puncak Hotel & Resort

Le Eminence Puncak Hotel Convention & Resort

Le Eminence Puncak Hotel Convention & Resort

Royal Tulip Golf Resort Gunung Geulis

Royal Tulip Golf Resort Gunung Geulis

Mason Pine Hotel Bandung

Mason Pine Hotel Bandung

The Gaia Hotel Bandung

The Gaia Hotel Bandung

Grand Mercure Bandung Setiabudi

Grand Mercure Bandung Setiabudi

Padma Hotel Bandung

Padma Hotel Bandung

Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers

Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers

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The Upper Clift Resort & Cafe

The Upper Clift Resort & Cafe

Pesona Alam Resort & Spa

Pesona Alam Resort & Spa

R Hotel Rancamaya

R Hotel Rancamaya

Novus Jiva Villa Resort and Spa Anyer

Novus Jiva Villa Resort and Spa Anyer

InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar, an IHG Hotel

InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar, an IHG Hotel

Crowne Plaza Bandung, an IHG Hotel

Crowne Plaza Bandung, an IHG Hotel

Novotel Lampung

Novotel Lampung

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The 1O1 Jakarta Airport Cbc

The 1O1 Jakarta Airport Cbc

Fairfield by Marriott Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Fairfield by Marriott Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Trembesi Hotel

Trembesi Hotel

Anara Airport Hotel

Anara Airport Hotel

Santika Premiere Bintaro

Santika Premiere Bintaro

Mercure Tangerang Centre

Mercure Tangerang Centre

Aviary Bintaro

Aviary Bintaro

Mercure Tangerang BSD City

Mercure Tangerang BSD City

Herloom BSD

Herloom BSD

Episode Gading Serpong

Episode Gading Serpong

Vivere Hotel, Artotel Curated

Vivere Hotel, Artotel Curated

Swiss-Belhotel Serpong

Swiss-Belhotel Serpong

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Popular Types of Attractions in Jakarta

Popular attractions in jakarta, popular restaurants in jakarta, trending travelogues, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, popular trip moments, popular travel types, more things to do in jakarta.

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Jakarta travel guide

Jakarta tourism | jakarta guide, you're going to love jakarta.

Jakarta is an upbeat city that moves at a fast pace, whether that means the traffic on the streets or the redevelopment projects that continue to pop up all over town.

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This city of over 10 million sprawls over the island of Java where the Ciliwung River flows into Jakarta Bay, and eventually the Java Sea. Founded in the fourth century, the city served as a key trading port in the ancient Kingdom of Sunda, then became a city crucial to the Dutch East Indies under colonial rule, and in the modern era has grown into the financial, cultural, and political capital of Indonesia.

Jakarta's foods and dining options draw upon traditions from Indonesia's 17,000 islands. You'll see architectural styles from China, the Netherlands, and the Arab world, along with local Malay and Javanese influences and gleaming postmodern skyscrapers. Past and present combine in the fascinating modern city of Jakarta.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Jakarta

1. world-class shopping malls.

Jakarta's offerings when it comes to shopping malls are equal in caliber with the best of Singapore or other Asian centers. Taman Anggrek Mall is the city's largest, covering just under 89,000 acres in West Jakarta, with over 500 stores on seven levels. More than 70 shopping centers participate each year in the Jakarta Great Sale during June and July, held to commemorate the anniversary of Jakarta's founding.

2. Scintillating Nightlife

Jakarta's is home to some of the best nightclubs and bars in the region. From chic rooftop bars to trendy nightclubs and cocktail bars, there is a diverse, lively nightlife scene to explore.

3. Captivating Culture

Jakarta's diverse group of cultures has created a multifaceted culture that you can experience via traditional performances, film festivals, the Java Jazz Festival, and many other world-class arts and entertainment events hosted by the city throughout the year. The Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park" in East Jakarta includes pavilions that illustrate life in all of Indonesia's 26 provinces.

4. Fantastic Food

Betawi cuisine - or the local cuisine of Jakarta - incorporates many outside influences, including Chinese, Arabic, Indian, and various European, particularly Portuguese, cuisines. It's spicy and fragrant, with popular dishes like soto Betawi, a spicy beef stew, or gado-gado, basically fresh salad in a peanut sauce. You'll find everything from cheap street food favorites to fine dining rooms offering fusion cuisine.

5. Intriguing Museums

Most of the city's museums can be found in Jakarta's Old Town and Merdeka Square in Central Jakarta, including the National Museum of Indonesia - called Gedung Gajah (the Elephant Building) because of the elephant statue in the forecourt - with its extensive archaeological and historical collections.

What to do in Jakarta

1. monas: monas.

The Indonesian archipelago has gone through a whirlwind of modern political change, and in 1945 the islands were finally declared a sovereign nation with Jakarta as its capital. This iconic monument commemorates that history, with sweeping views of the city from the top and an informative museum at the base. More historical art and artifacts can be found at institutions surrounding the vast square - stop into the National Museum and Merdeka Palace, full of fascinating treasures.

2. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A Taste of Everything

Thousands of islands comprise this vast and varied country, so it's nearly impossible to visit it all - but this entertainment park brings the far reaches of the nation to you! The most important sights from throughout Indonesia are recreated here in miniature, covering the multitude of cultures and styles in epic detail. Amidst these fascinating structures visitors can also enjoy gardens, museums, theaters, and more - there is even a Komodo Dragon Reptile Park.

3. Masjid Istiqlal: Mosque of the Nation

Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country, so it's no surprise that the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia is at the heart of this staggering metropolis. Its minaret takes over the skyline with elegance and assertion, welcoming visitors from far and wide to appreciate the impressive space. Up to 200,000 people at a time come together in prayer here. Seven entrances lead to the immense prayer hall, where twelve dwarfing pillars hold up the mystical dome.

4. Kota Tua: Colonial Days

Jakarta's colonial center was once named Batavia by the Dutch, and the area is still filled with traces of Dutch influence. Rapidly developing, keep your eyes open on a walk through this neighborhood - from architecture to canals; there are some distinctly European moments. Now a great contrast reigns, with contemporary skyscrapers rising amidst old forts, hotels, and houses. Fatahillah Square has been the center of it all for centuries, host to a plethora of great museums.

5. Grand Indonesia: More than a Mall

Shopping is a popular pastime in Indonesia, and there is a whole world built around the culture. Grand Indonesia is the jewel of Jakarta's malls, boasting endless outlets and flagship stores alongside world class dining experiences. With eight floors on which to roam free, visitors can satisfy every wish and desire with all sorts of entertainment along the way - there is even an arcade and a fountain show!

Monas

Activities & attractions in Jakarta

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Where to Eat in Jakarta

The Tugu Kunstkring Paleis was once a fine arts center, and you can still view fine art exhibitions as you dine on Indonesian favorites that start at Rp60,000. Jalan Kampung Lima is a small street in the Jalan Jaksa area near the Mandiri Bank where you can sample classic Javanese street food from a number of stalls. Favorites like piseng goreng (fried banana) and spicy fried chicken start at Rp20,000. For fine dining, Indonesian style, with a menu that changes according to the supply of local ingredients, you can try Nusa, where multi-course menus start at Rp350,000.

When to visit Jakarta

In tropical Jakarta, the drier months of June through September, when daily temperatures range between about 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, are the most popular times for tourists to visit. The remainder of the year is considered the rainy season, with the most rainfall in January and February.

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How to Get to Jakarta

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is about 18 miles from the city center, handling most international flights to Jakarta. The best option to get to town is by one of the many taxis available. A regular taxi fare to the city should cost about Rp120,000. Damri bus service connects to the city's commuter train network and starts at Rp25,000. Some domestic flights and discount airlines operate out of Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (HLP), which is about 11.5 miles from Jakarta.

Long distance train service passes through Jakarta via KRL and Jabodetabek. There are connections to Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali with a combination of train, bus, and ferry service.

Driving to Jakarta means navigating a network of toll roads made up of an inner and outer ring road. Five toll roads radiate out from the city in all directions to the east, west, and south to Ciawi, to Serpong, and to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Jakarta connects to other centers in the region via bus, including Bandung and Yogyakarta. Companies include XTrans and Primajasa, with the main bus terminal located in South Jakarta.

Airports near Jakarta

Airlines serving jakarta, where to stay in jakarta.

Luxury accommodation options, like the Mandarin Oriental, are still reasonably priced. At the mid-price level, you'll find sleek modern towers like the Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta, or the Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square, with contemporary furnishings and amenities. There are also many budget-priced options like the clean, comfortable favehotel LTC Glodok.

Popular Neighborhoods in Jakarta

Central Jakarta – this is where you'll find landmarks like the Jakarta Cathedral, and some of the city's best museums, including the Taman Prasasti Museum, and the Textile Museum. There are also large parks, such as leafy Taman Suropati, where you can join a free yoga or aerobics class, and Menteng Park with its greenhouses and manicured plant beds.

West Jakarta – this district includes Chinatown and historic landmarks like the Toko Merah, built in 1730. This is also where you'll find the Old Town, the original downtown area under Dutch colonial rule.

South Jakarta – this largely upscale neighborhood is where you'll find some of the city's best shopping malls, including Pondok Indah Mall and family-friendy Gandaria City. The main bus terminal and railway station are also located in this district.

Where to stay in popular areas of Jakarta

Most booked hotels in jakarta, how to get around jakarta, public transportation.

Public transit is limited in Jakarta. The TransJakarta bus rapid transit system caters to commuters, as does the electric commuter rail system, but be forewarned that both usually run at over capacity during weekday rush hours. Rapid bus service fares are Rp3,500.

Taxis are a good option for travel inside the city, with multiple companies on offer, including Blue Bird (basic service) and Silver Bird (premium service), with cheap fares at both levels. A basic cab from South Jakarta to North Jakarta will cost about Rp60,000.

Visitors are allowed to drive in Indonesia with an International Driver's License. Traffic is chronically congested in Jakarta and the connecting highways. A car rental starts at about Rp915,000 and Avis has outlets in the city. Parking spaces can be very scarce in some neighborhoods, where you will be competing with locals for spots that go for up to Rp10,000 per hour.

The Cost of Living in Jakarta

Shopping streets.

Grand Indonesia Shopping Town is located in Central Jakarta. It's got a good selection of high end brands, along with Blitzmegaplex, Indonesia's largest movie theater, and a video game arcade. Also in Central Jakarta, Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, formerly a traditional Java market, is now a large shopping mall where you can bargain for a huge range of goods from clothing and jewelry to homewares.

Groceries and Other

Most of the major shopping malls include a Hero supermarket. So-called hypermarkets are superstores where you can purchase just about anything, and there are several to choose from including Carrefour and Hypermart. A quart of milk costs about Rp18,000 and a dozen eggs costs about Rp23,000. The Pasar Minggu Sunday market in South Jakarta is famous for its delicious array of fruits.

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  • Get To Know These Jakarta Travel Tips Before Traveling To The Big Durian!

26 Oct 2021

Jakarta is nicknamed “The Big Durian” for its strong-smelled fruit native to the region. It sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java and has a historic blend of cultures ranging from the Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European, this mix has greatly influenced its architecture, cuisine and language. It has a special capital region status, though it is still referred to as a city. Being the largest city and capital of Indonesia with business opportunities and standard of living with an influx of international tourists visiting every year, Jakarta is a major tourist city of Indonesia that has plenty of attractions to explore. Let’s get to know some handy Jakarta travel tips before visiting the capital of Indonesia.

11 Jakarta Travel Tips For An Amazing Indonesian Vacay!

If you plan to visit this special capital region, it is expected you must know one, two or more important Jakarta travel tips that will make your stay a memorable one. Before you embark on this journey to Jakarta or anywhere in the world, it is advisable to have a Jakarta travel guide and know travel tips for Jakarta, Indonesia.

1. Best Time To Visit Jakarta

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Jakarta lies on a low, flat alluvial plain with historically extensive swampy areas and it is known to be easily flooded during the rainy season. It is therefore advisable to travel during the dry season which falls between July – October. You can still travel throughout the year if you want as the tropical climate is hot and humid year round with the rainy season between October – April. Jakarta has a figurative monsoon climate and the average 24-hour temperature ranges from 26.1 ̊C in January to 27.2 ̊C in May.

Must Read: 7 Most Romantic Places In Jakarta For Creating Great Memories With Your Partner

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2. What To Pack For Jakarta Trip

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Deciding what to pack depends on the season you’re traveling in. If you decide to go during the dry season, it is expected you pack less warm clothes and more light clothing while during the rainy season, the possibility of a cold weather and flood is very high so it is advisable to pack an umbrella or raincoat, and rain boots. Most population of Jakarta are Muslims so a female tourist should travel with scarf(s) of different colours if possible to fit her outfit for each day to enable her cover her hair.

Suggested Read: Winter In Jakarta: A Detailed Guide To Explore One Of The World’s Greatest Megapolis

3. Language

enjoy panoramic views of Jakarta

Travel tips for visiting Jakarta will not be complete without mentioning the importance of language. The official language in Jakarta is Indonesian with various other languages like Chinese, Dutch, Javanese, Betawi, Prokem and English. English is widely used to communicate in the Central and South Jakarta. Jakarta is a city with diverse cultures so learning a few Indonesian words will come in handy for you.

Suggested Read: 8 Best Islands Near Jakarta That Are All About Bliss, Recreation And Thrill

4. Traffic Rules

Jakarta in Java Island of Indonesia

Due to the congestion and traffic issues in Jakarta, the odd-even policy was created. If you intend to drive during your stay at Jakarta, you should know this policy. The odd-even policy was formed to help limit the number of cars entering Jakarta. The policy states that cars whose license plate ends with an odd number are only allowed through certain roads and toll gates on odd numbered date and vice versa.

Suggested Read: Bachelor Party In Jakarta: 8 Places Where One Should Go And Bid Adieu To Bachelorhood In Style!

5. Getting Around Jakarta

travel jakarta travel

One of the travel tips for Jakarta is knowing how to get there and how to move around the city. You can get to Jakarta by air, bus or train and also move around via these means. Despite the various transport systems, Jakarta faces traffic congestion especially during rush hours. Due to this issue, the airport rail link was created so that one can get to the city as fast as possible. Busway transport – The Transjakarta Busway is one of the many ways to commute around the city. There is also the City Tour Jakarta bus and a multitude of other public bus companies. Online rides – You can also use your smartphone to request for a moto-taxi, motorbike or car. The prices for these rides are usually cheaper than the public ones found on the road. Railway transport – There are available commuter trains that connect the city. It is usually worth a try to avoid the hustle and bustle of the roads. Taxi – In Jakarta, the Blue Bird company runs the taxi. Be sure to use the right taxi, it is blue doesn’t mean it is safe as some drivers can pose as drivers of the company. Make sure to check that the door, roof, headrests and windshield have the Blue Bird logo, also check that the driver is in uniform before entering the taxi. Bajaj transport – A Jakarta Bajaj is one of the most popular, affordable and environment friendly means of public transport. They are small in size, so they can weave through traffic jams easily. Motorcycle taxis (Ojek) – One can use a motorcycle taxi if you want to pass through narrow roads or in a hurry to get to a place. Be sure to wear a helmet while riding on Ojeks.

Suggested Read: 8 Amazing Places Near Jakarta

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6. Money Matters

Canadian Currency

Be sure to have enough money on you in case you can’t use the ATM and you have an emergency or need to purchase an item urgently. Having money on you will always be one of the tips for travelling to Jakarta or anywhere in the world.

Suggested Read: 5 Best Festivals In Jakarta That’ll Jazz Up Your Spirits!

7. Interacting With The Locals

Famous Cafes in Jakarta

Jakarta is a city known for a high level of population. With the blend of different cultures, you are bound to meet all kinds of people. Some locals might be friendly and hospitable and some might be harsh and notorious. Keep it in mind that it is bound to happen. The mix of these cultures and people is also one of the reasons you will enjoy Jakarta as you will get to learn about different cultures.

Suggested Read: New Year In Jakarta: Welcome With A Bang At These Extravagant Party Places!

8. Places To Visit

Jakarta Temples cover

There are three main parks in the city- Dunia Fantasi, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Jungleland Sentul City. These parks have rides and water features for everyone. There are many museums in Jakarta and the popular one being The National Museum which displays Indonesian history via archaeological relics, ceramics, statues and jewelry. Amongst religious sites, there’s the Istiqlal Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in Jakarta, Jakarta Cathedral, Sion church which is the oldest church in Jakarta located near Kota Tua area, a historical site. You can also visit The Ragunan Zoo, The Bird Market, The Thousand Islands which has beach resorts and so many other places to visit. Some important landmarks in Jakarta include:

The National Monument “Monas” is the highlight of Jakarta. The Presidential Palace, the official residence and office of the Indonesian president. The Gelanggang Bung Karno Stadium. Bundaran Hi, a large fountain at Central Jakarta.

Suggested Read: Jakarta In December: 6 Exciting Things To Do For An Unforgettable Holiday!

9. Major Events And Festivals

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The Chinese New Year takes place in January/February. There is also the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in March. The Jakarta Fair takes place between mid-June to mid-July to celebrate the anniversary of the city.

Suggested Read: Street Food In Jakarta: 7 Must-Visit Places For All Food Lovers

10. Shopping

Splurge A Little

Jakarta has many shopping malls, markets, supermarkets and convenience stores. There is also an antique shop where you can purchase antique items and traditional Javanese souvenirs.

Suggested Read: 15 Places For Shopping In Jakarta That Will Give You A Shopaholic’s High!

11. Where And What To Eat

Jakarta

The Big Durian has a vast range of food available at hundreds of eating complexes. You can find great Chinese, Japanese and many other foods. There is also availability of street foods. Your visit to Jakarta won’t be complete if you don’t try Nasi Goreng (fried rice) which is considered to be the Indonesian national dish.

Further Read: 8 Best Indian Restaurants In Jakarta So You’re Not Deprived Of Desi Food

It is impossible to visit all the 17,000 islands and 26 provinces among many other places in Jakarta but be sure to do as much as you can during your stay. From the climate, what to eat, to the traffic policy to what to pack, Jakarta travel tips can’t be overemphasized. We hope you have an amazing time on your trip to Indonesia with the help of these tips and tell us about your experience later!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jakarta

When is the best time to visit Jakarta?

You can visit Jakarta all year round but the best time to visit Jakarta is during the dry season which is between July – October.

Is it okay to wear shorts in Jakarta?

It is okay to wear shorts especially when visiting the beach resorts and islands. But you can choose to wear gowns (for females) when going to restaurants or museums. Be sure to cover your hair with a scarf. When visiting places like The Presidential Palace, you are to wear formal clothing with a pair of shoes not sandals.

What is Jakarta famous for?

There are a lot of historical sites, museums, markets, malls and islands in Jakarta but it is more famous for The National Monument or “Monas”, a marble obelisk with an observation deck which is located at the Central Medan Merdeka Square.

How affordable is Jakarta?

Jakarta is becoming expensive due to the influx of tourists in the city but it is also quite affordable. The food, accommodation and transportation is quite inexpensive and you will be able to spend only within your planned budget. Some sellers might want to hike the prices of their goods so try to bargain properly to get your money’s worth.

What is the famous food of Indonesia?

The mix of cultures in Jakarta leads to the availability of various cuisines and street foods but Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is considered to be the Indonesian national dish.

What is the coldest month in Jakarta?

The hottest month in Jakarta is October with a temperature of 30 ̊C and the coldest month is January with a temperature of 28 ̊C, it is also very wet.

How many days do you need in Jakarta?

One can stay a maximum of 4 days in Jakarta. Within 4 days, you should have explored, visited and done majority of the exciting things in Jakarta.

What is the main language of Indonesia?

There are many languages in Indonesia, like Chinese, Javanese, Dutch, English and many more, but the main language is Indonesian.

What is the main problem(s) in Jakarta?

The main problems in Jakarta are congestion, traffic jam and flood during the rainy season.

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Jakarta, Indonesia

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The gargantuan capital of a huge nation, for many Indonesians Jakarta is a city of promise. The lure of jobs and a better life has caused the city’s population to escalate to over 10 million. Though individual tourist attractions are scattered thinly, the city has a rich cultural life, with an abundance of performing and visual arts. And its greatest saving grace remains the easy-going, welcoming atmosphere and ready humour that endures at street level, despite the surrounding mayhem.

The best travel tips for visiting Jakarta

Best things to do in jakarta, where to stay in jakarta, best restaurants and bars in jakarta, how to get around jakarta, how many days do you need in jakarta, best time to visit jakarta, how to get to jakarta, tailor-made travel itineraries for indonesia, created by local experts.

Bali's Beaches and Temples

6 days  / from 830 USD

Bali's Beaches and Temples

Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok

10 days  / from 1600 USD

Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok

This unique trip will take you to some of Bali and Lombok's most traditional places. Look forward to driving through tropical landscapes and spending time in villages nestled in scenic spots of traditional luxury with infinity pools and stunning vistas over the ocean.

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

10 days  / from 2100 USD

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

The Best of Bali

14 days  / from 4025 USD

The Best of Bali

This trip will take you from the modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.

Java and Lombok - culture and beaches

10 days  / from 1783 USD

Java and Lombok - culture and beaches

Start your trip in Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) with its rich cultural past such as the Borobudur temple. From there continue to hike Mount Bromo and explore more of East Java in Malang and Surabaya. End your trip on the dreamy beaches of Kuta/Lombok, dubbed 'the next Bali'.

Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration

12 days  / from 1250 USD

Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration

Combine Southeast Asia's smallest country Singapore with its largest country: Indonesia. Spend a few days exploring the metropolis before flying to the magical island of Bali. Temples, volcanoes and ceremonies are part of your itinerary, as are the gorgeous beaches of Nusa Lembongan.

Culture, volcanoes and dragons - Bali, Flores & Komodo

14 days  / from 2600 USD

Culture, volcanoes and dragons - Bali, Flores & Komodo

Combine several islands on one trip - start in Bali's cultural capital Ubud before heading to the rice fields in Sidemen. A short flight to Flores allows you to explore volcanoes and local villages before hopping on a cruise around Komodo and other islands close to Labuan Bajo. Dragons included!

Love trip to Bali

10 days  / from 1320 USD

Love trip to Bali

Celebrate your love union on this magical island. Included are couples massages at relaxing spas, a blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest, an authentic cooking class and of course - a beautiful white sandy beach on Nusa Lembongan to relax towards the end of your trip.

Bali Yoga Retreat

7 days  / from 1750 USD

Bali Yoga Retreat

Discover a new you with this rejuvenating Bali-based yoga retreat. Enjoy personalised yoga and meditation classes, together with revitalising Ayurvedic treatments, all in idyllic surroundings. The cuisine is a treat for all the senses; you will also have the chance to explore the temples of Bali.

Unknown Java and Bali - an overland adventure

14 days  / from 1691 USD

Unknown Java and Bali - an overland adventure

A fast-paced itinerary packing plenty of highlights: discover the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur and sunrises at Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen before heading to Bali: a beautiful underwater world and the landscapes of Ubud and Sidemen await.

Java Discovery

7 days  / from 1300 USD

Java Discovery

Experience the magic of Java, the third-largest of the Indonesian Islands, with this stunning trip! Discover stunning ancient temple complexes, ride a bicycle through idyllic rural villages, climb to Mount Ijen's crater at sunrise and laze around on palm-fringed tropical beaches!

Nature in Borneo and Relaxation in Riau

10 days  / from 2768 USD

Nature in Borneo and Relaxation in Riau

Experience the best of both worlds with this unique trip to Indonesia. Embark on a cruise up the Rungan River, where you will discover incredible wildlife and traditional villages, before continuing on to the Telunas Resort, a deserted island paradise that will be your home for a few days.

Indonesia Island Hop

14 days  / from 3800 USD

Indonesia Island Hop

From your base on Bali's renowned beaches you'll island hop your way round glorious Hindu temples and heritage sites. See komodo dragons, partake in a traditional Balinese ceremony, meet with a Hindu High Priest and visit local villages: this trip to Indonesia ticks all the tropical getaway boxes.

Exploring Bali's Culture & Gili's beaches

13 days  / from 1550 USD

Exploring Bali's Culture & Gili's beaches

Dive deep into Balinese culture from Ubud and Sidemen. Visits include rice field walks, the Gates of Heaven, water temples like Tirta Empul and Tirta Gangga as well as a traditional cooking class. Your trip ends with the beaches of Gili Air and Jimbaran.

Jakarta sprawls across a vast area. South of the harbour on Jakarta Bay and Ancol recreation park is Kota, the old Batavia area, where remnants of Dutch colonial rule reside. Heading south are Pecinan (Chinatown) and busy Glodok, the electronic, gadget and computer centre of the city.

A major north–south artery, Jalan Hayam Wuruk, merges into Jalan Gajah Mada, lined with shops, restaurants, hotels and nightlife, ending at the huge expanse of Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Square), the heart of Central Jakarta.

The busy Jalan Thamrin-Sudirman corridor, south of Lapangan Merdeka is one of two major Central Business Districts (CBDs), a wall of glimmering glass and steel with some of the most interesting high-rise architecture in Southeast Asia. This thoroughfare in turn connects with Jalan Rasuna Said and Gatot Subroto, the second CBD and a golden triangle for international companies, banks, hotels, shopping malls and embassies.

Surrounding the city mayhem on all sides are residential areas, ranging from upper- and middle-class streets to the most basic shanties. Scattered throughout are pockets that seem frozen in time, including diminutive residential districts with market gardens and makeshift kampung (village) dwellings that impart something of a village atmosphere to many back alleys.

jakarta-indonesia-shutterstock_1281548488

Jakarta is a huge city but it can also be a thoroughly rewarding place to visit © Dhevanraj Segar/Shutterstock

The best things to do in huge sprawling Jakarta are well hidden, but city dwellers are proud of the cultural and intellectual life in their ever-changing, chaotic capital city.

#1 Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square)

Kota is the heart of the old 17th-century Dutch settlement at Batavia, originally a walled town modelled on Amsterdam. Most of Old Batavia was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century, but the town square area survived and has been restored and renamed Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square). Adjacent colonial buildings have been converted into museums, and the whole neighbourhood has been considerably gentrified in recent years.

The main square bustles at weekends with street entertainers, old-fashioned bicycle rentals, artists and food vendors. The best thing to do here is to visit the museums that line the square: Museum Sejarah Jakarta (Jakarta History Museum), which houses memorabilia from the colonial period; the Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum), home to many puppets and masks including rare buffalo hide shadow puppets; and the Museum Seni Rupa (Fine Arts Museum), which features paintings and sculptures by modern Indonesian artists.

Any visit to Central Jakarta should begins at the top of the Monas (National Monument). A 137-metre-tall marble obelisk is set in the centre of Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Square). There is an observation deck at the top surmounted by a 14-metre bronze flame sheathed in 33kg of gold symbolising the spirit of freedom. It was commissioned by Sukarno and completed in 1961 – a combination Olympic Flame-Washington Monument with the phallic overtones of an ancient Hindu-Javanese lingga . The museum in the basement contains 12 dioramas depicting historical scenes from a nationalistic viewpoint. A high-speed elevator rises to the observation deck, where on a clear day there is a fabulous 360-degree view of Jakarta.

Monas, Jakarta, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Monas, Jakarta, Indonesia © Shutterstock

#3 National Museum

On the west side of Medan Merdeka (Freedom Field) lies one of Indonesia’s great cultural treasures, the National Museum. Founded in 1868 by the Batavian Society for Arts and Sciences, the museum now holds a huge array of antiquities and ethnographic artefacts. The courtyard of the original building is crammed with an impressive mass of Hindu-Buddhist statuary, while the new wing houses well-displayed collections spread over several floors. Highlights include the ceramics section, and the glittering golden regalia of various Indonesian royal houses. Be sure not to miss the excellent, though poorly signposted, fourth floor, accessible by elevator.

#4 Taman Ismail Marzuk

The very impressive Taman Ismail Marzuki is a cultural centre that presents a programme of drama, dance and music from around Indonesia and the rest of the world. It also has a planetarium. It's worth wandering over to nearby Jalan Surabaya, the city’s so-called ‘antique street’. Dozens of shops here sell everything from wayang (puppets) to ship fittings – but little of it is authentic.

#5 Masjid Istiqlal (Istiqlal Mosque)

The imposing white-marble Masjid Istiqlal (Istiqlal Mosque) on Jalan Veteran is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Opened in 1978 and designed by a Catholic architect from Sumatra, it stands at the former site of the Dutch Benteng (Fort) Noordwijk. The mosque is open to appropriately dressed non-Muslims for tours outside of prayer times.

The Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta is the largest of South-East Asia © Shutterstock

The Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta is the largest of South-East Asia © Shutterstock

#6 Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah covers nearly 100 hectares (250 acres) of land near Kampung Rambutan. While not entirely successful in compressing the entire archipelago into a single attraction, the park nonetheless permits you a glimpse of the many thousands of Indonesian islands you will probably not end up visiting. The various pavilions are each constructed in the traditional architectural style of a different Indonesian province. Housed inside each pavilion are interesting displays of handicrafts, traditional costumes, musical instruments and other artefacts for which each region is known.

#7 Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)

One of the best ways to unwind and recapture a taste of the tropics after the bustle of the city is to escape to clear blue waters and whites and beaches at any one of the 600 small islands off the north coast of Jakarta, known as Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands), one of Java’s national parks. Day trips can be taken to Bidadari, Kelor and Kahyangan islands near the coast. On Onrust island, explore the ruins of an old Dutch fort, which has remains of an 18th-century shipyard. Bokor and Rambut islands are home to bird sanctuaries; you need a permit from the national park office, PHKA, in Jakarta. Ferries depart every day from Ancol Marina to various islands between 8am–9am and return between 1.30pm–2pm.

Fatahillah Square in Jakarta © Shutterstock

Fatahillah Square in Jakarta © Shutterstock

Sprawling out across three provinces, the are plenty of areas to stay in Jakarta but for travellers there are five main districts that are the most useful.

This upscale south-central district is home to some of Jakarta's most luxurious hotels, restaurants and swish cocktail bars. Its tree-lined streets also has art galleries and a number of cultural landmarks.

Popular with expats and young professionals, this trendy neighbourhood has vibrant a nightlife scene and numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. It also has a bohemian vibe, with street art and independent boutiques.

Central Business District

As the financial and commercial hub of Jakarta, the CBD is ideal location for business travelers and those who want to be close to the city's shopping and entertainment districts. It's littered with business hotels.

Kebayoran Baru

This affluent neighbourhood has high-end boutiques and exclusive communities. Its hotels reflect that.

Part of Ancol Bay City, a coastal waterfront resort, this waterside space is a popular choice for families with an amusement park, beach, and marina.

Browse places to stay in Jakarta .

For years, eating and drinking in Jakarta has been defined by its incredible street food scene. Vendors, carts and night markets filled the bellies of busy locals with fresh soto betawi (beef stew), grilled chicken satay and nasi goreng (vegetables and rice, topped with a fried egg), plus other on-the-go snacks.

But now, aside from amazing street food, the city's restaurant scene is flourishing too. You can now get a variety of cuisines from Japanese to Italian at world-class standards. What's more, a growing number of ritzy speakeasies and high-rise cocktail bars have added a new dimension to Jakarta's nightlife, too.

  • Jalan Sabang Something of a street food mecca, Jalan Sabang is a great place to try a range of Indonesian cooking. From mountains of rice to gado-gado (an Indonesian salad of mixed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce), all via the mouth-watering lamb satays from Sate Jaya Agung, you won't go hungry.
  • OKU This relaxed Kempinski Hotel restaurant brings traditional Japanese dishes into the 21st century, all served in a calming, Zen-like space.
  • Koda Japanese mixologist Yukata Nakashima is the brains behind this elegant cocktail speakeasy on the second floor of Sudirman 7.8 building.

Bangkok tuk tuk

A tuk-tuk can be a cheap way of getting around Jakarta © Nano Tanongsakmontri/Shutterstock

The traffic in Jakarta is so bad that some office workers are paid to start in the back of the taxi they’re riding to work. There isn't really a good way to navigate this massive city without getting stuck at some point.

Buses crisscross the entire city but the most useful service is the Transjakarta Busway as it uses dedicated bus-only lanes. However, it does also suffer from regular traffic jams.

Ubiquitous and ingenious at slipping through small gaps to queue jump, tuk-tuks can be speedier than other ways of getting around. Agree on a price before setting off.

Roughly the same price as a tuk-tuk, but with air-con, metered taxis can be a good option for longer journeys. Urban Indonesia has been transformed by the emergence of the ride-hailing apps go-Jek and grab. Go-Jek was originally just a means of hailing ojek (motorbike taxis) in Jakarta, but it soon expanded to provide private minicabs and registered taxis. Fares are fixed in advance via an app.

It is possible to hire a car with a driver for very little and it's much better than tackling the roads yourself. Still, expect to hit traffic at some point.

Opened in 2019, Jakarta MRT trains run north (Kampung Bandan) to south (Lebak Bulus). They are clean, quick and efficient – but only really good for commuters.

Most travellers who visit Jakarta tend to use the Indonesian capital as a springboard to other destinations around the country. It's worth sticking around for at least a couple of days, if not more. You need four days to see the best of Jakarta.

Kota and the museums around Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square) are a great introduction to the city and will take a least a day, but you'll also want to also spend time in the alleys or Glodok and Chinatown. A day's shopping in the city's bigger malls and along the city’s ‘antique street’, Jalan Surabaya, should also be on the cards.

You could easily while away a day at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) on day three. Day four, spend the morning at one of the nearby islands, before heading to Jalan Sabang to chow down on some amazing street food

Indonesian Chinese pray at at the the Jin De Yuan temple, locally known as Kelenteng Petak Sembilan, in Jakarta, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Indonesian Chinese pray at at the the Jin De Yuan temple, locally known as Kelenteng Petak Sembilan, in Jakarta, Indonesia © Shutterstock

The best time to visit Jakarta is from May to September when the weather is dry and pleasant. Temperatures during this time average between 24°C and 32°C. June to August is the city's high season, when domestic tourists visit the city for their holidays. Prices for flights, hotels, and attractions tend to be higher. Peak tourist season in Jakarta coincides with the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Expect crowded streets, busy markets, and long queues at popular attractions.

The wet season in Jakarta lasts from October to April, with heavy rainfall and occasional flooding that may disrupt travel plans. Air pollution from traffic congestion is a persistent issue in Jakarta. It's worst in September, during the peak of the dry season in September.

Find out more about the best time to visit Indonesia .

Indonesia has a vast domestic flight network, of which Jakarta is the main hub. The increase of cheap flights has reduced the number of ferries servicing the city. However, there are still plenty of those too. Trains and buses come from all across the island and both are cheap.

The vast majority of long-haul international flights arrive either at the huge and recently upgraded Sukarno-hatta international airport (also spelled Soekarno- Hatta), 20km (13 miles) west of Jakarta on Java.

PELNI (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia), the state-owned shipping company, serves Jakarta from scores of ports across Indonesia. In bad weather, especially during the rainy season (Oct–Apr), the seas can be quite rough, particularly between Sumatra and Java. All ferry runs may be cancelled. Enquire at the local ticketing office, 1.5km northwest of the Monumen Nasional in central Jakarta.

Java’s main highways are well maintained, and there are increasing numbers of fast intercity toll roads. Off the main routes expect a few potholes. Intercity buses in Java are generally comfortable modern coaches with air-conditioning, and increasingly often with Wi-Fi. Smaller, less comfortable buses provide links to smaller towns and rural areas. Jakarta has three main terminals: Kalideres Terminal (west Jakarta) operates services to Sumatra and West Java; Kampung Rambutan Terminal (in northeast Jakarta, near the old Halim Airport) is the hub for services to Bandung, Bogor and southwards; while Pulo Gadung Terminal (Jl. Bekasi Timur Raya) has services heading to Central and East Java.

There is a reasonable railway network in Java, including four main train stations in Jakarta. Train travel here is cheap and connections include Bandung, Malang, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

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updated 26.04.2021

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Jakarta Solo Travel Guide

Jakarta Cityscape

Planning a solo trip to Jakarta ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • The capital of Indonesia, with a population of about  10.7 million .
  • Previously known as Sunda Kalepa, it was renamed Jakarta by the Japanese.
  • It was the de facto capital of the Dutch East Indies in the 1800s.
  • Nickname: The Big Durian.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency:  Indonesian Rupiah  (IDR).
  • Spoken languages:  Indonesian  (Bahasa Indonesia). Betawi Malay and English are also widely spoken.
  • Best time to visit: from  July to October – the dry season, with temperate, tropical weather.
  • Arriving via airport:  Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) has 3 terminals connected by a free shuttle service. DAMRI buses run to every major point in the city from 4 AM to 7 PM, while Silverbird and Blue Bird taxis can be booked at the counters past customs.

WHERE TO STAY

  • Best hostel for solo travelers in Jakarta: The Packer Lodge . Clean, bright, and spacious – perfect for escaping the insanity of Jakarta and meeting other travelers. Friendly staff and clean beds/rooms. Bonus: in a great location close to good food and public transport. Book ahead, especially during high season.
  • The Golden Triangle refers to the Central Business District, or Segitiga Emas , and is made up of the financial and commercial districts, including an assortment of accommodation for every pocket.
  • For wide boulevards, leafy parks and elegant accommodation, head to Menteng – the so-called Beverly Hills of Jakarta.
  • Entertainment and dining are something Thamrir does well, with round-the-clock cafes, film screenings and shopping venues.

GETTING AROUND

  • Transjakarta Busway operates 12 routes with single tickets priced at Rp2,000 before 7am and Rp3,500 onwards till 10pm. 
  • Microlet are small minivans that run on set routes in small areas of the city with fares of Rp1,500.
  • Bajaj are tricycles outfitted with a passenger cabin in the back, a cheap alternative great for short distances.
  • Blue Bird taxis can be booked on 021 7917 1234; the meter starts at Rp6,000 for the first kilometer and Rp3,000 for each subsequent   km.
  • Consider using Grab – a popular ride-sharing app in South East Asia. It’s your best bet for safe and fast transport within teh city.

JAKARTA NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is  18 , no official  last   call .
  • Jalan Jaksa is popular among backpackers and budget travelers with cheap drinks and a casual dress code.
  • PI (Plaza Indonesia) in Central Jakarta has an annex of fashionable bars and clubs.
  • Senayan combines sports bars with thumping nightclubs, popular with young professionals.
  • Great bars for solo travelers: Gen’s Bar & Resto (live music), MEKAWAI, A/A Bar (cocktails), D.Classic, Skye (best skyline views at night).
  • Looking for a wild night out? head to Colosseum Jakarta (night club).

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Museum Nasional has the largest collection on South East Asian artifacts and Hindu Javanese artwork.
  • Fatahillah Square in Kotas was the heart of the city during the Dutch rule, and the centre of the spice trade market.
  • Monas was built to commemorate Indonesia’s independence. The tower has a dedicated museum complete with dioramas recounting the history of the country.
  • Istiqlal Mosque is the largest in Indonesia, a sacred place of worship that also serves as a conference centre.
  • Museum Bank is a modern and informative exhibit on the history of the country’s first bank all through the Dutch settlement and the Asian Financial Crisis.          
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a concert hall built during the Dutch colonial period, still used for concerts and major events by both local and foreign artists.

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a cultural and educational park in Eastern Jakarta. Tour the 30 provinces that make up the country, and discover their diverse cultures.
  • Sunda Kelapa is the former port used to transport goods all over Indonesia, with the gritty boardwalk playing an interesting echo of history.
  • Jalan Surabaya is synonymous to the flea market stalls that specialize in ceramics, pottery and antiques.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • South East Asia is known to impose the harshest drug laws in the world, and Indonesia is no exception. Avoid partaking in any drug use, as the crime is punishable by the maximum of death sentence .
  • Great restaurants to try in Jakarta: Bogor Cafe ($$$$ – get the oxtail soup), ABUBA Steak – Cipete ($$), Bakmi Aloi (for noodles – multiple locations), Bebek Kaleyo (authentic Indonesian duck – multiple locations), Angke Restaurant (Chinese – multiple locations), Bopet Mini Benhil (for the padang).
  • Where to find good cheap eats : Glodok is Jakarta’s Chinatown and the perfect destination for cheap, quick food, while the street vendors in Menteng serve up delicious, traditional fare. The neighborhood of Tebet takes away from the city for excellent Balinese dishes. Note: Local food is generally  spicier than food in the west.
  • Dangerous areas : Kota should be avoided at night due to the high incident rate of robberies.

Recommended trip duration:  2-3 days

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Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 Orientation
  • 2.1 History
  • 2.2 Climate
  • 2.3 Tourism information
  • 4.1 By plane
  • 4.2 By train
  • 4.4 By minibus
  • 4.5 By boat
  • 5.1 By metro/light rail
  • 5.2 By commuter train
  • 5.3 By busway
  • 5.4 By Mikrotrans
  • 5.5 By tour bus
  • 5.6 By public bus
  • 5.8 By taxi
  • 5.9 By bajaj
  • 5.10 By ojek
  • 5.11 By helicopter
  • 5.12 By bicycle
  • 5.13 By eScooter
  • 5.14 On foot
  • 7.1 Betawi culture
  • 7.3 Performing arts festivals
  • 7.4.2 Football
  • 7.4.3 Badminton
  • 7.5 Karaoke
  • 10.1 Shopping malls
  • 10.2 Markets
  • 11.1 Budget
  • 11.2 Mid-range
  • 11.3 Splurge
  • 14.1 Protests
  • 15 Stay healthy
  • 16.1 Telephone
  • 16.2 Internet
  • 16.4 Emergency
  • 17.2 Immigration office
  • 17.3 Embassies and consulates
  • 18.1 Within the metropolitan area:
  • 18.2 A bit further off

Jakarta is Indonesia 's capital and largest city, with about 10 million inhabitants, and a total 30 million in Greater Jakarta on the Java island. Dubbed The Big Durian , an equivalent to New York 's Big Apple, its concrete jungle, traffic frenzy, and hot polluted air may tempt you to skip the city as fast as possible, but what awaits inside will change your perspective! One of the most bustling and cosmopolitan cities in Asia, the J-Town has cheerful nightlife, vibrant shopping malls, a variety of foods, refreshing greenery, cultural diversity and a rich history, that caters to all levels of budget and how much fun you want to have.

Districts [ edit ]

Administratively, Jakarta is a province called the Jakarta Special Capital Region ( Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta ). It is administratively divided into 5 municipalities and 1 regency (the Thousand Islands in the Jakarta Bay):

Map

Satellite cities : The Jakarta megalopolis of 30 million inhabitants includes Jakarta and the following satellite cities:

  • Bogor - One of the primary destinations to escape from Jakarta, with well-kept natural habitats, world class botany garden, resorts, and multiple golf courses
  • Tangerang - The airport, many large commercial centres and clustered homes
  • Bekasi - Mostly industrial parks
  • Depok - Home to the University of Indonesia

A common abbreviation to describe the megalopolitan area is Jabodetabek ( Ja karta, Bo gor, De pok, Ta ngerang, Bek asi).

Orientation [ edit ]

Finding places in Jakarta, especially smaller buildings not on the main arteries, is easier said than done. Sometimes, the same name is used for different streets in different parts of the city, and it's often difficult to find the correct street or address without the postal code/region. A sign with a street name facing you indicates the name of the street you are about to enter, not that of the cross street. Alleys off a main road are often simply notated by Roman numerals, hence a street address like "Jl. Mangga Besar VIII/21" means house number 21 on alley number 8 (VIII) off the main road of Jl. Mangga Besar.

Fortunately, there is a logic to the name of the street. Outside of the corridors of high rise offices, you basically can find out on what branch of the street you're on by looking at the name of the streets without the Roman numerals. Most often the name of the area is the same as the name of the street, especially if it also bears the phrase Jalan Raya or avenues. Knowing this almost takes you there, but gated clusters of houses have their own main roads that do not follow the convention, even though they are branches of a specific street. In that case, knowing the name of the housing cluster would be the best option in addition to the above rules. Conveniently, most navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze are useful for finding addresses and places throughout Jakarta due to regular updates from users.

If you don't want to waste time, ask for the description or name of nearby landmarks or buildings, billboards, color of the building or fence, or the postal code. If you still cannot find the address, start asking people on the street, especially ojek (motorcycle taxi drivers).

Understand [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian , and like the fruit itself, it's a shock at first sight (and smell): a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 30 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl. The metropolitan area is a magnet for Indonesians, both as a business and a government centre, and the most developed city in the country. But all of this comes at a cost: the city has been struggling very hard to keep up with the urban growth. Major roads are packed up during rush hours and weekends, sometimes all day during rainy season due to motorcyclists sheltering under the fly-over or the tunnel when it's raining heavily, thus causing additional congestion, while the growth of the public transportation system has been unable to keep up.

All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in Jakarta's charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting, most lively global cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from green parks and historical centres, to cosmopolitan shopping, diverse gourmet choices, and some of the hippest nightlife in Southeast Asia!

History [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

The port of -6.117944 106.808801 1 Sunda Kelapa dates to the 12th century, when it served the Sundanese kingdom of Pajajaran near present-day Bogor . The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese, who were given permission by the Hindu Kingdom of Pakuan Pajajaran to erect a godown (warehouse) in 1522. Control was still firmly in local hands, and in 1527 the city was conquered by Prince Fatahillah , a Muslim prince from Cirebon , who changed the name to Jayakarta .

By the early 17th century, however, the Dutch had pretty much taken over the port city, and the razing of a competing English fort in 1619 secured their hold on the island. Under the name Batavia , the new Dutch town became the capital of the Dutch East Indies and was known as the Queen of the East .

However, the Dutch made the mistake of attempting to replicate Holland by digging canals throughout the malarial swamps in the area, resulting in shockingly high death rates and earning the town the epithet White Man's Graveyard . In the early 1800s most canals were filled in, the town was shifted 4 km inland and the Pearl of the Orient flourished once again.

In 1740, Chinese slaves rebelled against the Dutch. The rebellion was put down harshly with the massacre of thousands of Chinese slaves. The survivors were exiled to Sri Lanka .

In 1795, the Netherlands were invaded and occupied by France, and on March 17, 1798, the Batavian Republic , a satellite state of France, took over the VOC's debts and assets. But on August 26, 1811, a British expedition led by Lord Minto defeated the French/Dutch troops in Jakarta, leading to a brief liberation and subsequent administration of Indonesia by the British (led by Sir Stamford Raffles of Singapore fame) in 1811-1816. In 1815, after the Congress of Vienna, Indonesia was handed over from the British to the Dutch government.

The name Jakarta was adopted as a short form of Jayakarta when the city was conquered by the Japanese in 1942. After the war, the Indonesian war of independence followed, with the capital briefly shifted to Yogyakarta after the Dutch attacked. The war lasted until 1949, four years after Indonesian Independence, when the Dutch accepted the independence and handed back the town, which became Indonesia's capital again.

Since independence, Jakarta's population has skyrocketed, thanks to migrants coming to the city from across the Indonesian archipelago. The entire Jabodetabek (Jakarta- Bogor - Depok - Tangerang - Bekasi ) metropolitan region is estimated to have a population of about 30 million.

Climate [ edit ]

Jakarta, like the rest of Indonesia, is under the tropical climate classification. It has two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. It is hot and usually humid with little fluctuation in temperature throughout the year. The average temperature is about 28°C (82°F), hot compared to other cities across Indonesia, especially because of the absence of trees in many areas.

November to March is the peak of the rainy season, and floods and traffic chaos on many of the streets usually occur. At its worst, floods can result in standstill on the prone spots and takes a few days to subside; canal-widening and cleanings have mitigated the effect substantially and for most major roads, a couple hours is all it takes for the standing water to be wiped out. Even in rainy seasons, the sun usually appears for hours each day. During the transition from rainy to dry season or vice versa (April-May & September-October), there is occasional rain. Sometimes it pours; other times it's not a washout. The good thing is that it cools down the air after a sweltering hot day. The rain is almost always absent from June through August.

Tourism information [ edit ]

  • -6.1864 106.82137 1 "Enjoy Jakarta" Tourism Information Centre , Jakarta Theater Building, Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 9 , ☏ +62 21 314 2067 . ( updated Nov 2016 )
  • "Enjoy Jakarta" Tourism Information Service , Terminal 2D Arrival, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport , ☏ +62 21 550 7088 . ( updated Nov 2016 )

Talk [ edit ]

As the capital of Indonesia, it is unsurprising that nearly all residents of Jakarta are able to speak Indonesian . However, Jakarta also has its own local language that is known as Betawi , which has a Malay base but incorporates many loan words from Arabic , Portuguese , Dutch and Hokkien .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Jakarta ( JKT  IATA ) has two airports with scheduled flights:

-6.1252 106.6597 2 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport ( CGK  IATA ) is 20 km northwest of the city in the neighboring city of Tangerang , and handles most commercial flights. This airport, along with transportation options to and from the airport, is covered in a separate article . An express train runs every half hour to Sudirman station right at downtown in one hour for Rp70,000. The state-owned DAMRI buses take you to various major transportation hubs (trains & other buses) routinely, while the JAConnexion buses serves a number of hotels and shopping malls within the metro area for up to Rp50,000. Many hotels are generous enough to offer shuttles from the airport. There is a dedicated tollway that takes you to the city, which should take 45 to 90 minutes. Avoid taking conventional or online taxi in rush hour as it may charge you more than Rp300.000.

-6.2653 106.8856 3 Halim Perdanakusuma Airport ( HLP  IATA ) is smaller and much closer to the city (in East Jakarta ), is served by a range of domestic scheduled flights, in addition to its use by the military, VIP flights, charter flights, helicopter leasing companies, and private jets. DAMRI also operates bus services to Rawamangun Bus Terminal; to Pulogebang, Gambir Station, and Bekasi ; and to Depok , Bogor 's Botany Square, and Soekarno Hatta Airport. There are also taxi services operating here, but avoid taking them inside the airport area.

Previously, flying into Bandung (130 km away) was occasionally a reasonable alternative, but the relocation of Bandung's airport to distant Kertajati in 2023 makes this quite impractical now.

By train [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Jakarta is well-served by trains from all over Java. National operator Kereta Api [dead link] runs multiple daily trains from other cities such as Bandung , Surabaya and Yogyakarta . A newly-built high-speed train called Whoosh serves Jakarta and Bandung, which runs every hour and takes 35-40 minutes. Commuter trains connects with outlying suburbs and cities in Greater Jakarta such as Bekasi , Depok , Tangerang as well as some more remote cities such as Bogor and Rangkasbitung .

There are several major railway stations in Jakarta, with Gambir and Pasar Senen being the main stations for long-distance passenger service. Both are located in Central Jakarta and are well connected with public transport including the TransJakarta system. The historic Jakarta Kota terminus station in heart of old colonial Batavia is now mainly served by local and regional trains. High-speed trains terminate at Halim in East Jakarta from where it's possible to continue by local trains to the city centre.

Notice that commuter trains generally don't call at neither Gambir nor Pasar Senen. If travelling from Eastern Java it might be better to get off at Jatinegara in East Jakarta and change to a commuter train to Jakarta Kota railway station.

By bus [ edit ]

When buying tickets for buses out of Jakarta, you're better off buying them at each bus company's booth . Do not buy from anywhere outside the booth as the prices are more expensive and the bus they will take you to is questionable. Jakarta has many bus terminals, but not all of them have inter-city services. Look for the sign AKAP (Antar Kota Antar Provinsi or Inter-city and Inter-Province).

Fortunately these terminals are easy to reach. City bus services, as well as airport shuttles, start and end at bus terminals, and busway services stop there too. Even though the listing says the destination the terminal mainly serves, some services may be available to other parts of Java .

If you are arriving from Sumatra or taking DAMRI buses from the Soekarno-Hatta airport, you will most likely arrive at one of these two terminals:

Besides above if you are taking DAMRI buses from the Soekarno-Hatta airport, you can arrive at terminals:

  • Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal and then can use TransJakarta Corridor 10 or 12
  • Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal and then can use TransJakarta Corridor 7
  • Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal and then can use TransJakarta Corridor 8

By minibus [ edit ]

Minibus service (vans for about 8-10 passengers, in Indonesia indicated as " travel" ) has taken over the short-distance intercity coach services. Most minibus companies such as CitiTrans , and XTrans will take you to Jakarta from Bandung or to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. One-way fares from Bandung are typically Rp150,000 to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The buses will most often not drop you at hotels or bus terminals, but at their own offices or drop-off locations instead. You still can bargain the driver to drop at your desired place with additional price.

By boat [ edit ]

The national ferry companies, ASDP Indonesia Ferry and Pelni , operate passenger services from a large number of destinations across the Indonesian archipelago. The main ferry terminal is -6.1041 106.8818 15 Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta . Smaller speedboats, particularly to and from the Thousand Islands ( Pulau Seribu ), depart from Ancol and Muara Angke , also on Jakarta's north shore.

There are no international passenger ferries but Pelni operates a weekly service from Batam , a 45-minute ferry ride across the strait from Singapore .

By car [ edit ]

While travelling by car may not be a good idea, it remains perhaps the most convenient way to enter Jakarta. Congestion can extend well past rush hours and a hesitation at any ring road tollway in Jakarta can have a domino effect on other tolls. There are four tollways that terminate in Jakarta:

  • Jakarta-Merak cuts through Tangerang and leads to the western edge of Java, the Merak port for connections to Sumatra Island.
  • Jagorawi tollway goes south to Bogor and the Puncak holiday resorts.
  • Jakarta-Cikampek goes east via Bekasi and Karawang and continues to Bandung or all the way towards Central Java .
  • The short Jakarta-Serpong toll road connects Jakarta to South Tangerang .

An odd-even license plate scheme is in effect for the first three tollways inbound towards Jakarta on weekdays 06:00-10:00, but is enforced only at selected on-ramps. Under the system, only odd-numbered plates may enter the road on odd dates, and even-numbered plates on even dates. Only an electronic payment card is accepted.

Get around [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Getting around Jakarta is, more often than not, problematic. The city layout is Darwinistic and bewildering with horrendous traffic jams ( macet "MAH-chet") slowing the city to a crawl during rush hour, and the ever-expanding public transportation is still inadequate enough to relieve the congestion. To make things worse, the traffic jams are worse during the rainy season despite no real flooding, mainly due to motorcyclists sheltering under the tunnel.

Various areas of the city have different levels of chaotic traffic. But while the better-organised traffic is mainly in the business districts (MH Thamrin, Jendral Sudirman, and H.R. Rasuna Said), they remain one of the most congested spots in Jakarta! It can even go beyond business hours because of the area's mixed-use as both office and commercial space, as well as the domino effect from other streets' stop-and-go traffic.

By metro/light rail [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Jakarta's modern metro/light rail network is quite limited and is confusingly operated by three separate companies. Still, it's a start, especially given that until 2019 none of the three existed, and if the train does happen to go your way it will be much faster than battling traffic.

The Jakarta MRT (in Indonesian known as Moda Raya Terpadu ) connects Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta with Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta from 05:00 till midnight. It follows the main business street of MH Thamrin, continuing south along the mixed-use areas of South Jakarta before ending near the southern city limits in Lebak Bulus. It primarily links a number of business centres in the city, as well as being pedestrian-accessible to several malls. It's less convenient to access other parts of the city, and passes through few tourist attractions. A northern extension to Kota is under construction and may open around 2027.

Unlike the more utilitarian and dated design of the city's other transportation services, the MRT uses modern, spacious stations designed for heavier use. North of Senayan, stations are underground and can be accessed through rather small descending passageways on the pedestrian path. Southern stations are elevated and can't be missed. Some of the entrances have upwards escalators, but each station has at least one wheelchair-accessible elevator. Upon entry, head into the main hall, obtain a payment card and tap in to the platform area. Tap out again before exiting. Convenience stores and snacks are available before the tap-in gates, but eating and drinking is forbidden on the platforms or within the train.

Trains are clean and on time and operate every 5 minutes during peak rush hour (07:00-09:00 and 17:00–19:00), and every 10 minutes for the rest of the day. Fares range from Rp3,000 to Rp14,000 based on the distance covered.

Fares can be paid with single-trip cards, purchasable from vending machines or at the ticket booth within each station, or through bank-issued prepaid cards. Single-trip cards have a Rp10,000 deposit that can be refunded at the end of the trip; the prepaid card option is more convenient, can be topped up at convenience stores and ATMs, and are also usable in some of the other transportation modes. (See: Commuter Jabodetabek ). It is also possible to buy the ticket through MRT Jakarta App , but you still need to have a prepaid payment application on your mobile phone such as Gopay, OVO, LinkAja, and DANA.

A park-and-ride space is available 200 metres from Lebak Bulus Station and uses a daily flat rate of Rp1,000 for bicycles, Rp2,000 for motorcycles, and Rp5,000 for cars. This is more useful for commuters, and can easily fill up during the day.

Opened in 2023, the entirely elevated Jabodebek LRT runs from central Dukuh Atas (transfers to MRT and Airport Link) through the business district of Kuningan to Jakarta's southern and eastern suburbs. There are two lines, which begin their run together but split at Cawang:

  • The Bekasi (green) line heads east through Halim train station up to Jati Mulya in Bekasi .
  • The Cibubur (blue) line goes south through Taman Mini Indonesia Indah to Kg Rambutan and Cibubur.

Finally, the Jakarta LRT runs from nowhere to nowhere in northeastern Pulo Gading, not connecting to any other lines. An extension to Manggarai may open around 2026.

By commuter train [ edit ]

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The KA Commuter Jabodetabek (or KRL , colloquially known as the Commuter Line ) commuter trains in Jakarta connect the city centre with the suburbs and satellite cities, namely Tangerang , Bekasi , Depok , Bogor , South Tangerang , and Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta . It's usually worth trying as it is much faster than most motor vehicles on the road, but the late arrival of the train (usually by 10 to 15 minutes) might be bothersome. Riding the train is generally safe and comfortable; while they are of course cramped during peak hours, they are still better than using the bus. Major stations are adjacent to a TransJakarta bus stop, though you have to walk a bit or use a feeder bus service to transfer between systems.

There are three types of Commuter Line tickets:

  • 7-day trips ( Tiket Harian Berjaminan , literally: Daily Ticket with Guarantee) must be purchased at a ticket counter by stating your destination. An Rp10,000 refundable deposit will be added to the calculated fare and may be used for unlimited trips within 7 consecutive days in which the ticket must be returned to have your deposit back.
  • Multi-trip , refillable at the vending machine and directly usable to enter the electronic gate at the station. The train company issues a special Multi-trip card that can be purchased at a ticket counter for Rp50,000 (the initial balance contains Rp30,000), but you must have at least Rp5,000 to use the train.
  • Electronic money or bank-issued prepaid cards are a better alternative than the other two, as any credits are also usable for purchases at major retailers and convenience stores, the toll road, parking, and other public transportation (MRT and Transjakarta). Bank Mandiri's e-money or e-toll card, BCA's Flazz, BNI's tap-cash, BRI's BRIZZI, or Bank DKI's JakCard, are obtainable at the respective banks, minimarts such as Alfamart and Indomaret, and at Transjakarta stops. An initial purchase of the card costs Rp40,000, which is credited toward each fare. The card is non-refundable and it can be topped up at convenience stores and the ATMs of the respective banks.

The fare is determined by distance: Rp3,000 for the first 25 km and Rp1,000 for every 10 km thereafter. This means that you have to tap in at your origin station and tap out at your destination; transfers are free as long as you do not tap out. You will be charged the longest route fare for not tapping out and Rp50,000 for losing your card or pay the remaining fare with the fare-adjustment vending machine if your credit isn't enough to pay the fare. It's better to make sure that you have at least Rp20,000 credit left on your multi-trip or prepaid card. It is safe to assume that you should pay a maximum of Rp5,000 if you are only wandering around Jakarta.

Commuter services run daily from 04:30 to 00:00, roughly every 15-30 minutes per route. It usually takes 20 minutes to get from one end of the city to another, and another 30 minutes to the suburban terminus. Weekend special services connect Depok and Bogor with the popular Ancol entertainment park at North Jakarta .

Commuter trains do not stop at Gambir and Pasar Senen stations, the starting stations for long-distance trains in Jakarta; transfer at Jatinegara train station in the east.

By busway [ edit ]

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The TransJakarta buses (in Indonesian known as busway ) are modern, air-conditioned, and generally comfortable Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines. The mainline service runs Su-Th 05:00 to 23:00 and F Sa to 24:00, with few buses outside these hours. The buses have separate seating for women at the front, an attendant who stands by the door announcing stops and providing security, and CCTVs. There are priority seats for the elderly, disabled, and expectant mothers, but the wide gap between the platforms and buses can be a hindrance. There are 13 main lines in operation, in addition to a number of feeder routes that operate between them.

Unlike Jakarta's other buses, they run on fully dedicated lanes. Passengers must use dedicated stations usually found in the middle of large thoroughfares connected to both sides by overhead bridges. The system is remarkably user-friendly by Jakarta standards, with station announcements inside the purpose-built vehicles. Grab onto a handle as soon as you enter the bus, as they move away from the stop suddenly and quickly.

Park and Ride facilities are in Ragunan (South Jakarta), Kampung Rambutan (East Jakarta), Kalideres (West Jakarta), and Pulo Gebang (East Jakarta).

Tickets cost Rp2,000 from 05:00 to 07:00 and Rp3,500 all other times regardless of distance. You pay by using bank-issued prepaid cards (See: Commuter Jabodetabek ). There are no single-use passes, however, you may be able to offer a helpful local Rp5,000 note to tap you in using their card. Transfers between lines are free, but be careful not to exit the system until your journey is completed. The buses can get very crowded, especially during rush hours at around 07:00 and 17:00, when office workers are on the move.

Multiple smaller buses serve as a feeder between selected mainline stops and train stations or neighborhoods where the mainline does not run. Wait for them under the blue bus sign that says Bus Pengumpan Transjakarta (lit. Transjakarta feeder bus). If you transfer from the mainline stops, you do not need to pay for the transfer; otherwise, payments are accepted in both cash and prepaid card. They can also take you out to Jakarta's satellite cities. See the Jakarta 'By public bus' section. As there are no indicators of which routes serve these bus stops, it's a good idea to use the map apps or the Moovit app on your phone.

TransJakarta Cares is a complimentary bus service for disabled people to reach the nearest TransJakarta bus stop. They can be requested by calling 1500 102.

Passengers can keep track of bus arrival times at the screens in the mainline bus stops or with the Moovit app from any smartphones.

By Mikrotrans [ edit ]

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Mikrotrans is a free-charge minibus serving numerous main roads in Jakarta with fixed stops. An electronic money card is required to take this public transport such as Brizzi, E-money, Flazz, JakCard, JakLingko, or TapCash. You may use Moovit to trace the stops. Make sure a code in front of the vans with the prefix JAK e.g. JAK-01, JAK-02, and so on, depending on the routes, so you don't go wrong taking an older minibus with cash payments.

By tour bus [ edit ]

Jakarta may be one of the few cities in the world whose government provides tour buses. Dubbed the City Tour Jakarta , the buses are double-decker and you can ride them for free! There are 4 loop routes that are sorted by the genre of the places of interest: Historical, Modern, Art & Culinary and the Jakarta skyscrapers. The first two routes run Monday-Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00, while the latter only operates Saturdays 17:00-23:00.

By public bus [ edit ]

A multitude of bus companies prowl the streets of Jakarta. However, buses do not run on schedule or even have one. Most maps bought outside Indonesia do not show bus routes, so Google Maps would be the best method to figure out what bus you should take. Most bus stops also post what route numbers and destinations stop there, but they do not always stop there ! They make for a good adventure if you're not in a rush and don't mind being the centre of attention.

These are the bus companies, ranked from best to worst:

  • Transjabodetabek feeds between the Transjakarta stops and the outskirts of town. Look for the routes that has a letter preceding the line number. In case of no shelter, wait under the blue bus sign.
  • Kopaja AC (not to be confused with Kopaja non-AC) has introduced a similar service on selected routes. Some of the lines are reachable from the Transjakarta bus stops. Look for the metallic grey and green colour bus. These buses offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Most Mayasari Bakti buses have an air conditioner, but a few routes do not. Air conditioned buses bear the letters AC on the bus number. These buses usually have a light & dark blue body, but some are green and orange. Inquire if in doubt.
  • PPD also has a combination of an air conditioned and non-air conditioned fleet. They have fewer buses and noticeably a lower tier of service than Mayasari Bakti. Look for the white & black strip, with the Monas icon; the buses may be branded as "PATAS", which means express.
  • Avoid using MetroMini (orange & blue), Kopami (blue & yellow) and non-air conditioned Kopaja (white & green) at all costs as the buses are filthy, do not offer air conditioning and are driven recklessly.

Bus fares are generally less than Rp10,000 with a flat rate system. You usually pay in a box beside the driver but a kenek may reach out to you so you can pay him.

Cheaper still are mikrolet (mini-buses) and angkot (small vans) that ply the smaller streets and whose fares vary from Rp4,000 for the first 2 km to Rp10,000. You pay the fare directly to the driver when you get off.

You may want to have a couple of spare Rp500 coins before boarding the bus since there is on-board "entertainment" and other distractions. On a typical day, you may find street musicians singing unplugged versions of Indonesian and Western pop songs and asking for donations at the end of the performance, and street vendors, one after another, trying to sell almost everything, from ballpoint pens and candies to boxed doughnuts and health goods.

Avoid sitting or standing in the back of the bus, as this is where muggers find their prey. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be alert at all times for pickpockets and do not wear any valuable. The best seat is in the front, next to the driver.

Buses do not run according to any schedule or timetable. Sometimes a bus may take a while to come, other times two buses of the same route may come together and the drivers will steer aggressively to get more passengers. They do not stop at any particular bus stop, but anywhere they like. If you want to get off, simply say "kiri" (to the left) to the "kondektur" or just knock on the ceiling of the bus three times (be sure that the driver hears your thumping, best to use a coin), and the bus driver will find a place to drop you. An additional tip to alight from these buses is to use your left foot first to maintain balance and try to get down as quickly as possible and move the body in line with bus direction, as they do not fully stop the bus.

Also, seats in these buses are built for Indonesians, who are typically shorter and more slender and agile than people with a larger build such as Europeans and Africans. Non-Indonesians might find the seats in these buses confining and uncomfortable. TransJabodetabek, APTB and BKTB are not so crowded and the seats are more comfortable for non-Indonesians.

While most bus routes are from one bus terminal to another, not all of them have connections to long-distance bus services (see Get In section).

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Travelling by car, while it just adds up to the congestion itself, remains the most convenient way to travel around the city, especially because of its lacking public transportation.

Rental cars are available, but unless you are familiar with local driving practices or lack thereof, take reputable taxis. Foreigners are recommended not to rent cars and drive on their own, as the chaotic traffic can give you a headache; renting with a driver is more than advisable. That being said, safety and road rules are enforced much more rigorously than in other parts of the country—obey the traffic laws and do not be tempted to disobey like many of the locals do, even when it seems convenient. Police regularly patrol the major roadways, and many rules are poorly marked, such as which lanes exactly are reserved for the TransJakarta service.

Two toll roads circle the city: the Lingkar Dalam ("inner ring road", bisecting the downtown core) and Lingkar Luar ( JORR , Jakarta Outer Ring Road, encircling the outskirts). Using these toll roads is faster when the traffic is good, but are very often jammed themselves, particularly during rush hours. They generally only accept payment using prepaid bank cards.

Outside of the toll roads, road quality differs heavily between the wide downtown avenues and thin alleyways in the residential districts. Road types may be poorly marked in maps. Flooding is common in certain areas during the rainy season, with even large roads being completely inaccessible.

Finding parking places in residential areas can be difficult due to the narrow roads. Paid parking is easy to find in shopping malls, offices and the like for a shockingly cheap rate: Rp4,000-6,000 per hour. Street parking often requires payment of up to Rp3,000-5,000 to an illegal parking 'attendant' for one hour. For 41 areas with street electronic parking posts, the fee is Rp5,000 per hour paid by 7 certain debit cards, and don't pay anything to a formal attendant (monitoring by CCTV) such as you would in Sabang and Kelapa Gading Boulevards. If you park on a street, do so only at the designated areas and in a way that does not block the traffic. Otherwise, your car will be towed and ticketed, in which case you will need some paperwork to get it back!

An odd-even traffic control system is enforced along select main streets Mondays to Fridays from 06:00-10:00 and 16:00-21:00, except public holiday. Under the system, only vehicles with odd license plate numbers are permitted to travel on odd-numbered calendar dates, and even-numbered license plates on even-numbered dates. The fine for violations is Rp500,000, but taxis and public transportation (vehicles with yellow-black plate number) are exempt. Look for the sign above the road that indicates if the rule is enforced at the adjacent street; generally speaking they are valid on roads along the Inner Ring Road south of the Merak toll interchange and along the eastern side, Rasuna Said, and the Sudirman-Thamrin-Medan Merdeka Barat corridor. Starting on September 9, 2019 there are additional 16 new routes of the system. It can be read at: http://www.beritajakarta.id/en/read/31342/city-expands-odd-even-system-in-16-routes#.XXU9R3E3GM8

If you wish to rent a car, consider these companies:

  • RentalMobil.com , SCBD Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52 - 53 , ☏ +62 21 29608390 .  
  • TRAC Astra Rent A Car , ☏ +62 21 500 009 .  
  • Golden Bird ( A subsidiary service of Blue Bird Group ), ☏ +62 21 794 4444 . ( updated Dec 2017 )

By taxi [ edit ]

Most visitors opt to travel by taxi, which is very cheap by Western standards, abundant and occasionally fast. There is a multitude of taxi companies of varying degrees of dependability.

  • Blue Bird Group , ☏ +62 21 7917 1234 , +62 21 794 1234 . The Blue Bird, including the Pusaka & Morante taxis as well as the premium brands Silver Bird and Golden Bird, are well known for their reliability, efficient telephone order service, and orderly meter usage. A special ride for the physically impaired can also be requested. The Silver Bird executive taxi charges a premium rate for a larger car. In addition, Blue Bird Taxi has launched taxis using a low roof MPV which can accommodate up to 7 persons. The fare is the same as for a regular taxi, but if you want one, order it specifically when you call for a taxi.  

The popularity of online taxis (GrabCar and GoCar), due to cheaper fares, safer and more polite drivers, means that nowadays it can be more difficult or time-consuming to get conventional/regular taxis; out of 32 taxi companies that used to operating in Jakarta, there are only 4 now. Besides Blue Bird, these are the remaining companies:

  • Express , ☏ +62 21 500 122 . This is typically the second-best option, if Blue Bird taxis are not visible, but hail this taxi if your main concern is price. No minimum payment for hailing in the street, the minimum payment of Rp40,000 is only for ordering by phone.  
  • Gamya , ☏ +62 21 8779 5555 , +62 21 840 3838 .  
  • Taxiku , ☏ +62 21 4786 2121 .  

You can generally determine a good cabbie by asking " Pakai argo? " ("meter?") - if they say no or "tidak", get another taxi. Taxis parked near train/bus stations, tourist attractions, and hotels often refuse to use the meter and quote silly prices (especially to foreigners) - in this case, it's a good idea to walk away a bit, then hail a passing taxi from the above companies.

Tipping is not necessary, but rounding the meter up to the nearest Rp5,000 is expected, although rounding the meter up to the nearest Rp1,000 is also OK. So prepare some change if you want, or else you may be rounded up to the nearest Rp5,000.

If the taxi takes a toll road, the added cost is not reflected on the meter. The driver will tap their contactless card to the toll booth, receive a receipt, and you can see the cost shown on a large display next to the payment machine. Drivers may run out of their card's credits and require a short stop at a convenience store to top up; this is normal. At the end of the trip, your driver will sum up the meter price with any toll receipts, and you can always pay in cash, while some taxis accept cards. A taxi receipt is available on request and is not standard.

Blue Bird, Gojek and Grab apps can be downloaded for free to help you order taxis via smartphone. Fill in the departure and arrival points and Google Maps will show the map with the taxis and also the estimated cost displayed in a range. Blue Bird Taxi has the same fare regardless of whether you hire them online or by phone (with minimum payment applied). GoCar and GrabCar have prices fixed in advance, regardless of any traffic jams. Choose the taxi that will be used and the taxi will usually come in five minutes. Only qualified taxis and qualified drivers can join the apps, so this is one of the safest ways to get a taxi. Taxis have been abundant since online ride-hailing started operating in Jakarta. Online taxis rate is only about two-thirds that of a conventional taxi, or at most the same as a conventional one during peak hours. Since the price is preset, drivers have no incentive to take an unnecessarily roundabout route, which used to be common with conventional taxis.

By bajaj [ edit ]

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The Jakartan equivalent to Thailand 's tuk-tuk is the bajaj (pronounced "bahdge-eye"), orange mutant scooters souped up in India into little three-wheeled vehicles that carry passengers in a small cabin at the back. Besides the usual orange bajaj, there is blue bajaj, which use gas as fuel.

They're a popular way to get around town since they can weave through Jakarta's interminable traffic jams much like motorbikes can. Although slow, boneshaking (they have no suspension), hot and windy (locals joke about the "natural A/C"), and a great way to breathe in more exhaust fumes than you ever thought possible (maybe less if you ride the blue bajaj), riding around in these little motor-bugs can really grow on you. Blue gas-fueled bajaj are quieter than the orange 2-cycle bajaj.

There are no set prices, but a short hop of a few city blocks shouldn't cost much more than Rp5,000. Be sure to agree to (read: haggle ) a price before you set off. Bajaj drivers are happy to overcharge visitors, and often ask double or even more than what you would pay by a meter in a more comfortable Blue Bird taxi. Locals who regularly use the bajaj know what a typical fare should be and are happy to tell you. Also, since bajaj aren't allowed on some of the larger roads in Jakarta, your route may well take you through the bewildering warren of backstreets. Try to keep an eye on what direction you're going, because some unscrupulous bajaj drivers see nothing wrong with taking the "scenic" route and then charging you double or triple the price.

There are also Grab Bajaj that use the Grab application. The tariff is Rp 3,000 per kilometre and minimum payment Rp 9,000. It is intermediate between GrabBike and GrabCar due to Bajaj can accommodate 2 passengers and baggage.

This variant of bajaj has 4 wheels instead of 3. Qute are much quieter than bemo and have air conditioning. These 'new bemo' operate throughout Central Jakarta towards North Jakarta via Mangga Dua to Ancol. The price is quite the same as for ordinary bajaj (about Rp5,000 for a short hop). Make sure to haggle a price before you ride the vehicle.

By ojek [ edit ]

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If you're poking around narrow back streets, or in such a hurry that you're willing to lose a limb or more to get there, then Jakarta's motorcycle taxis ( ojek ) might be the ticket for you. Jakarta's ojek services consist of guys with bikes lounging around street corners, who usually shuttle short distances down alleys and roads but will also do longer trips for a price. Agree on the fare before you set off. Insist on a helmet and wear it properly—no need to make it more insanely dangerous than it already is. The ojek drivers will insist you're safe with them and that they'll drive carefully—some are telling the truth, some lying. Before you choose a driver, pay attention to their motorcycle's appearance and their helmet; sometimes it shows their character. Locals normally pay Rp5,000 for a short ride (one kilometre) and Rp7,000-10,000 for a longer (roughly more than a kilometre or a 15-minute walk). Foreigners are likely to be asked for more, but generally, ojek drivers will accept the proper fare if you insist on it, unless they see you really need their service.

On-demand (online) ojek services such as Go-Jek [dead link] and Grab are ubiquitous can be booked through their respective smartphone apps and offer generally cheaper fares which are stated in advance, although for Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi area are more expensive than other area Rp 2,250 to Rp 2,650 per kilometer with minimum payment Rp 9,000 to Rp 10,500. Payments can be made by cash or stored value (akin to prepaid mobile phone service). You may chat or call the driver for help with finding each other, although some knowledge of Indonesian would be helpful. Go-Jek as a pioneer has more widespread availability; those who travel here alongside other Southeast Asian countries may find it useful to keep using Grab. The other more expensive on-demand ojek service is Lady Jek with female drivers. Unlike conventional ojeks, which typically only operate dawn to dusk, they are available at all times and relatively safe for both passengers and drivers as they are monitored by GPS. While it seems cheap, those who travel in groups of at least three may be better off taking a taxi for convenience and the unnoticeable difference in fares.

The aforementioned brands also offer taxi service that are either private cars akin to Uber elsewhere in the world or with taxi companies so that you can hail them from the same app. Other services include food or groceries delivery and shipping between residents or from online businesses.

By helicopter [ edit ]

If you're rich and want to beat the traffic, helicopter transfers are available. They can be chartered as well for excursions outside Jakarta.

  • Transwisata , Halim Perdanakusuma Airport Terminal Building, Ground Floor , ☏ +62 21 80889628 , [email protected] . ( updated Sep 2017 )
  • Whitesky Aviation , ☏ +62 21 80890066 , [email protected] . ( updated Sep 2017 )

By bicycle [ edit ]

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Cycling provisions are almost non-existent in Jakarta, but the first signs of a cycling culture are emerging. Every Sunday from 06:00-11:00 during the Car Free Day (CFD) in Jalan Sudirman and Thamrin (and every month in other places in each city in Jakarta) are emptied of motorised vehicles, except TransJakarta. The atmosphere can be festive, as events are held in some places (especially in Hotel Indonesia Roundabout). As of 2019, 63 km of new bicycle lanes have been opened, besides previous bicycle lanes at Blok M and Kanal Banjir Timur. The Pemuda Pramuka is the most used bicycle lane, mainly to commute between work and home. New rules mention that bicycle lanes can be used by bicycle, electric bicycle, otopet, electric scooter, hoverboard and unicycle. Whoever violates the rule will be penalised up to Rp500,000.

Beyond that, there are dedicated mountain biking paths in Cihuni and along the Jalur Gas Pipa, both in Tangerang . Or you could head to Salak Mountain or other parts of the region beyond Bogor .

By eScooter [ edit ]

Grab (the online transport service provider stated in the 'Ojek' section) offers eScooter services with the 'GrabWheels' brand and a fare of Rp 5,000 per 30 minutes (Nov 2019). There are hundreds of parking lots for GrabWheels in Jakarta, mainly in the Sudirman Street area, so one can depart from a GrabWheels parking lot and deposit their eScooter in another. Despite the service's relative newness, many people rent it.

However, after a car accident involving GrabWheels, in which 2 persons were killed and 4 others were injured, regulations were enacted: eScooters can be used only at bicycle lanes (no usage allowed along pavements, regular streets, or pedestrian overhead bridges).

On foot [ edit ]

Jakarta is hot and humid year-round, discouraging pedestrians, while what sidewalk is left is often quickly occupied by pushcart vendors. Crosswalks are not always available, and not always respected even when present. Many locals will simply walk across a busy street, holding up a palm to request vehicles slow down for them.

Even then, walking can sometimes be faster than using a vehicle, especially when the maze of streets results in a winding, roundabout, and congested route.

Jakarta is rapidly revamping its pedestrian facilities on its main roads, with clean and accessible wide sidewalks already in place along the Sudirman-Thamrin corridor and adjacent districts, with continuous construction work outwards. The paths remain hot and are very quiet during the day, but are more pleasant and busy during the afternoons. Still expect to clamber around mismatched concrete blocks and step on asphalt in the residential areas of the city.

A few other neighbourhoods can be explored on foot:

  • Kota Tua ( West Jakarta ): a pedestrian-friendly square, a walk in this area explores the sights of Dutch colonial charm that was once central to the colonial administration.
  • Pasar Baru ( Central Jakarta ): a pedestrian-friendly market that has been in existence since the colonial era.
  • Rasuna Said, Kuningan District (South Jakarta): another business district along Jl. HR Rasuna Said with many embassies and office buildings.
  • Monas and Kebon Sirih area (Central Jakarta): the city square is a pedestrian-friendly zone, and the surrounding area has several attractions such as the presidential palace and old colonial churches.
  • Kanal Banjir Timur (Jakarta Timur), a nice river view in the morning with special bicycle and walking/running lane.
  • Jatinegara (Jakarta Timur), full of vintage stalls, building, train station, and river view of Ciliwung.
  • Kemang (Jakarta Selatan), full of coffee stalls, restaurants and bars. The best place to walk at night.
  • Cikini (Jakarta Pusat), for coffee stalls, art spaces, and performances.

On Car-Free Day (CFD), every Sunday from 06:00 to 11:00 in the morning, the Sudirman-Thamrin thoroughfares are closed to motor vehicles, except for the Transjakarta buses. Locals crowd the streets to walk, jog, bike, enjoy performance arts and generally have some fun on the streets. While crowded, this is a good time to get in touch with the locals and see a different side of the city.

See [ edit ]

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The heart of tourist attractions is to the north and centre of Jakarta. Visitors typically start exploring Jakarta from this part of the town, called the Kota Tua , where the old buildings of Jakarta are preserved within a dedicated walking area. Jakarta has 47 museums, which are spread across the city.

The Jakarta History Museum , formerly a city hall ( Stadhuis ), covers Jakarta's history from 400 AD to the present day, with photos, replicas, and maps. Do not miss the Jagur cannon in the back yard.

The Bank Indonesia Museum tells about the economy and currency system then and now using modern technology while the Museum Bahari takes you to the old glory of Jakarta's port, and Indonesia's as a whole. If you are into arts & crafts, the Museum Wayang has a collection of different puppets (Wayang) from all across the country and the world, and the Museum Seni Rupa & Keramik allows you to admire Indonesia's art in paintings and sculptures. Museum Prasasti for historical and scripture.

A few kilometres down south, you'll find the legacy of the Dutch and the first years of the Indonesian government, such as the iconic landmark of Jakarta, the National Monument park standing right at the centre of the court, and the Presidential Palace on its north side. And where else in the world could you find the Istiqlal Mosque , Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, and a 113-year-old gothic cathedral standing mightily across from each other? On the western side of the court, the elephant statue welcomes you to the Museum Nasional , one of the better designed museums out there. Or Gallery Nasional for art and sculpture.

Statues and monuments are ubiquitous in Jakarta and many stand prominently in major points across the city. Most of these icons were erected during Soekarno's rule in 1960, and thus still represent the old glory of independence. Start your trip from the Tugu Tani statue in Menteng that has a figure of a farmer going out to war. Across the Monas Park is Arjuna Wijaya , an eight-horse carriage statue near Monas. Going south at Jalan MH Thamrin, the iconic Selamat Datang statue waves at you, with a fountain that signifies its importance as the city centre of Jakarta. Passing through that is the Jenderal Sudirman statue giving a salute, that gives the street its name. Going further until the end of the straight street, is the Pemuda Membangun or Youth Developing statue that looks like a man holding up a burning bowl. The Dirgantara statue is visible in its glory if you are using the inner tollway in South Jakarta.

Parks [ edit ]

Green spaces are often overlooked in Jakarta. While the city has nearly 1,000 public parks big and small, very few are well maintained including even the National Monument Park ( Monas ). Menteng is large and perhaps the best and Taman Suropati hosts regular violin shows. Pantai Indah Kapuk , while inundated by housing projects, still leaves a space for mangrove swamps and monkeys' habitats in the two parks there. For parks with lakes, Pluit Park is one option, and a smaller one is Pulo Mas Park . Ragunan , the official zoo of Jakarta, is the second largest zoo in the world (140 hectares), offering diverse Indonesian and international flora & fauna, including a dedicated centre that houses primates, especially the endemic orangutans. Kalijodo Park is open 24 hours a day with green and child-friendly public space and an international skate park. For community park, look for Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak (RPTRA). Although smaller, it usually offers a small library with A/C and a futsal field. The newest is Lapangan Banteng Park which is also open 24 hours and has good illumination for playing football.

However metropolitan Jakarta has 3 small forests in the city at Muara Angke, Srengseng and Tebet.

Jakarta also hosts two amusement parks. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol at the North, that is for pure fun plus a sea world aquarium, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesia in miniature) in East Jakarta, which celebrates the culture of all 34 provinces of Indonesia, a bird park containing multiple endemic species, and multiple museums. Escape to Kepulauan Seribu to see wild birds and eagles, and island resorts not too far away from the city. The Setu Babakan down south is the centre of the indigenous Betawi culture. If you are looking for lake scene, go to Taman Waduk Pluit or Taman Waduk Ria Rio . For river scene, go to Taman Kanal Banjir Timur or RPTRA Mawar.

Do [ edit ]

Betawi culture [ edit ].

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Despite being the melting pot of Indonesia, Jakarta's indigenous tribe called the Betawi still stays proud of its culture. They are actually a unique assimilation of various domestic and international races from the Chinese to the Portuguese, which makes it distinct from other parts of Indonesia. The Lenong theatre performance is accompanied by the Gambang Kromong orchestra that consists of the Sundanese Gendang , the Javanese Gamelan , and the Chinese Kongahyan (its own version of violin). The Tanjidor trumpets are an influence from the Dutch, while the Portuguese bequeathed the Keroncong orchestra. At the anniversary of the city's founding every 22 June, a distinctive piece of culture can be seen in hotels, the infamous pair of Ondel-ondel puppets. The complete experience of the culture can be found at Setu Babakan , the village of Betawi culture (and fishing at its lake).

Cinema [ edit ]

Cinemas are a more affordable escape at around Rp30,000 - 45,000 for a plush seat (Rp40,000 - 70,000 on the weekend, up to Rp150,000 if you watch in Premiere Class at XXI or Velvet Class at CGV Blitz ) in any of the capital's shopping malls. Beware of the heavy hand of the Indonesian censor though. The price of popcorn and drinks are exorbitant so you may wish to bring your own coming in. CGV Blitz cinemas will typically show movies in any foreign language other than English and the lesser ones also exhibit Indonesian B-Movies with erotic themes (still heavily censored). The largest chain of cinemas in Indonesia are the 21 Cineplex (branded as XXI in premium shopping malls) and CGV Blitz . IMAX theaters are only available at Gandaria City's XXI theatre, Mal Kelapa Gading III's theatre and Keong Mas in TMII, although the latter more often shows documentary than blockbuster films.

Performing arts festivals [ edit ]

Jakarta boasts some of the world's largest music events, which may surprise you, and the many young fans have attracted artists all around the world to regularly stop by Jakarta as part of their world tour, from rock concerts to Korean pop. Perhaps the best known event is the annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival that takes place each March for 3 days, filled with over 40 international and local artists performing jazz, R&B and reggae songs. The Hammersonic is an annual metal music concert, while We The Fest boasts some of the performances from indie/pop artists in August since its first inception in 2014, Road to Soundrenaline takes you to the popular local indie/major label bands showcases, before it ends up in Bali for the main event with some of international artists performing there and the Djakarta Warehouse Project hosts world famous DJs to jam the start of the year-end holiday. For a street performance, the Sudirman-Thamrin strip is closed at night on 22 June and New Year's Eve , when stages for musical performances are erected and cultural parades set up to usher in Jakarta's founding anniversary and the New Year, respectively.

For some traditional and classical stuff, there are performances at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta , by indie, jazz, dance, and classical music orchestras. Taman Ismail Marzuki hosts mainly theatrical shows, although English shows might be rare. Erasmus Huis Hall by the Dutch embassy also regularly hosts classical music shows and photography exhibitions.

Sport [ edit ]

The sport scene in Jakarta is perhaps one of the most vibrant you'll ever see in Asia. The Senayan sports complex still lives up to its name since the 1962 Asian Games, where archery and indoor shooting range are also publicly available to try. Soemantri-Brodjonegoro in Kuningan district also offers you many kinds of sport activities. If you like skateboarding, Kalijodo Skatepark i s the best place to meet others.

Golf [ edit ]

Jakarta is perhaps the best city to play golf in Asia, thanks to the abundance of courses close to or even in the middle of the city, and relatively cheap prices compared to Western standards. Green fees can go as low as Rp70,000 on weekdays, although the better courses are twice that, and weekend rates are considerably steeper at Rp300,000 and more. Many golf courses are at South and East within the immediate suburbs of the city, much better in quality and quantity at the satellite cities.

Football [ edit ]

Indonesia is one of the few Asian countries where European soccer teams, including from the prestigious British Premier League or the Italian League, play friendlies against the national team when the game itself is at break in Europe. The supporters between the national team and the Europeans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium are even, yet even though for the most part Indonesia's national team post losses, clashes do not seem to occur. When the European leagues are in season, numerous cafés and bars around town put up gigantic TV screens to let the enthusiasm erupt while having a drink at dawn.

Futsal is the indoor version of football, which has 5 players per team and more lax rules of play. Anytime after work or on the weekends, you can easily find crowds at the many indoor courts across the city. Outdoors, the dirt and grass makeshift fields are abundant in residential areas, crowded with players, spectators and vendors, typically on weekend afternoons. In these casual games, anyone can simply ask to jump in.

Badminton [ edit ]

As a badminton powerhouse, Jakarta has a multitude of badminton courts, ranging from the national venues at the Senayan Complex to the suburban halls which cater to both futsal and badminton. Most of them have wood-panel flooring and are maintained in reasonably good condition. Lighting is strictly functional and is below par in comparison with standard badminton halls. People play almost every evening - so, walk in, strike up a conversation with the group's captain, and expect to blend in with their group for the session. If the captain refuses payment (usually less than Rp20,000), it is polite to buy the players a round of soft-drinks (Teh-botol is a good choice). Be warned that it is common for Indonesians to eat, smoke, drink and nap by the side of the court: so watch your step.

If you want to watch rather than to play, the Istora Senayan is packed in the middle of January for Indonesia Masters Super 500 and early June during the Indonesia Open Super 1000 (a Grand Slam equivalent in badminton), when the world's top badminton players compete. The deafening cheers are chanted even beyond when the players hit the shuttlecock, an enthusiasm unmatched elsewhere in the world. It is advised to buy tickets online (especially for the weekend matches), otherwise you may be relegated to watching it on the big screen outside the venue.

Karaoke [ edit ]

You are in one of Asia's big cities—karaoke is the norm, so sing your heart out! Most chain brands such as Inul Vizta , NAV , or DIVA can be found at the upscale shopping malls where the youngsters play. You'll have your own lavish room with a wide span of libraries containing local, English, and East Asian songs, on a wide-screen TV while you can order a drink or food to be enjoyed while you wait your turn to sing. Rates can start from as low as Rp70,000 per room for a minimum of 6 people.

Learn [ edit ]

There are a few locations for cooking classes along Jalan Kemang ( South Jakarta ) that specifically cater to expats. Most offer pastry cooking classes.

Interestingly, you can learn about cultures from around the world in Jakarta. Many embassies have set up cultural centres where you can take world culture & language classes . Check these cultural centres for information: Korean Culture Centre , Institut Francais , Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Japan Foundation , Goethe Institut .

Work [ edit ]

Casual work in Jakarta is difficult to come by and Indonesian bureaucracy does not readily facilitate foreigners undertaking employment in Indonesia. As in the rest of Asia, teaching English is the best option, although salaries are poor (US$700–3000/month is typical, although accommodation may be provided) and the government only allows citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA to work as teachers. Formal work visas, residency permits and registration with several government offices is necessary. Formal approval from the Department of Manpower and the provision of documentation and guarantees from an employing sponsor is required to engage in any form of employment in Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia. Business visas are available for the purposes of conducting business related activities in Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia, this class of visa has strict conditions and requires a local business to sponsor the applicant. A business visa does not permit the holder to undertake any form of employment.

Jakarta caters to a growing class of remote workers and visitors on business trips with a large selection of coworking spaces . Mostly spread around Central and South Jakarta, day passes can be as low as Rp100,000, with hourly passes even lower. These spaces typically share buildings with offices and provide internet, drinks, and sometimes extra services like printing and meeting rooms. Some spaces are directly connected to shopping malls or public transit, making them very useful alternatives to spending hours in a cafe for work. Available desks may be limited in popular areas; call ahead to reserve a spot if necessary.

Buy [ edit ]

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More than 2.5 million foreign tourists and more than 30 million domestic tourists visit Jakarta every year. It's a paradise for buying international brand-name garments (both genuine and fake).

If you're stopping in Jakarta, consider buying an extra suitcase, because there are lots of good shopping opportunities. Good used suitcases can be bought at Surabaya street and vendors also sell antiques. However, although quality can be excellent, genuine branded goods or quality products are expensive.

Every year, the Provincial Government of Jakarta holds an annual Festival Jakarta Great Sale that takes place from Mid-June to Mid-July. Most markets, shopping malls, and department stores attend it and will give discounts on selected items, although the event itself might be barely noticeable aside from some banners. Some stores also run Midnight Sales, usually in the weekend. And most of the malls are open from 10:00-20:00 every day, except on Ied Day when they're open 13:30-22:00.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

An escape from Jakarta's sweltering heat, hundreds of shopping malls serve as social hotspots and are where the city congregate on weekends to shop, buy groceries, and hang out. They range from grand top-end luxury malls to smaller trade centers and shopping complexes, with new buildings constantly under construction, so you can probably find a suitably stocked mall (or three) for what you're looking for close to you. Genuinely imported goods from official retailers are priced to international standards, but Jakarta also offers local and lesser-known designer alternatives. A vast selection of cafes and social spots are also attached to malls, so if you're planning to meet up with an Indonesian acquaintance, brunch or dinner at a mall is a popular affair.

As a convention, most Jakarta malls will have a supermarket in the basement, alongside utilities such as ATMs, office goods, barber shops, pharmacies, personal health, and budget eating options. Shopping options are on the middle floors, followed by a selection of higher-end restaurants and potentially a movie theater at the top floors. Expect each location to have one or more lobbies at which you can be dropped off, and one of these lobbies will usually include a taxi stand. If calling in your own taxi (or rideshare) be sure to specify which lobby you're waiting at. Most malls open at 10:00, though breakfast dining spaces on the ground floor may open sooner, and lunch options may only fully open at 11:00.

Some of the most well known shopping complexes are at the heart of the city. Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia are massive upper-class malls next to each other on Jakarta's busy Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, easily accessible via MRT. To the south, Plaza Senayan & Senayan City are popular chic hangouts across from each other, also accessible by MRT. Mal Taman Anggrek and Central Park to the west at Jalan Letjen S. Parman are for all rounders.

Jalan Prof.Dr.Satrio is Jakarta's answer to the famed Orchard Road in Singapore , Ginza in Tokyo and Fifth Avenue in New York. Four malls (namely ITC Mal Ambassador, Kuningan City, Ciputra World I, and a bit further off, Kota Kasablanka) and counting, catering to visitors of all budget levels. Kelapa Gading has a street with four malls on its side, and two other giant malls are located elsewhere in the region. Pluit and Pondok Indah hosts three malls located along a single strip.

Every shopping mall has at least one department store, alongside brands that have their own shops. Sogo has the most branches, followed by Metro & Centro. Galeries Lafayette can be found at Pacific Place while Seibu and Central are located at Grand Indonesia. Matahari also provides similar fashion usually for a lower price.

Markets [ edit ]

In addition to malls, there are also numerous extremely large shopping centres , most of them within a complex, so if you are unable to find what you need at one mall, you can try again at the mall next door. Mangga Dua , Tanah Abang , and Pasar Baru are the best places in Jakarta to shop for fashion. In Mangga Dua area there are at least 3 shopping centres connected by bridges: ITC is for middle and upper middle class fashion, while the lower class is served by Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua , and Mangga Dua Mall is for gadget enthuasiasts. Tanah Abang is a wholesale market and the biggest in Southeast Asia , with delivery to Africa and other parts of the world. Tanah Abang is overcrowded, so Thamrin city next to Grand Indonesia (500 m from Tanah Abang) can serve as an alternative, mainly for Muslim wear and batik. Pasar Baru is not a shopping centre, but more like a street with old retail shops; stamp collectors will be able to find Indonesian stamps at the front of many of these shops. Mangga Dua Square , as well as Glodok and Roxy, are places to find gadgets. WTC (Wholesale Trade Centre) Mangga Dua is now specialised in selling used cars, with more than 100 sold per day.

If you are looking for antique products such as local handicrafts, Indonesian traditional batik or wayang golek (Sundanese puppets), you can go to Jalan Surabaya in Central Jakarta. If you are looking for rare maps, prints or paintings, you can go to Kemang Raya, where there are many galleries including Bartele gallery and Hadi Prana. Pasaraya Grande shopping mall at Blok M, South Jakarta has one dedicated floor for Indonesian antiques and handicrafts. Pasar Seni at Ancol is the centre of paintings and sculpture, including portrait pictures you can have done on the spot. Sarinah department store also has a vast section of traditional gifts.

Shopping at traditional markets may also be an exciting experience, where you can find exotic tropical fruits, traditional snacks, cheap fashion and novelty items. While most of them are far from tourist hot spots, Pasar Gondangdia across the namesake train station and the Fresh Market Pantai Indah Kapuk are the places that still offer such experience in a modern building while easily accessible.

Cash is still the most effective payment system for all transactions. A few established shops may accept payment with debit/credit card and electronic money.

Eat [ edit ]

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Jakarta has a vast range of food available at hundreds of eating complexes located all over the huge city. In addition to selections from all over the country, you can also find excellent Chinese, Japanese, Western, and many other international foods thanks to the cosmopolitan population.

If you want to go local Jakarta, the indigenous Betawi has its own dishes to offer:

  • Asinan Betawi : assorted pickled vegetables, served with peanut sauce (and sometimes chili) and chips.
  • Bubur ase/dingin , literally cold porridge with beef sweet soup.
  • Gabus pucung , snakehead fish soup.
  • Gado-gado is like ketoprak, but all of it is vegetables.
  • Kerak telor , omelette cooked with glutinous rice and served with shredded coconut and a dried shrimp topping.
  • Ketoprak , lontong (rice cake), tofu, bean sprout, and shrimp crackers in peanut sauce.
  • Mie kangkung : noodles with water spinach in savoury thick gravy sauce.
  • Nasi kebuli : a Betawi pilaf influenced by Arab culture.
  • Nasi uduk , rice cooked in coconut milk similar to nasi lemak, served with choices of various toppings, such as fried chicken, beef, fried shallots, and sambal (chili sauce).
  • Nasi ulam , rice cooked in coconut milk served with fried minced beef, sweet fried tempeh, many other toppings, cucumber, and sambal.
  • Rujak/Mie juhi : noodles with vegetables and dried squid in peanut sauce.
  • Sop iga sapi , beef spare rib soup that takes a simple Dutch dish and piles on Indonesian spices.
  • Soto Betawi , coconut milk broth with beef tendons, intestines, tripe.

Food at malls and brick-and-mortar restaurants are by and large of hygiene standards. Street vendors ( kaki lima ) or carts can be questionable, though it is still wise to use discretion as some of the best or well-known food can actually be from them.

The online ride-hailing apps Gojek and Grab also offer food delivery service (such as Gojek's GO-FOOD) to virtually all restaurants, for a small fee. Furthermore, it can increase your convenience when you only want to rest at your hotel.

Though tipping is not customary in restaurants, it has become more common. In fact, a few automatically charge a service fee (typically 5%), which may surprise some patrons. Eating at restaurants are almost always subject to a 10% general tax.

Budget [ edit ]

Food courts at just about every shopping mall in Jakarta offer cheap but filling meals. Prices range from Rp35,000 to Rp60,000. While street vendors ( kaki lima ) are cheap with questionable hygiene standards, some items are unfortunately offered only by street vendors, so use good judgment when shopping around. Look for those that have lines at least a couple people long, as that means it's reputable and indisputably delicious. Steer clear from vendors that offer are pushy or suspiciously cheap, as their hygiene or food quality may be poor.

For cleaner alternatives with decent price, you can look for Lokbin (lokasi binaan), Loksem (Lokasi sementara), or Lenggang Jakarta, which serve same affordable food but with better hygiene standards. Practically the sellers there are relocated street vendors. Price in Lenggang Jakarta and Lokbin will be around Rp10.000 to Rp30.000.

Franchise fast food chains are also a good choice for eating as the hygiene is more likely to be up to standards. American fast food chains such as KFC and McDonald's have ample seating. Local chain Bakmi GM is famous for its noodles and its fried wanton. Hoka-hoka Bento (locally known as HokBen), also a local chain, provides Japanese buffet with a complete meal set for an affordable price. Also consider Es Teler 77 & Solaria . You will find one or all of them at major malls across the city. Department store or mini market food items can be an alternative should you need to eat on the go or at work.

For some exquisite Indonesian snacks, head to the traditional markets or street vendors. The infamous jajanan pasar (lit. market snacks) or bakpao (Chinese meat buns) should cost around Rp10,000 to Rp35,000 per box or piece. Assorted fritters ( gorengan ) are ubiquitous throughout and should cost Rp7,000 to Rp15,000 for up to a dozen pieces of fried tofu, tempeh, cassava, yam, and even banana. Siomay and batagor will be available for around Rp5.000-Rp10.000. Instant ramen noodle for around Rp5.000-Rp10.000, ketoprak Rp5.000-Rp8.000, pecel lele Rp7.000-Rp10.000, or nasi uduk Rp3.000-Rp7.000.

More substantial meals such as martabak , satay , chicken noodle ( mi ayam ) or porridge ( bubur ayam ), and nasi goreng are typically on the upper end of budget dining. The Indonesian soto soup can be enjoyed for Rp45,000 with rice and a drink of your choice and a bowl of meatball ( bakso ) soup with a side of noodles or vermicelli should cost no more than Rp50,000 per bowl. Bakeries also have buns that you can consume for breakfast, starting from Rp10,000. Roti Lauw and Tan Ek Tjoan is the most popular choice in Jakarta.

As some traditional Indonesian cuisine may be too hot and spicy for many foreign tourist, you can usually ask for just a little chili or none at all: "pedas sedikit" and "tidak pedas" , respectively. It also better to know that you can say "bungkus" for take away order, or "makan di sini" for dine in. And be careful as red ketchup usually means hot chilli sauce, not tomato.

Mid-range [ edit ]

Fine dining restaurants offer main courses for a range of prices and can be found at just about every mall in Jakarta or better yet outside the malls.

Some of the restaurants in this category include pizza franchises Pizza Hut and Domino's, or A&W, Wendy's, and Burger King for fast food chain. Mains in shopping mall restaurants typically range between Rp40,000 and Rp75,000; many even provide lunch set menus for just about Rp50,000 that entitles you to rice, one or two main platters and a glass of drink which can be an impressive deal. Seafood restaurants north of the city centre falls on the borderline between mid-range to expensive depending on your preference, with shrimp & fish on the cheaper side, followed by scallop, and lastly crab & lobster.

For middle class traditional cuisine, go to the Menteng area and look for Gado-Gado Boplo, Warung Daun, Bumbu Desa, Saur Kuring, Dapur Sunda, Sate House, Bunga Rampai, Sate Khas Senayan or Aroma Sedap . Or try to look around Sabang area. Garuda, Natrabu , Sederhana, Penang Bistro, or Pagi Sore will offer you the best value over price.

Splurge [ edit ]

The best gourmet splurges in Jakarta are the opulent buffet spreads in the 5-star hotels such as the JW Marriott, Hotel Mulia, Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La, which offer amazing value by international standards. Expect to pay upwards of Rp150,000 per person.

Chinese roundtable restaurants, such as Din Tai Fung , Imperial Duck , Jun Njan , or Tai Pan , among other small enterprises, offer considerably expensive dishes, but these are mostly meant to be communal rather than for individuals.

Steakhouses also fall into this category, especially if the beef is imported from Australia or a USDA certified. For pizza, look for Pizza Express (formerly Pizza Marzano).

For premium traditional cuisine, Rara Jonggrang , Remboelan and Tugu Koenstring Paleis will serve you the highest standard.

Drink [ edit ]

Jakarta may be the capital of the world's largest Muslim-majority country, but it has an underground life of its own. If you're the clubbing type, its nightlife is arguably among the best in Asia, except during fasting months when some venues are closed or have limited hours. From the upscale Kemang to the seedy Mangga Besar , nightlife is there for all levels of loudness, but bring a friend if you decide to brave the seedier places (though they tend to have the best DJs). Fans of live music, on the other hand, are largely out of luck if they go to budget bars, at least unless they're into Indonesian pop.

Since 2015 alcoholic drinks are no longer available in convenience stores to discourage underage drinking. Malls and supermarkets are exempt from this rule. In addition, there are specialist imported wine and liquor shops.

Jakarta has a fairly large number of prostitutes , known in local parlance as ayam (lit. "chicken"), so much so that much of the female clientele of some respectable bars (operated by five-star hotels, etc.) is on the take.

The Kota area in northern Jakarta is the oldest part of town with numerous colonial buildings still dominating the area. It is also considered to be the seediest part of town after midnight. Most karaoke bars and 'health' clubs there are in fact brothels who mostly cater to local Jakartans. Even regular discos such as Golden Crown have special areas designated for prostitutes. Other notable establishments in this area are Malioboro and Club 36 which should not be missed. This part of town has a large ethnic Chinese population who also dominate the clubbing scene there.

The bulk of the clubbing scene is spread throughout Jakarta but usually found in office buildings or hotels. The help of an experienced local with finding these places is recommended. Nightlife in Jakarta tends to be pricey by local standards.

Due to Jakarta's freedom, there is no specific dress code that should be worn unless you are in a religious area. However, it is best not to dress too openly to avoid awkward stares or giving the impression (especially for women) that you are a prostitute since most of them in Jakarta wear very short dresses or skirts. Sandals are fine to wear if you're heading for North Jakarta since it is near the beach. During the month of Ramadan, most nightlife ends at midnight, while some venues do not open all month.

A nightlife district popular among expats is Blok M in South Jakarta , or more specifically the single lane of Jl. Palatehan 1 just north of the bus terminal, packed with pubs and bars geared squarely towards single male Western visitors. While lacking the bikini-clad go-go dancers of Patpong , the meat market atmosphere is much the same with poor country girls turned prostitute. Blok M is easily accessible as the southern terminus of BRT Line 1. For a more off-the-beaten track experience, head a few blocks south to Jl. Melawai 6 ( opposite Plaza Blok M ), Jakarta's de-facto Little Japan with lots of Japanese restaurants, bars and karaoke bars. If you prefer to mingle with Koreans, go south to Jalan Wijaya.

Plaza Senayan's Arcadia annex attempts to duplicate the concept, but with more of an emphasis on fine dining. The Kemang area in southern Jakarta is popular with expats and locals alike so it has numerous places to eat, drink and dance. Or if you want to keep it sober, bubble tea cafes and coffee shops are popping up sporadically, especially in North and West Jakarta, and most major malls. No jamming music and (mostly) no alcohol, but still a good place to hang out.

Coffee aficionados can rejoice as some of the best beans in the world hail from Indonesia, and they can easily be found from stands on the street to dedicated coffee shops and even the sachets at the supermarket. They are usually priced from Rp30,000 per cup while powdered coffee are sold from Rp15,000. Co-working spaces are also starting to expand their business into making a coffee shop which caters mostly for workers in the city.

Sleep [ edit ]

The travel agencies at Jakarta's airport can have surprisingly good rates for mid-range and above hotels. Star ratings are reserved for midrange and better hotels, while budget places have "Melati" rankings from 1-3 (best). Tax and service charges of 21% are usually added to the bill.

  • Budget , hostels ( losmen ) can be found around Jalan Jaksa , which is close to the Gambir station, for as low as Rp30,000 per night! Or Kwitang area offer low cost but filthy hotel for Rp50,000 to Rp150,000. Hotels around Cikini has better room to offer for Rp300,000 to Rp 400,000. Another choice is hotels around Mangga Besar , a street with a wide variety of hotels, clubs, restaurants and low class spas. Elsewhere, look for brands such as favehotel , amaris , and ibis budget .
  • Mid-range are easily found at all parts of Jakarta, from independents to chain brands such as all Accor Group hotels but Pullman.
  • Splurge , Jakarta has more than its fair share of luxury hotels, and after the prolonged post-crash hangover new ones are now going up again. Many remain good value by world prices, but opulent lobbies do not always correspond to the same quality in the room. Mostly found within the business strips of Sudirman-Thamrin and Rasuna Said .

Jakarta is a business destination, so rates are often lower on the weekends. During the Eid holiday season, Jakarta empties out and there are some great deals to be had.

For stays longer than 2½–3 weeks, monthly rental rooms (called kost ) and apartments are a good alternative to budget and mid-range hotels, respectively. Fully-furnished rooms (with TV, air-con, large bed, hot shower, kitchen outside) can be rented for 1½-4 million rupiah per month. In most cases, the rental fee already includes electricity and water usage, and often there are additional services included like laundry, Internet access, breakfast, etc. There are cheaper rooms as well (starting from Rp500,000-700,000), but those are usually small, windowless, and the furniture includes just a bed or even nothing at all. Also, some cheaper places are exclusively for either men or women (no opposite-sex tenants or visitors allowed); many others allow couples to stay together only if they're legally married.

For apartments (one or more rooms + private kitchen + often balcony), prices are Rp3-4 million and up. Cheaper rates can be obtained in some places which are oriented to the long-term rental (3, 6 months or 1 year minimum); however, there may be same limitations as for cheaper rooms. Short term room rentals services such as Airbnb can be an option for those on the budget.

Stay safe [ edit ]

A number of high-profile terror attacks in 2003, 2004, and 2009 have led to the city beefing up its security presence. An attack in 2016 specifically targeted foreigners, killing four. However, given the scale and population of the city, terror attacks are exceedingly rare and wayward traffic is a much more realistic threat. Security continues to be highly visible in the city, although checks are generally light and act more as a first layer of defense (that actively helped save lives in the 2016 attack). You'll spot many x-ray machines and people waving metal-detection wands in offices, malls and transportation infrastructure.

By and large, your stay in Jakarta should not be problematic as long as you use common sense. While theft and robbery seem common, they are highly unlikely to happen in the crowded Sudirman streets, but much more likely at night in the less economically fortunate areas such as in the East, or in residential areas in the suburbs. It is generally better to use a car, or the Transjakarta and commuter trains if you opt for public transit. Women are even entitled to a dedicated seating area or car on these routes!

Strict gun control laws make Jakarta safer, leaving theft and robbery as day-to-day concerns. Violence is low, and most criminal acts are done by stealth or intimidation rather than lethal force. It is rare for serious injuries to occur during these situations, although there are exceptions. If the theft is done by stealth, simply catching the thief in the act will cause him to run away. For intimidation such as robberies, simply giving them an object of value will usually satisfy the thief, who will leave without further ado. Most Indonesians are also very protective of their neighbors and friends; in many neighborhoods, a thief caught by the local residents will be punished "traditionally" before being taken to police. Shout for help ("Tolong!") or robber ("Maling!") to get yourself away from this.

Be on your guard in crowded places such as markets, because pickpockets often steal wallets and cellular phones. Carry your backpack on your chest when you see others do the same. Business travelers need to keep a close eye on laptops, which have been known to disappear even from within co-working spaces. For all-night party excursions, it may be wise to keep your cab waiting; the extra cost is cheap and it's worth it for the security. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Organised criminals sometimes operate on the streets (especially at traffic lights) without fearing crowds.

Protests [ edit ]

Indonesians are fiercely protective of their right to protest, which proved critical in establishing its democracy in 1998, when citizens (particularly students) descended upon the streets, with significant damage to the city and killing thousands in the process.

Today, as a dense concentration of 30 million citizens in its metro area representing one of the world's largest democracies, Jakarta sees regular protests of all sorts. Most protests are rowdy yet organised events, taking place around government offices. Visitors will see their impact from miles away as they cause congestion in the already congested traffic, but they're also decorated with large banners, flags and posters. Protesters generally don't interact with others around them, although given the tight streets and sidewalks, beware of getting swept away or separated in a march. During larger protests, entire roads or areas may be cordoned off by police.

There is always a police presence of some sort at these events, so follow their directions. Transjakarta, rail and metro services will also know in advance and announcements may be displayed in stations. Taxi companies also broadcast this information to their drivers. When in doubt, do like an Indonesian and simply ask a nearby uniformed person and ask if there's a disruption going on.

Protests tend to take a turn for the chaotic once night falls and the bulk of protesters leave to return to their families. Most protests end right around nightfall (about 18:00), but if a one extends into the night, it would be prudent to give it a wide berth.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water in Jakarta is not drinkable, unless it's boiled or purified. It is generally fine for a bathing or brushing teeth. Bottled water is cheap, up to Rp5,000, but for safety reasons it is better to buy it from minimarts , rather than from street vendors who may refill empty bottles with tap water. If you're staying for extended periods, you can also obtain gallon-sized water containers. Ensure the tamper-proof seal is intact.

Jakarta's air quality is poor, especially during the dry season. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors near the streets (especially in less central areas, where you may be meters from passing cars and motorbikes, without a proper sidewalk) it's wise to do like many Indonesians and wear a mask. You can obtain masks from pharmacies or convenience stores; ask for a "motorbike mask" if necessary. Keep an eye on air quality through weather apps if you're sensitive to air quality, as it may vary depending on where you are in the city.

There is a law against smoking in public places in Jakarta, and the smoker can (in theory) be fined up to US$5,000. You may see the signs threatening a fine ( denda ) of Rp50 million or 6 months jail for smoking, although that law seems not to be enforced, as locals still smoke everywhere on the street and even in local buses, as anywhere in Indonesia. It's generally prohibited to smoke, however, inside shops, offices, hotel, and air-conditioned buildings generally. If in doubt, you can ask locals: Boleh merokok ?

Diarrhea, food poisoning, and typhoid fever is common in Jakarta, so it's wise to prepare yourself with antidiarrheal medication and activated carbon, and always bring hand sanitizer. A visit to general practitioner will roughly cost you Rp50.000 to Rp150.000. Seeing a specialist or going to hospital will cost you around Rp200.000-Rp500.000.

Connect [ edit ]

Telephone [ edit ].

The area code for Jakarta and the metropolitan area is 021 . You do not need to dial the area code if you are calling another number within the same area using a landline. Drop the 0 prefix when calling from elsewhere in Indonesia.

Wartel or telephone shops are ubiquitous on the streets of Jakarta but are gradually disappearing because of the booming of mobile phones. There are lots of shops where you can buy a cheap Indonesian SIM card. Bring your passport. Cellular coverage is generally good.

Public phones can still be commonly seen on the sidewalk. If you see a public telephone, lift the receiver and check the number in the display near the keypad. If the number is not 000, don't insert coins, because the phone is broken, as is often the case. If working, they cost just Rp100 per minute.

Internet [ edit ]

If you have your own laptop you may be able to access wifi networks in shopping malls, park, and government building. Ask at the information desk for access codes, but usually the speed is bad. Free hotspots are also available at restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores. Most hotels also provide wifi hotspots in their public area or in their rooms, either free or paid—inquire before booking.

Internet cafes are available in most parts of the city, especially around universities, residential areas, and most shopping malls, for Rp4,000-10,000 per hour. While the cheap ones will have slow dial-up connections, others offer broadband high-speed capabilities, usually used for online gaming. If you need to use the internet for a long time, try to get the "happy hour" deals, where for up to Rp30,000, you can browse the Internet as long as you want.

All providers in Jakarta have 4G LTE, but the signals are only good in business triangle areas (Sudirman, HR Rasuna Said and Gatot Subroto); in other areas, the signal flips between 4G LTE, HSDPA, and 3G, or is mostly 3G. For more general information, see Internet in Indonesia . For alternative, try to find wifi.id for reliable connection in public space or big building. They will charge you Rp5.000 from your mobile phone credit for full day connectivity.

Post [ edit ]

Post is provided by the state-owned Pos Indonesia , open during business hours only. They do not have mailboxes but have mobile counters in vans, or you can just go to the post office. Major freight companies such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS also offer drop by package delivery, albeit through a third-party service. Gojek and Grab also offer door-to-door delivery service within their app if you only need to send something light and quick (maximum 5 kg), for which the price depends on distance rather than weight. TIKI, JNE, or J&T are reliable for bulk or inter-city delivery.

Emergency [ edit ]

Jakarta's emergency services are the best in Indonesia. Many hospitals have 24-hour emergency rooms, but equipment may not be as advanced as their international counterparts. The international emergency number ☏ 112 does work and will channel you to the respective services you need.

  • Fire , ☏ 113 .  
  • Ambulance , ☏ 118 .  
  • Police , ☏ 110 .  
  • Search and rescue team , ☏ 115 .  
  • Indonesian Police HQ , Jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta , ☏ +62 21 7218144 .  
  • Jakarta Police HQ , Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45, South Jakarta , ☏ +62 21 5709261 .  
  • Child abuse , ☏ 1-500-771 (in country only) .  
  • Hospitals with 24-hour emergency room UGD (ER): see the Jakarta district pages.

Cope [ edit ]

Media [ edit ].

Jakarta is the centre of Indonesia's media. Most news is actually sourced from Jakarta. English-language publications are starting to make their way into newsstands.

  • The Jakarta Post . Indonesia's English-language paper of record.
  • The Jakarta Globe In a tabloid format. Provides more lifestyle content.
  • Tempo English Edition Weekly hard news magazine.
  • What's New Jakarta is a lifestyle website full of food and event listings. Suitable for long-term visitors

State-owned TV station TVRI has an English news broadcast every day at 17:00, and MetroTV Tuesday-Saturday at 01:00. MetroTV has Metro XinWen for news in Mandarin Chinese.

Immigration office [ edit ]

The General Directorate of Immigration (Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav.X-6 Kuningan-Jakarta Selatan) provides visas, re-entry permits and many other immigration services.

Embassies and consulates [ edit ]

The Kementerian Luar Negeri (Kemlu) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a complete searchable database of diplomatic institutions. The embassies are located in Jakarta; some consulates general and honorary consulates are located in other cities such as Surabaya and Denpasar. This list may not be complete.

Go next [ edit ]

Within the metropolitan area: [ edit ].

The fun does not end in Jakarta, but well beyond its satellite cities!

  • Thousand Islands — administratively a part of Jakarta, but it is the complete opposite of the hectic mainland: an island escape with sprawling resorts and nature reserves.
  • Bogor — a sense of nature one hour away, where you can tuck yourself away in its botanic gardens or golf courses.
  • Puncak — cooler climate, beautiful view of the mountains and tea plantations, restaurants, as well as the Taman Safari Wildlife Park.
  • Tangerang — a thriving area for premium residents and opulent malls, especially to its south.
  • Depok — a budget style city with adequate facilities because of the nearby University of Indonesia.
  • Bekasi — home to Jakarta's big companies and an increasingly bustling city.

A bit further off [ edit ]

  • A 3-hour drive using the tollway leads into the Merak Port at the western end of Java, where you can continue your journey by ferry to Sumatra island for 1½ hours.
  • Anyer is an upscale resort beach 4 hours away from Jakarta, but if you want a less crowded option, the Carita Beach is just a short drive away from there.
  • Pulau Umang, an island resort to itself, is midway between Carita Beach and Ujung Kulon National Park.
  • Ujung Kulon National Park — a beautiful national park 5 hours away, featuring the endangered single-horn rhinoceros .
  • Bandung — 3 hours away from Jakarta, it's a budget style city famous for both food and bargain fashions.
  • For a tropical island hype (without the resorts) and an instant escape from the hectic city, head to Belitung Island, less than 1 hour away by air.

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Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia , located on the northwest of the island of Java . Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre and the most populous city not only in Indonesia but in Southeast Asia as a whole.

Although the city is known for its heavy traffic and high level of pollution it is filled with an exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping areas. The city is also the centre and melting pot of Indonesian culture which might be the thing for you to enjoy Jakarta.

One excellent surprise you'll find in Jakarta is that once you past the taxi drivers who offer their services at the airport and really meet the locals, you will find that the people are among the most friendly, hospitable, and helpful people you'll find on earth, if you keep away from the mini-bus drivers who are notorious for being the harshest on earth. However, understand that Jakarta being a melting pot, you are guaranteed to meet people of all sorts here.

Districts [ edit ]

Jakarta is administratively divided into the following named districts (note that these district except central Jakarta are very dense in terms of area):

  • Central Jakarta ( Jakarta Pusat ) - The Heart of Jakarta's Administrative, Government and financial, an aptly named district and the site of Jakarta's symbol, the 132 metre Monas ( Mon umen Nas ional) which is located in world's largest city square "Lapangan Merdeka". Surrounding the area lies the presidential palace, government building, Istiqal Mosque (the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia), Jakarta's gothic cathedral and also the National Museum of Indonesia . There are also various museums within this part of the city such as National Gallery of Indonesia or Jakarta Planetarium. The area is also home to Jakarta's major landmark Bundaran HI or the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, which is where Jakarta's topmost exclusive malls are located. One small road in the area called Jalan Jaksa or Jaksa road, a backpacker street, houses numbers of budget hotels and restaurants for travelers.
  • West Jakarta ( Jakarta Barat ) - Home to Jakarta's only surviving old town area " Jakarta Kota Tua " a small area consisting of Dutch colonial buildings, its streets are throng with hawker food, crafted good vendors, artist as well as Jakartans youth hanging around. This area is home to the Fatahillah Museum or Jakarta History Museum, and numbers of few other museums cafes converted from old Batavia's offices, banks, warehouses, and shops. It is also home to Jakarta's Chinatown called " Glodok " area. Glodok is more of the electronic promenade of Jakarta, however, is rich in street hawker food and Chinese cuisine restaurant as well as old Chinese temples complexes. There are a lot of shopping going on in this area as well, as it is home to Indonesia's largest shopping mall "Mall Taman Anggrek"(Orchid Garden Mall).
  • South Jakarta ( Jakarta Selatan ) - Jakarta's middle-upper class and elite's residential area and is also part of Jakarta's business centre. Where you can find upscale shopping centres and malls, restaurants, hotels, bustling nightlife and entertainment centre and affluent residential areas. One of the famous areas in the south is Kemang, a street filled with lanes of restaurant, pubs, nightclubs, and boutique shops which are popular among the Jakartans and expats alike. The Senopati area is also a burgeoning food street with some of the city's hippest and best restaurants and lounges, quickly displacing Kemang as the place to go and be due to Kemang's unbearable weekend traffic and new flashier options. These are where the elite local's go to eat and drink. The SCBD, Central business district also has some great options for lunch and the best clubs and lounges in the city. South Jakarta is also home to Gelanggang Bung Karno stadium in Senayan sports complex area, which is Indonesia's largest stadium.
  • East Jakarta ( Jakarta Timur ) - Industrial Quarter of the city, Location of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah where you can see parts of Indonesia's multiethnic community rounded up as 1 and the most populous city within Jakarta, also crafted good at Utan Kayu art community, Cibubur camping ground, and Jakarta's 2nd airport, Halim Perdanakusuma airport.
  • North Jakarta ( Jakarta Utara ) - Jakarta's main harbor area famed for its seafood and is the gateway to Thousand Island province of Jakarta. The Place is home to the area filled with excitement and bustling entertainment The Ancol Bayfront City Asia's largest integrated tourism area consisting of the fascinating Dufan theme park, Sea World, art markets, eco parks, shopping mall and beachside entertainment. The beautiful Thousand Islands is located just across the sea of Jakarta, it can be crossed by jetty service and is a place where people could escape the city's heavy combustion and pollution and enjoy the beautiful beach with marine parks and world-class resorts.
  • Thousand Islands ( Kepulauan Seribu ) - Off-shore the mainland, lie hundreds of small islands, some of which are inhabited, but many are not and some are part of Marine National Park. Excellent diving spots will be difficult to find as the more popular ones are perhaps have been destroyed by tourism. To reach the islands, simply go to Muara Karang Port where scheduled passenger boats leave every 7 am in the morning.

Satellite cities : The Jabodetabek mega-city of 30 million includes Jakarta and the following satellite cities:

  • Bogor - Located about 40km South of Jakarta, Bogor has a beautiful palace with deer inhabiting its garden, one of the biggest world-class botanical garden, and golf course.
  • Tangerang - Located in the west of Jakarta, Tangerang is the area consisting of Soekarno Hatta airport, golf course, residential area, industrial parks.
  • Bekasi - Residential area, Industrial parks.
  • Depok - Located in south of Jakarta, home to the University of Indonesia.

Understand [ edit ]

Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian , and like its fruit namesake, it's a shock at first sight (and smell): a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 28 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl. The so-called megapolitan is a charm for Indonesians, both as a business and a government center, as it is the most developed city in Indonesia. But all of this comes at a cost: the city has been struggling very hard to keep up with the urban growth. Major roads are packed up during rush hours, while the public transportation system has been unable to alleviate that much traffic. Housing the population has been a problem too and adding to that, the numerous people's mentality are yet to make the city a great place to live in, as dreamed of.

All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in its charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting, most lively global cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from green parks & historical centers, to cosmopolitan shopping, diverse gourmet choices, and one of the hippest nightlife in Southeast Asia!

History [ edit ]

The port of Sunda Kelapa dates to the 12th century, when it served the Sundanese kingdom of Pajajaran near present-day Bogor . The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese, who were given the permission by the Hindu Kingdom of Pakuan Pajajaran to erect a godown in 1522. Control was still firmly in local hands, and in 1527 the city was conquered by Prince Fatahillah , a Muslim prince from Cirebon , who changed the name to Jayakarta .

By the end of the 16th century, however, the Dutch (led by Jan Pieterszoon Coen) had pretty much taken over the port city, and the razing of a competing English fort in 1619 secured their hold on the island of Java. The Dutch razed the old Jayakarta port during their conquest and rebuilt the town with dutch style of town planning, fort and canals. Under the name Batavia , the new Dutch town became the capital of the Dutch East Indies and was known as the Queen of the East .

During these times the town flourishes as the center of the Dutch East Indies Trading Company and grow radpidly, and during this time as well that Chinese and Eurasian population grew within the city. In order to keep order and control the Dutch banned the native Javanese to live within the walled part of the city while encouraging Chinese immigrant to flock the commercial walled city with its canal. It is also known that after the Dutch conquest of Malacca, Significant number of Portuguese decent people from Malacca were taken as captive to Batavia and they live in area called "Kampung Tugu".

The old Batavia which were planned in Dutch planning and canal were not doing so well, in fact the canal itself became breeding ground for mosquitoes. The city centre became unhealthy and filthy and the city were nicknamed "The Cemetry of the Europeans, this is also the reason why the city grew more in land.

In 1740, Chinese settlers rebelled against the Dutch. The rebellion was put down harshly with the massacre of thousands of Chinese settlers. The remaining Chinese settlers were exiled to Sri Lanka.

In 1795, the Netherlands were invaded and occupied by France, and on March 17, 1798, the Batavian Republic , a satellite state of France, took over both VOC debts and assets. But on August 26, 1811, a British expedition led by Lord Minto defeated the French/Dutch troops in Jakarta, leading to a brief liberation and subsequent administration of Indonesia by the British (led by Sir Stamford Raffles of Singapore fame) in 1811-1816. In 1815, after the Congress of Vienna, Indonesia was officially handed over from the British to the Dutch government.

In the early 1800s most canals were filled in, the town was shifted 4 km inland and the Pearl of the Orient flourished once again.

In the 18th century, more than 60% of Batavia's population consisted of slaves working for the VOC. The slaves were mostly engaged to undertake housework, while working and living conditions were generally reasonable.[citation needed] Laws were enacted that protected slaves against overly-cruel actions from their masters; for example, Christian slaves were given freedom after the death of their masters, while some slaves were allowed to own a store and made money to buy their freedom. Sometimes, slaves fled and established gangs that would roam throughout the area. From the beginning of the VOC establishment in Batavia, until the colony became a fully-fledged town, the population of Batavia grew tremendously. At the beginning, Batavia consisted of approximately 50,000 inhabitants and, by the second half of the 19th century, Batavia consisted of 800,000 inhabitants. By the end of the VOC rule of Batavia, the population of Batavia had reached one million.

The name Jakarta was adopted as a short form of Jayakarta when the city was taken over by the Japanese in 1942. After the second world war, the Indonesian declared their independence at Koningsplein which is today's Merdeka Square. The Indonesian war of independence followed after the second World War, with the capital briefly shifted to Yogyakarta after the Dutch attacked. The war lasted until 1949, when the Dutch accepted Indonesian independence and handed back the town, which became Indonesia's capital again.

Since independence Jakarta's population has skyrocketed, thanks to migrants coming to the city in search of (illusive) wealth. The entire Jabotabek (Jakarta- Bogor - Tangerang - Bekasi - Depok ) metropolitan region (now officially Jabodetabekjur last census count (2010) was 28 million people, a figure projected to have hit 30 million already. The official name of the city is Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Raya ( DKI Jakarta ), meaning "Special Capital City Region".

Climate [ edit ]

Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate and the average rainfall measures 1.816mm (71.4 inches). The city experiences very small seasonal variations, since the average 24-hour temperature ranges from 26.1°C (79°F) in January to 27.2°C (80.6°F) in May, while heat and humidity persist year round. Temperatures have never fallen below 18°C (65°F) or risen above 36°C (97°F). The majority of precipitation falls from November to April.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], at the airport [ edit ].

Departure taxes| Soekarno-Hatta Airport departure taxes (Passenger Service Charge) are included in the cost of the air ticket. There is no need for further cash payment at the airline counters.

Soekarno Hatta International Airport ( IATA : CGK ; ICAO : WIII ), [1] at Tangerang , Banten. All international and most domestic flights land here 20 km (12 mi) to the northwest of the city. The counterintuitive airport code comes from Cengkareng , a district near the airport. If you don't have non-stop options between your origin city and Jakarta, try connecting via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur as there are more than a dozen flights a day between these cities and Jakarta. Terminals 1 and 2 are built in the local Javanese style and are not as modern as Terminal 3, which was constructed with modernization and the environment in mind.

The Soekarno Hatta airport has three terminals , with lettered sub-terminals indicating separate, but interconnected, halls within the same building:

  • Terminal 1 (A-B-C). Used by the domestic airlines: Airfast, Aviastar, Batik Air, Citilink, KAL Star Aviation, Lion Air, and Trigana Air Service.
  • Terminal 2 (D-E-F). Terminal D and E serving international destination : All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air France, AirAsia, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Etihad Airways, KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, Business Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific Airways, Emirates, EVA Air, Indonesia AirAsia, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Airways, Korean Air, Lion Air (International), Malindo Air, Oman Air, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Tiger Air, and Turkish Airlines. Terminal F serving domestic destination by Indonesia AirAsia, NAM Air and Sriwijaya Air.
  • Terminal 3 This new terminal was erected after the original burned down not long ago. It serves the largest amount of airlines across the three terminals, in alphabetical order: Air China , ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines (via Bangkok, but airline lacks 5th freedom), Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, KLM Amsterdam, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Sydney,Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudia, Shenzhen Airlines,

Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and XiamenAir.

The airport is undergoing full-scale renovations for lifting the burden of the terminals and increasing passengers capacity.

Terminal 3, now fully-operational, has plenty of public spaces, a small park, high roofs, directly adjacent parking and hosts a large variety of shops. Terminal 1, in contrast, is far more utilitarian and only has a few restaurants scattered outside the check-in area. Terminal 2 is considerably closer to T3; visitors have very limited access to it, but is reasonably modern and has a variety of shops inside. Comfortable lounges for visitors are plentiful in both T2 and T3 - you may be qualified for a free stay based on your flight or bank membership, or you can pay for Rp 100,000-250,000 depending on the lounges as well. Public seating for other visitors is available in both T2 and T3, with some more past the traveller-only security point.

To travel between terminals, there are free but less-than-reliable shuttle buses ; travelers in a hurry may opt to take a Taxi for about Rp 50,000 instead - ensure it's a metered ride. Buses stop at designated points in the arrival hall and have no external storage compartments, which can get cumbersome during peak times. Garuda Indonesia has a dedicated transfer service between Terminals 3 and 2 with ample signage in between. The Airport have its own skytrain providing transports between terminals.

Visas on arrival ( VoA ) are available at the airport, see the main Indonesia article for the details of the rules; they may be paid in cash or credit card. ATMs are available either in or past luggage collection in all 3 terminals, and as Indonesian taxis don't all support credit card, it's advisable to have some Rupiah on hand for your journey onwards. These ATMs may have low withdrawing limits; ask your driver to drop by another ATM on your way into town if necessary. Taxis are available at designated queues outside the arrival halls.

For overnight transits, there are a few hotels near the airport:

  • Bandara International Hotel managed by Accorhotels , Bandara Soekarno-Hatta ( 3 km from airport ). ☎ +62 21 559 7777, [2] . 5-star hotel with 205 Deluxe rooms and 15 Suite rooms. Complimentary shuttle airport pick-up and drop off and a private lounge at the airport. Check the special offers on the hotel's website to find special packages such as day use, special rewards and offer on related deals. From US$100.
  • D'Prima Hotel at Terminal 1A , Bandara Soekarno-Hatta ( in the airport ). ☎ +62 21 5591 6432. a 2-star hotel with Single rooms and Double rooms.
  • Jakarta Airport Hotel managed by Topotels , Bandara Soekarno-Hatta ( in the airport ). ☎ +62 21 559 0008, [3] . 3-star hotel with Superior Rooms, Deluxe rooms, Executive Rooms and Suite rooms.

The older Halim Perdanakusuma Airport ( IATA : HLP , ICAO : WIHH ), to the southeast of the city, is used by the military, VIP flights, charter flights, sea planes, helicopter leasing companies and private jets and several domestic flights.. Since January 10, 2014, several domestic flights served by Batik Air and Citilink started operating at this airport to ease the crowding in Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

  • Susi Air , ☎ +62 811 211 3080, [4] provides services to local destinations across West Java from Halim Airport.
  • Alfa Air , ☎ +62 21 8087 1919, provides a seaplane charter service with their Cessna Caravan seaplane, based at Halim Airport.

Get into town [ edit ]

To get to the city, the easiest option is to contact your hotel to pick you up in the airport, as many hotels in Jakarta provide free airport transfers . GoJek and Grab are online ride-hailing services which will ensure you a fair price while requiring minimal communication with the driver. Getting a taxi is a little more complicated.

GoJek and Grab [ edit ]

Using your mobile phone and the respective free apps from Google Play or the iOS App Store, you can use the free airport WiFi to call a driver from GoJek or Grab. Remember the type of vehicle and license plate, and walk past the first set of lanes for taxis. You will find a second road for passenger pickup, where you can wave down the driver to pick you up. Using one of these online services will generally provide the cheapest fare and save you the hassle of negotiating, since the price is automatically calculated and displayed in the app when you request the car. Fares can be paid in cash if your credit card has not already been set up in the app.

Taxi [ edit ]

  • If you book from the counters right outside Customs, you'll get a nice car, jump to the head of the queue and pay around Rp 175,000 for a trip to the Golden Triangle. These counters can also sell you SIM cards and refills ( pulsa ).
  • If you head past the counters, you'll get to the ordinary taxi ranks — and encounter many taxi touts and baggage carriers, these individuals would likely scam visitors and should be ignored and will probably need waving off ( just wave your hand and shake your head ). There are several reliable taxi operators such as Silver Bird, Blue Bird , and Express taxi having their own taxi rank spot in the terminal, the customers must queue in line to be served as numbers of taxis came along in several minutes to about 15 minutes intervals (depends on availability and traffic). Silver Bird is a premium taxi company and it is very reliable operator with good drivers and plush Mercedes cabs, but pricier than the rest at around Rp 120,000 to the Golden Triangle (City Center). Blue Bird Taxi and Express Taxi are two most reliable taxi service in Jakarta. It has smaller but still nice air-conditioned Toyota Vios/Limo cars, and would cost you around Rp 90,000 to Central Jakarta/ Golden Triangle . Other operators will charge you in the vicinity of Rp 70,000-90,000. Pondok Indah (south Jakarta) would cost Rp 130,000 to Rp 180,000 in a Bluebird taxi, depending on traffic, plus Rp 25,000 toll charges. Tolls will have to be paid in addition and the driver will ask for money at the first booth. A word of caution. Take some Rp 5,000 or Rp 10,000 notes for tolls. Otherwise, you will not see any change from that Rp 50,000 or Rp 100,000 note you give the driver for tolls. Conversely, round up the fare on the meter to the nearest Rp 1,000 or Rp 5,000 and pay the exact amount. Otherwise, the driver will retain the balance saying balance is tip!

All taxis use meters ( argo ), yet some touted taxi may insist on not using meters and charging inflated fix price ( borongan ), visitors should avoid this scam. Passengers are responsible for paying roadway tolls, prices are posted at the toll booths and a receipt is given. The airport has a docket system for payment of an airport surcharge in addition to the normal taxi metered charge. It is detailed on the docket and is determined by destination distance. You are asked for your destination when arriving at the taxi rank and the docket is issued accordingly when you are assigned a taxi. If you do not make it clear that you require a taxi you may not be assigned one. Usually, taxi staff are uniformed. If someone offers you a taxi and they are not wearing the same uniform as the taxi company drivers then you are well advised to ignore them. Some of the uniformed taxi brokers are involved in a scam of telling foreign tourists about a high minimum payment for short trips. They receive a kickback from the drivers for setting tourists up to overpay.

Shuttle Bus [ edit ]

An economical alternative is the frequent DAMRI shuttle buses (15 min to 60 min between buses, depending on route and time) which connect to numerous Jakarta destinations; Gambir (the most appropriate for those going to Jalan Jaksa and Central Jakarta area), Rawamangun, Blok M, Tanjung Priok, Kampung Rambutan (for Depok), Pasar Minggu, Lebak Bulus and Kemayoran (Rp 40,000) as well as directly to the neighboring cities of Bekasi (Rp 45,000), Serang (Rp 60,000), Bogor (Rp 55,000) and Cikarang (Rp 50,000). The bus service from the airport operates until midnight (despite what taxi touts may say to you). It is reliable, comfortable and air-conditioned. You can get the tickets in the many counters after the airport exit.

If arriving by an international flight at Terminal 2, head further to the left after going out of the building until you see DAMRI ticket booths and bus stops. In terminal 3, the bus stop is in front of it just behind taxi ranks. Note that DAMRI service to the airport shuts down much earlier - for example, the bus from Gambir operates from 3.30am to 7.30pm. From Terminal 1 (domestic), just cross the taxi stop, the bus stop is on the other side of the road (signs read Shelter Bus ).

Damri buses operate from 3 a.m. ( Western Indonesia Standard Time ) to 9:30 p.m. from the city, and to midnight from the airport. Buses stop to pick up passengers at departure areas in all terminals. All buses use the Prof. Dr. Sedyatmo Toll Road. Travel time to and from the centre of Jakarta (e.g. Gambir Railway Station) takes around 70-90 minutes (sometimes longer), depending on traffic. Buses to the airport leave from the various terminals in central Jakarta (Gambir) and surrounding areas (It may vary depending on traffic).

Shuttle Van [ edit ]

  • Xtrans , ☎+62 21 5296-2255, +62 21 5296-4477. Provides reliable airport shuttle service from Soekarno Hatta airport to major hotels in Sudirman and Thamrin Street in Jakarta and Bumi Xtrans in Cihampelas Street in Bandung. Cost: US$3.30/adult and US$2.20/child. Schedule: once every hour from 5AM-10PM. Xtrans booth are available at Terminal IA, IB, IC and IIE.
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer , Jl Jembatan Tiga Raya 5AH, Jakarta Utara , ☎ +62 21 9062 2754 (Jakarta) ( [email protected] ), [x] . Door to door transportion to Jakarta city and neighbouring cities. Whole day car hire is available in Jakarta and Bandung with driver if required. Airport transfers provide options of stopovers at Puncak, Bogor, Cirebon with a choice of economy (7 seater) or jumbo vehicle (15 seater). Online reservation and instant confirmation. A daily Bandung Express is a more private though more expensive option for travellers to Bandung with pricing from Rp 300,000/passenger .

Bus Tickets Website [ edit ]

  • redBus Indonesia , ☎+62 81 294685034, [5] Indonesia popular bus ticket booking website.

By train [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Information about train tickets from PT Kereta Api (Persero) is available on the Web (en.tiket.com/kereta-api for easy booking in English, or kereta-api.co.id for Indonesian). Be aware that most foreign cards will not be accepted on either website and you may have to purchase the tickets in-person. In Jakarta, you can buy your tickets in the major stations up to 90 days in advance or you can log in on its website to get code booking and pay either in the stations or many Indomaret and Alfamart stores with no additional fee. In some (but not all) inner-city Indomarets and Alfamarts you can purchase the ticket directly from the stores without booking online. You can also buy your tickets online and then pay your tickets at the Indomaret/Alfamart stores. Make sure you get the right booking number and pay cash. You may also pre-order meals when you buy your tickets. All trains have restaurant coaches so don't worry about being hungry. Nobody frowns at you if you buy nasi padang somewhere inside the station compound or out of the station and enjoy it on your trip either. The food sold on the train is quite costly.

If you intend to buy a ticket directly at the train station, there will be two sets of windows. The lower numbers are for purchasing same-day tickets. If purchasing a ticket for a following day, you will need to find a machine that dispenses queue tickets. Press the green button and grab the ticket. Then fill out a ticket request form provided at the nearby counter, and wait for your number to be called - announcements are in Indonesian, but you can look at the screen of the machine for the current ticket. Be aware that during the afternoon, wait times can take two hours or more. In the stations beware of ticket touts! They will offer their wares even to people waiting in the queues in front of the ticket sales points. You should expect to pay 50-100% more if you do so, and you could find that your coach hasn't any empty seats anyway. The safest and nicer way is online booking and then go to the stores and pay.

Most travel agents will also be happy to sell you train tickets to any destination. Simply order the tickets, pay (preferably) in cash and later in the day they will be delivered to your hotel.

Jakarta has several train stations, and here are the most important ones.

Stasiun Gambir [ edit ]

The current main station for long distance passengers in Jakarta is the Gambir station, located in Central Jakarta, just east of the Monas . Eksekutif (Executive Class) and some bisnis (Business Class) trains arrive at this station. Be aware that the metro train passes by but does not stop at Gambir - you can get off at an adjacent station (Gondangdia or Juanda) and take one of the waiting moto-taxis ("ojeks) to Gambir for 5,000-10,000 IDR.

Most trains from big cities in Java ( Cilacap , Malang , Semarang , Solo , Surabaya and Yogyakarta ) arrive in late afternoon or evening.

travel jakarta travel

  • From Bandung : trains are frequent, with one arriving almost every 2 hr. Duration: 3-3.5 hr, in economy (Rp 110,000) or eksekutif (between Rp 150,000 and Rp 290,000). Very nice landscapes of rice and agricultural fields.
  • From Surabaya : the very good Argo Bromo Anggrek travels twice a day. Duration: 9 hrs to 10 hr 30 min, Rp 470,000 - 1,250,000 during the week in eksekutif . Prices rise during the weekend and on public holidays. Be aware that the AC is extremely cold, so bring some warm clothes.
  • From Semarang : The Semarang-Jakarta route is served by the comfortable Argo Muria , which departs from Tawang Station in Semarang, as well as Argo Bromo Anggrek , Argo Sindoro , and Sembrani which transit in Semarang. Rp 300,000 to Rp 355,000 in eksekutif, or more during peak season.

An airport bus service connects Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with Gambir station.

Stasiun Pasar Senen [ edit ]

Long haul ekonomi (economy class) trains use the Pasar Senen station located two blocks east of Gambir. To reach the station, you may use the Transjakarta bus network, corridors 2 and 5 (you'll need to walk a little from the bus halt) or the KRL Commuterline (which stops at the station). Beware that the location is rife with crime, although the station itself has been spruced up recently. Anyway, these ekonomi trains take slightly longer than bisnis or eksekutif trains due to making more, longer stops, however all trains are now equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets, and you can save money on these tickets at the expense of a slightly more vertical backrest. Just expect crowded trains.

Stasiun Jatinegara [ edit ]

Most trains arriving in Jakarta also stop at Jatinegara station in the eastern part of the city, giving better access to the eastern and southern parts of the city.

Stasiun Kota [ edit ]

Jakarta Kota station is located in the old part of the city, and serves as the departure point for KRL commuter trains heading to Bogor. It is an interesting Art Deco style building that is currently being restored.

By bus [ edit ]

When buying tickets for buses out of Jakarta, you're better off to buy them at each bus company's booth . Do not buy from anywhere outside the booth as the prices are more expensive and the bus they will take you to is questionable. Jakarta has many bus terminals, but not all of them have inter-city services. Look for the sign AKAP (Antar Kota Antar Provinsi or Inter-city and Inter-Province).

Fortunately these terminals are easy to reach. City bus services, as well as airport shuttles, start and ends at bus terminals & busway services stop by there too. Note that even though the listing says the destination the terminal mainly serves, some services may be available to other parts of Java .

  • Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal Jalan Lingkar Luar Selatan, East Jakarta (use busway line 9). The busiest terminal for intercity buses. Kampung Rambutan serves multiple bus services daily to and from mainly destinations across Banten , especially the Merak port, and the central & southern part of Java island, such as Cianjur , Bandung , Garut , Tasikmalaya , Cilacap , Purwokerto , Yogyakarta , Solo , and Malang , although bus to major cities across the north may be existent. Note that city & intercity buses depart from two different areas
  • Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal Jalan Bekasi Raya, East Jakarta (use busway lines 2 & 4) The 2nd busiest terminal, Pulo Gadung serves multiple bus services daily to and from mainly destinations across the northern coast of Java , such as Cirebon , Tegal , Pekalongan , Semarang , and Surabaya , though some bus companies also drives you to Bandung . Some bus even offers routes to Bali and Lombok !

If you are arriving from Sumatra, you will most likely arrive from these 2 terminals:

  • Rawamangun Bus Terminal Jalan Perserikatan No. 1 (Jalan Paus), East Jakarta (Use busway Line 2, but does not stop right at the terminal. The nearest stop is at Pemuda Ramawangun or Velodrome)

This terminal has multiple bus services that serves major cities across Sumatra .

  • Kali Deres Bus Terminal Jalan Daan Mogot KM 16, West Jakarta (Use busway Line 5). Its location at west Jakarta makes it an optimum stop for buses from Sumatra , although not as many as Rawamangun.

By minibus [ edit ]

Recently, the expansion of minibus has taken over the short distance intercity giant bus services. Most minibus companies such as Cipaganti , CitiTrans & XTrans will take you to Jakarta from Bandung or even to the Soekarno Hatta airport! Up to 8 people can fit inside a van. Fares from Bandung are typically up to Rp 100,000 if you choose to get off at the downtown area. Up to Rp 125,000 if you get off at the Soekarno Hatta airport. Note that the buses will most often not drop you at hotels, but at their pools instead.

By boat [ edit ]

The national ferry company, PELNI, and other sealines, operate passenger services to destinations across the archipelago from Tanjung Priok port in the North of the city. Some smaller speedboats, particularly to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu), depart from Ancol also on Jakarta's north shore.

By car [ edit ]

Traveling by car, unless on weekends, is usually not a good idea. Congestions can extend well past rush hours and a hesitation at any ring road tollway in Jakarta can have a domino effect on other tolls. There are three tollways that ends at Jakarta: Jakarta-Merak cuts through Tangerang and leads to the western edge of Java, the Merak port for connections to Sumatra Island. Jagorawi tollway goes south to Bogor and Puncak holiday resorts, and Jakarta-Cikampek traverses east, passing through Bekasi to Cikampek. Since 10 June 2015, a new tol named "Cikapali" that connects Cikampek to Palimanan (near Cirebon ) has been operational. So, you can now go from Jakarta to Cirebon straightaway entirely on tollways. There is also a cut-off tollway continuation ( Cipularang or officially called Purbaleunyi ) that can be used for travel to Bandung . There are roads that are parallel to the tollway and ends close to both tollway ends too, should you wish not to pay.

Get around [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Getting around Jakarta is more often than not, problematic. The city layout is darwinistic and bewildering with horrendous traffic jams ( macet "MAH-chet") slowing the city to a crawl during rush hours (several hours in the morning and in the evening), and the current public transportation is still not adequate enough to alleviate the congestion. The gradually expanding Transjakarta Busway (Bus Rapid Transit) system) helps to make things easier, but this is not enough for the biggest city in the world without rail rapid transit system. If you have a lot of time, 12 corridors of TransJakarta is useful for orientation.

Various areas of the city have different levels of chaos. The better organized traffics are mainly at the business districts (MH Thamrin, Jendral Sudirman, and H.R. Rasuna Said.)

If you can afford it, it is highly recommended to hire a private car, else use a taxi everywhere. For the less risk-averse, a moto-taxi (ojek) will speed between cars to get you to your destination in about half the time and for less than half the price of a taxi.

Online ride-hailing apps [ edit ]

Using your smartphone, you can now easily hail a moto-taxi or car with pre-calculated prices - cheaper than standard taxis. Uber no longer operates in Jakarta as they were bought out by "Grab". Two other companies can be used; GoJek' and Grab , and are very popular and provide you with both motorbike and car drivers (if taking a motorbike, the driver will provide a helmet). You may find it worth the small investment in a SIM card with data so that you can use these apps to get around the city without having to locate a taxi and explain your destination to the driver. Fares can be automatically paid if you have set up your credit card in the app, otherwise you can use cash to pay for these services. Be aware that many of the streets in Jakarta are divided by a median, and many others are one-way, so do your best to set your pickup location on an undivided, two-way street, and by an easily recognizable landmark or storefront. Otherwise, you may find a driver that appears to be close by will need to navigate around several blocks in heavy Jakarta traffic to pick you up. If you're in a hurry, on a tight budget, or just want to experience the thrill of zooming between the horns of Jakarta's traffic, the motorbike option can get you to your destination much faster than a car.

travel jakarta travel

Commuter trains in Jakarta connect the city centre with outlying regions, namely Tangerang , Bekasi , Depok , Bojonggede , Bogor and Serpong . It is usually worth to try if you wish to traverse to other points in Jakarta swiftly, especially from the west to the east vice versa or north to south vice versa, as the train is often on schedule, except in the event of a mishap, congestion, or equipment problem. Riding the train is generally safe and comfortable but of course, cramped during rush hours. A dedicated area for females can be found on the front and rear ends of the train.

Commuter services operate from 4AM (first train departing Bogor to Jakarta) to almost midnight (last train leaving Jakarta for Bogor). Trains often run late, though.

With subsidies from government, since July 1, 2013 the commuter train ticket is cheaper than before with only Rp 2,000 for first 5 stations and only Rp 500 for additional 3 stations. E-ticket is implemented within closed system.

There are two types of E-tickets:

  • Single trip (Tiket Harian Berjaminan, lit. Daily Ticket with Guarantee), must be purchased at ticket counter by mentioning the destination. The fare will be calculated and added with Rp. 5,000 refundable deposit. This deposit money can be refunded after the trip or used for next trip. The deposit is to force passengers return the smart-card ticket, as there were so many passengers fond to keep the ticket as "collectibles" in the previous system.
  • Multi trip , refillable and directly usable to enter the electronic gate at the station. The train company issues a special Multi trip card that can be purchased at ticket counter for Rp. 50,000 (contains Rp. 30,000). Some prepaid cards from selected banks are also usable now (e-money/e-toll from Bank Mandiri, Flazz from BCA, tap-cash from BNI, and BRIZZI from BRI). These cards are sold in the banks or some selected mini markets such as Alfamart and Indomaret.

"Tapping" of the E-tickets are required only on the origin station (tap-in) and destination station (tap-out). Transits are free as long as you are remain in the station "paid area". Mistakes in the tapping will be fined with longest route fare (Rp. 7,000) and missing your ticket will be fined Rp. 50,000.

It is best not to carry valuables on the train, but if you do, keep then secure, and preferably in front of you. Wallets kept in the hip pocket are vulnerable.

The destination of the train is not always clearly marked. Make sure you know the number of the platform and listen the announcement (only in Indonesian) before the train arrival. You can ask the station guards by clearly mentioning your final destination. Some of the guards know basic conversational English.

Commuter services operate over these lines (stations in CAPITALs are recommended transit station):

  • Bogor (red) line: JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - Juanda - Gondangdia - Cikini - MANGGARAI - Tebet - Cawang - Duren Kalibata - Pasar Minggu Baru - Pasar Minggu - Tanjung Barat - Lenteng Agung - Universitas Pancasila - Universitas Indonesia - Pondok Cina - Depok Baru - Depok - Citayam - Bojonggede- Cilebut - Bogor
  • Loop (orange) line: JATINEGARA - Pondok Jati - Kramat - Gang Sentiong - Kemayoran - Rajawali - KAMPUNG BANDAN - Angke - DURI - TANAH ABANG - Karet - MANGGARAI and continuing to BOGOR
  • Tangerang (brown) line: DURI - Pesing - Kembangan - Bojong Indah - Rawabuaya - Kalideres - Poris - Batuceper - Tanahtinggi - Tangerang
  • Serpong (green) line: TANAHABANG - Palmerah - Kebayoran - Pondokranji - Sudimara - Rawabuntu - Serpong - Cisauk - Cicayur - Parung Panjang - Cilejit - Daru - Tenjo - Tigaraksa - Maja
  • Bekasi (blue) line: JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - Juanda - Gondangdia - Cikini - MANGGARAI - JATINEGARA - Klender - Buaran - Klenderbaru - Cakung - Rawabebek - Kranji - Bekasi

All trains do not stop at Gambir and Pasar Senen station, the main stations in Jakarta, so this might be a problem for those arriving from other regions and wanting to continue to other stations. The choice is to take a taxi or bus to Juanda or Gondangdia station, located a few hundred meters of Gambir, close enough if you wish to walk. If coming from Jalan Jaksa area, another option is just to walk to Gondangdia (next one south of Gambir) station, it's just 5-10 minutes walk to the left from the southern end of Jaksa.

By busway [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

The Transjakarta Busway (in Indonesian known as busway or TJ ) is modern, air-conditioned and generally comfortable, although sometimes service can be spotty (they have a knack of going to the depot for service and refueling at the same time during the rush hours). Do note that the bus service is quite unreliable resulting in waiting time for a bus up to 1 hour especially during rush hours. There are twelve lines operational as of mid-February 2013.

Buses run 24 hours for several routes and the rest is from 5AM-11PM daily. Tickets cost a flat Rp 2,000 (5AM-7AM), and Rp 3,500 after. You are required to purchase a 40,000 IDR electronic card (with 20,000 IDR balance) from the kiosk, which will be used to deduct the price of the ticket. The balance is non-refundable. Another swipe is required to exit the bus stations but most locals will be happy to scan you through as the rule is not strictly enforced.

Unlike Jakarta's other buses, busway buses shuttle on fully dedicated lanes and passengers must use dedicated stations with automatic doors, usually found in the middle of large thoroughfares connected to both sides by overhead bridges. The system is remarkably user-friendly by Jakartan standards, with station announcements and an LED display inside the purpose-built vehicles. Grab onto a handle as soon as you enter the bus as they move away from the stop suddenly and quickly. However, said lanes sometimes lack a barrier between them and the regular car lanes and on occasion cars will move onto the special lane. Police have been cracking down on violating drivers recently (which is a start) but have so far been sometimes unsuccessful, as a recently viral video of an officer latching onto the windshield of a perpetrator in an attempt to stop them shows.

Park and Ride facilities are in Ragunan, South Jakarta, Kampung Rambutan, East Jakarta and Kalideres, West Jakarta and in late 2010 the city administration was holding a tender for the construction of Park and Ride facilities in Pulo Gebang, East Jakarta. That construction of that facility is planned to start in 2011.

Transfers between lines are free be careful not to exit the system until your journey is completed. The hub at Harmoni station is the busiest interchange. The buses can get very crowded, especially during rush hours at 7AM and 4PM, when office workers are on the move. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, a Transjakarta Application map is also available to download. As of May 2009, the application is free . For blackberry users a Transjakarta Guide for Blackberry software download [6] is available.

Regular Routes :

  • 1 : Blok M Bus Terminal - Kota Railway Station
  • 2 : Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal - Harmoni Central
  • 3 : Kalideres Bus Terminal - Pasar Baru
  • 4 : Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal - Dukuh Atas 2
  • 5 : Kampung Melayu Bus Terminal - Ancol
  • 6 : Ragunan Bus Terminal - Dukuh Atas 2
  • 7 : Kampung Melayu Bus Terminal - Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal
  • 8 : Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal - Harmoni Central
  • 9 : Pinang Ranti Bus Terminal - Pluit
  • 10 : Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal - PGC
  • 11 : Kampung Melayu Bus Terminal - Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal
  • 12 : Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal - Pluit
  • 13 : Tendean - Ciledug

Inter Corridor Routes :

  • 1A : Monumen Nasional - PIK (1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 12)
  • 1B : Bundaran Hotel Indonesia - Palmerah Railway Station (1, 9)
  • 1C : Blok M Bus Terminal - Pesanggrahan (1, 13)
  • 2A : Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal - Kalideres Bus Terminal (1, 2, 3, 8)
  • 2B : ASMI - Kota Harapan Indah (2)
  • 2C : Monumen Nasional - Pekan Raya Jakarta (1, 2, 5)
  • 2D : ASMI - Rawa Buaya (1, 2, 3, 8)
  • 3A : Kalideres Bus Terminal - Rusun Daan Mogot (3)
  • 3B : Kalideres Bus Terminal - Rusun Flamboyan (3)
  • 3C : Kalideres Bus Terminal - Rusun Kapuk Muara (3)
  • 3D : Rawa Buaya - Penjaringan (3, 9, 12)
  • 4A : TU Gas - Grogol 2 (1, 4, 9)
  • 4B : Manggarai Railway Station - University of Indonesia (4)
  • 4C : TU Gas - Bundaran Senayan (1, 4)
  • 4D : TU Gas - Kuningan Timur (4, 6)
  • 5A : Kampung Melayu Bus Terminal - Grogol 1 (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
  • 5B : Tebet Railway Station - Bidaracina (5, 7, 11)
  • 5C : PGC - Harmoni (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10)
  • 5D : PGC - Ancol (5, 7, 9, 10, 12)
  • 5E : Ancol - Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal (4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12)
  • 6A : Ragunan Bus Terminal - Kuningan - Monumen Nasional (1, 2, 6)
  • 6B : Ragunan Bus Terminal - Semanggi - Monumen Nasional (1, 2, 6, 9)
  • 6C : Tebet Railway Station - Patra Kuningan - Karet (6)
  • 6D : Tebet Railway Station - Underpass Casablanca - Karet (6)
  • 6E : Tebet Railway Station - Rasuna Said - Karet (6)
  • 6F : Ragunan Bus Terminal - Manggarai Railway Station (4, 6)
  • 6H : Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal - Senen Central (2, 5, 6, 8)
  • 6M : Blok M Bus Terminal - Manggarai Railway Station (1, 4, 6, 9)
  • 7A : Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal - Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal (7, 8)
  • 7B : Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal - Blok M Bus Terminal (1, 6, 7)
  • 7C : Cawang UKI - Cibubur (7, 9, 10)
  • 8A : Grogol 2 - Juanda (1, 2, 3, 9)
  • 8C : Gandaria City - Tanah Abang Railway Station (8)
  • 9A : Pluit - PGC (7, 8, 9, 10, 12)
  • 9B : Pinang Ranti Bus Terminal - Kota Railway Station (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12)
  • 9C : Pinang Ranti Bus Terminal - Bundaran Senayan (1, 7, 9, 10)
  • 9E : Grogol 2 - Kebayoran Lama (8, 9)
  • 9F : Pluit - Rusun Tambora (9, 12)
  • 9H : Grogol 2 - Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (7, 8, 9, 10)
  • 10A : Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal - Rusun Marunda (10, 12)
  • 10B : PGC - Rusun Cipinang Besar Selatan (7, 9, 10)
  • 11A : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - Rawamangun Bus Terminal (11)
  • 11B : Penggilingan - Rusun Rawa Bebek (11)
  • 11C : Rusun Pulo Gebang - Rusun Pinus Elok (11)
  • 11D : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - PIK - Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal (2, 4, 11)
  • 11E : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal (6, 8, 9, 10, 11)
  • 11F : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - Pasar Minggu Bus Terminal (9, 10, 11)
  • 11H : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - Pinang Ranti Bus Terminal (9, 10, 11)
  • 12A : Kota Railway Station - Kaliadem Harbor (1, 9, 12)
  • 12B : Pluit - Senen Central (1, 5, 9, 12)
  • 12C : Penjaringan - Rusun Waduk Pluit (9, 12)

Suburban / Satellite City Corridor :

  • B11 : Bundaran Hotel Indonesia - Summarecon Bekasi (1, 7, 9)
  • B12 : Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal - Summarecon Bekasi (10, 12)
  • B21 : Grogol 2 - Bekasi Bus Terminal (7, 8, 9)
  • B22 : Pasar Baru - Bekasi Bus Terminal (3, 5, 7, 9)
  • B31 : Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal - Harapan Indah (11)
  • D11 : Cawang UKI - Depok Bus Terminal (7, 9, 10)
  • S11 : Grogol 2 - BSD City (9)
  • S21 : Bundaran Hotel Indonesia - Ciputat (1, 8)
  • S22 : Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal - Ciputat (7, 8)
  • T11 : Bundaran Senayan - Poris Plawad Bus Terminal (1, 9)
  • T12 : Pasar Baru - Poris Plawad Bus Terminal (2, 3, 9)

Free Bus :

  • GR1 : Bundaran Senayan - Harmoni

Jakarta City Tour (Leisure Bus Free) :

  • BW1 : History of Jakarta
  • BW2 : Jakarta Modern
  • BW3 : Art and Culinary
  • BW4 : Jakarta Skyscrapers
  • BW5 : Kalijodo

By tour bus [ edit ]

Jakarta is one of the many cities in the world whose government provides tour buses. Dubbed the City Tour Jakarta , the buses are double decker and you can ride them for free. The bus follows a loop road, traversing through some of Jakarta's places of interest:

Hotel Indonesia Roundabout- MH Thamrin - Medan Merdeka Barat - Museum Nasional - Majapahit - Harmoni - Komplek Sekretariat Negara - ANZ Bank (Pecenongan)- Pasar Baru - Jakarta Art Theater (Gedung Kesenian Jakarta) - Lapangan Banteng - Masjid Istiqlal - Juanda - Veteran II - Medan Merdeka Utara - Istana Negara (Medan Merdeka Barat) - Indosat - Medan Merdeka Selatan - City Hall - MH Thamrin - Sarinah - Hotel Indonesia Roundabout.

Note that the buses will stop only at designated shelters. Buses run from 09.00 to 19.00 every hour, depending on traffic.

By public bus [ edit ]

A multitude of bus companies operate at the streets of Jakarta. However buses do not run on schedule. Most maps bought not from Indonesia do not show bus routes, so Google Maps would be the best method to figure out what bus you should take. Most bus stops also posted what route number and destinations stop there. If you want to get somewhere quickly and are not prepared to get lost, avoid the buses (remember that taxis are cheaper than most local buses in the West). However, they make for a good adventure if you're not in a rush and don't mind being the centre of attention.

List of local city bus companies :

  • Daya Sentosa Utama
  • Koantasbima
  • Kowanbisata
  • Mayasari Bakti

Bus fares are generally less than Rp 10,000 with a flat rate system, Non AC Kopaja, Kopami and Metromini are flat rate Rp. 4,000. You must pay to the kondektur or to the driver.

Cheaper yet are mikrolet (mini-buses) and angkot (small vans) that ply the smaller streets and whose fares vary from Rp 3,000 to 6,000 depending on the distance, but good luck figuring out the routes. You pay the fare directly to the driver after getting off.

You may need to spare one or two Rp 500 coins before boarding the bus, since there is on-board "entertainment" and other distractions. On a typical day, you may find street musicians singing unplugged versions of Indonesian and Western pop songs asking for donations at the end of the performance, and street vendors, one after another, trying to sell almost everything, from ballpoint pens and candies to boxed donuts and health goods. If you do happen to be travelling in a bus, refrain from sitting or standing at the back area of the bus as this is where muggers find their prey. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be alert at all times as pickpocketing occurs.

Note that buses do not run according to any schedule or timetable. Sometimes a bus may take a while to come, in other circumstances it is possible that two of the same bus routes may come together and these drivers will definitely drive aggressively to get more passengers. They do not stop at any particular bus stop and can stop just about anywhere they like. If you want to get off, simply say "kiri" (to the left) to the "kondektur" or just knock on the ceiling of the bus for three times (be sure that the driver hears your thumping), and the bus driver will find a place to drop you. An additional tip to alight from these buses is to use your left foot first to maintain balance and try to get down as quickly as possible as they do not fully stop the bus.

Also note that seats in these buses are built for Indonesians who are typically shorter and more slender and agile than people with a larger build such as Caucasians and Africans. Non-Indonesians might find the seats in these buses to be confining and uncomfortable.

List of bus terminals in Jakarta:

  • Blok M (South Jakarta)
  • Grogol (West Jakarta)
  • Kalideres (West Jakarta), intercity bus terminal heading to the Western Jakarta and to Sumatra Island
  • Kampung Melayu (East Jakarta)
  • Kampung Rambutan (East Jakarta), intercity bus terminal to cities in West Java Province and several cities in Central Java Province
  • Lebak Bulus (South Jakarta)
  • Manggarai (South Jakarta)
  • Pasar Minggu (South Jakarta)
  • Pinang Ranti (East Jakarta)
  • Pulo Gadung (East Jakarta)
  • Pulo Gebang (East Jakarta), intercity bus terminal to Cities in Central Java, East Java, Bali and West Nusa Tenggara Province
  • Ragunan (South Jakarta)
  • Rawa Buaya (West Jakarta)
  • Rawamangun (East Jakarta)
  • Senen (Central Jakarta)
  • Tanjung Priok (North Jakarta)

Jakarta is infamous for its rampant congestion, lasting for up to three hours per jam. Any road rules are viewed as nothing more than prattling and are blatantly ignored. Expect locals to treat one way roads as two, three or even four way ones; turn without signalling; and frequently get into crashes. Be very careful with the motorcyclists that swarm the roads as hitting one can lead to a mob of bikers attacking your car.

Rental cars are available, but unless you are familiar with local driving practices or lack thereof, take reputable taxis. If you're from a foreign country, it is not recommended to rent a car and drive on your own. Renting a car with a driver is a much better idea.

The price of fuel in Indonesia is relatively low due to the application of subsidies by the central government. Pertamina outlets supply gasoline ( bensin ) ( petrol ) at Rp 6.550/litre, diesel fuel (solar) is at Rp 5,150/litre, and Pertalite (Hybrid of Bensin/Premium and Pertamax) at Rp 7.500. Non-subsidised prices for products such as Pertamax (RON 92 Pertamax high-octane gasoline are higher at around Rp 9,500/litre, RON 95 Pertamax Plus around Rp 10,350 and Pertamina-Dex (diesel fuel) is around Rp 10,100. Prices at outlets operated by Shell, Mobil and Petronas are similar.

Toll roads circle the city and are faster when the traffic is good, but are very often jammed themselves. The drainage systems of major roads are poorly maintained and during the rainy season from December to March major roads may be flooded, leading to even worst traffic congestion than normal.

Finding parking places in residential areas can be difficult due to the narrow roads. Paid parking is easy to find in shopping malls, offices and the price is Rp 4,000 to 5,000/hr. Street parking often requires to payment of Rp 3,000 to Rp 5,000 to a parking 'attendant', depending on the district as well.

If you decide to drive by yourself or having a driver in Jakarta, please remember that there is a odd-even traffic control system implemented in some of the main roads in the morning from 7.00-10AM and in the afternoon from 4.00-7 PM (from Monday to Friday, except Weekend or Public Holidays). Under the system, only vehicles with odd license plate numbers are permitted to travel on odd-numbered dates and even-numbered license plates on even-numbered dates. The fine for violations is Rp500,000, but taxis and public transportation are exempted. There are intentions from the local government to change this system to an Electronic Road Pricing system sometime in the future. In sum, only use cars when absolutely necessary.

By taxi [ edit ]

Most visitors opt to travel by taxi, which is cheap and occasionally even fast. There are a multitude of taxi companies of varying degrees of dependability. Taxis are widely available and usually easily hailed off the street in a matter of seconds however demand often exceeds supply during periods of heavy rain and weekday peak hours (generally about 4:30-8:00PM). If you absolutely need to be somewhere during rush hour (i.e. the airport) it is a good idea to make alternative transportation arrangements.

The Blue Bird group ☎+62 21 79171234, (24 hr) is known for their reliability, has an efficient telephone order service and always uses their meter. Fares are Rp 6,500 flagfall (including the first kilometer) and Rp 400 for every subsequent 100 meters or minute stuck in traffic. They also have a very good mobile app that's convenient to use that allows you to GPS locate where you are or enter your address.

  • The Blue Bird group also runs the brand of Blue Bird and Pusaka taxis, They normally use late model Toyota Vios , Honda "Mobilio", Nissan "Almera" and Nissan "Serena" (only special for disabled person).
  • The Silver Bird executive taxi charges a premium for a larger car, normally a Mercedes Benz C & E Class or a Toyota Vellfire ).

Alternatively the Express group ☎+62 21 26509000, is fast overtaking Blue Bird's reputation as best taxi firm in Jakarta. Unlike Blue Bird, Express requires a minimum of three years' experience at another Jakarta taxi firm from its drivers. As a result, Express drivers generally know their way around the city better than the often newly arrived Blue Bird drivers. Metered fares are at Rp 7,500 flagfall (including the first kilometer)and Rp 250 for every subsequent 100 meters or minute stuck in traffic.

Some other large, generally reliable companies include Taxiku, Gamya, Dian Taksi, Putra and TransCab. You can generally determine a good cabbie by asking " argo? " ("meter?") - if they say no or "tidak", get another taxi.

Taxis parked near train/bus stations, tourist attractions, and hotels often refuse to use the meter and quote silly prices (especially to foreigners) - in this case, it's a good idea to walk away a bit, then hail a passing Blue Bird or Express taxi.

Many taxis are mechanically unsound and have drivers of highly questionable skill. They also often engage in determined efforts to overcharge, including via rigged meters. There have been occasional but recent cases of people being robbed at knife-point after taking non-reputable taxis, so it's best to stick to the firms above. Be particularly vigilant late at night, when you will spot a number of taxis from firms you have never heard of or seen before roaming around.

Rates for taxis depend on the company, though the rate of Rp 7,500 flagfall (including the first kilometer) and Rp 400 for every subsequent 100 meters or one minute stuck in traffic has been widely adopted. Minimum charges apply to taxis ordered by phone, this should be posted on the inside of the taxi and generally varies from Rp 20,000 to Rp 40,000. There is now a minimum applied to taxis flagged off the side of the road in the case of Blue Bird or Express, and while other taxi companies may not have a minimum, they may be upset if you give them less than Rp 15,000.

Carry plenty of small denomination notes to pay fares as there is no guarantee that drivers will have any change (Indonesian: "kembali"). On the meter, fares are rounded up to the nearest Rp 1,000 as a matter of course and tips are generally expected from foreigners, though by no means mandatory. When paying, it is usual to round up to the nearest Rp 5,000. On a longer trip, if the service has been good, allow 10% for the tip and again, round up to the nearest Rp 5,000.

Keep the doors locked and the windows closed when traveling in a taxi, as luxury items or a bag can be an attractive target when stuck in a traffic jam or traffic light. Avoid using the smaller taxi companies especially if you are alone, and try to know the general route - the driver might well take you a roundabout route to avoid traffic, but you will know the general direction. Stating your direction clearly and confidently will usually pre-empt any temptation to take you on the long route. It is also not uncommon for taxi drivers to be recent arrivals in Jakarta - they often don't know their way around and may be relying on you to direct them - ensure that they know the way before you get in.

By rental car [ edit ]

Another solution for getting around in Jakarta is to rent a car. However for most visitors it is best to use a local driver rather than self drive.

  • Nemob , Gedung Kirana Two Office Tower Lantai 18, Jl. Boulevard Timur No. 88, Kelapa Gading, RT.5/RW.2, Pegangsaan Dua, Klp. Gading, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14240, Indonesia , ☎ +62 857 5509 5119 , [x] . The cost from start from IDR350.000 include the driver and gasoline.
  • CityHomeRentCar.com , ( Jl Sunter Karya Selatan 1 ), ☎ 087781070218 , [x] .
  • Smbrentcar.com , ☎ +62 21-49663300 ( [email protected] ), [x] .
  • Adapted Car Hired , ☎ 021-68290939 , [x] . Offers wheelchair accessible booking. Company is division of PT.Hidup Berkat Rahmat Anugerah, a provider of mobility solution for both the disabled and elderly.

By bajaj [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

The Jakartan equivalent to Thailand 's tuk-tuk is the bajaj (pronounced "bahdge-eye"), blue colored scooters souped up in India into tricycles that carry passengers in a small cabin at the back.

They're a popular way to get around town since they can weave through Jakarta's interminable traffic jams much like motorbikes can.The old version 2 cycles of Bajaj is gradually being changed by CNG version which eco-friendly, quieter and more convenient ones. There are no set prices, but a short hop of a few city blocks shouldn't cost much more than Rp 4,000. Be sure to agree to a price before you set off. Locals who regularly use the bajaj know what a typical fare should be and are happy to tell you.

By ojek [ edit ]

If you're poking around narrow back streets, or just in such a hurry that you're willing to lose a limb or more to get there, then Jakarta's motorcycle taxis ( ojek ) might be the ticket for you. Jakarta's ojek services consist of guys with bikes lounging around street corners, who usually shuttle short distances down alleys and roads but will also do longer trips for a price. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Grab, and GoJek have made streetside ojeks harder to find, but they still often wait and offer their services near transit stations. Agree on the fare before you set off. And insist on a helmet, and wear it properly. No need to make it more insanely dangerous than it already is. The ojek drivers will insist you're safe with them and that they'll drive carefully, but this has little to do with reality. What locals normally pay to them is Rp 5,000 for a short ride and Rp 7,000 to 10,000 for a longer (roughly more than kilometer or 15 minutes walk) one. Foreigners are likely to be asked for more, but generally ojek drivers will accept the proper fare if you insist on it, unless they see you really need to use their service, such as if you're in a hurry but there's a huge traffic jam so using a taxi or bus will be too slow. Jakartan motorcyclists have honed unsurprisingly substantial skill at weaving around congested cars. If a car hits your ojek, expect revenge towards the 'assaultant' being given by fellow motorcyclists, but this carries risk of you being implicated in a court of law.

In November 2011, Ojek with argometer is called Taxijek has launched in Jakarta and is provided with company's driver identity card, a helmet for passengers, disposable shower caps to wear underneath and an extra raincoat. The fee is cheaper than the non-argometer ojeks make drivers of non-argometer ojeks jealous, moreover the Taxijek can enter the gate of elite housing complexes to pick up passengers due to Taxijek have special driver identity cards. The first flag start at Rp 4,000 ($0.44) and Rp 1,000 ($0.11) for another each kilometer. Call (021)94440739 or visit www.taxijek.com for more information.

By helicopter [ edit ]

ats.co.id has over 21 helicopters in their fleet operating from Sentul Bogor. Office: 62 (21) 87900333. 24 hours: 62 818898383. Costs over $2.000 per hour.

On foot [ edit ]

As a rule, walking around the centre of Jakarta is neither fun nor practical, especially for the disabled traveler you may find the city a true challange due to poor maintenace of pavement and missing sidewalk. With the exception of a few posher areas, sidewalks are crowded with pushcart vendors, drivers disregard pedestrians and crossing streets can be dangerous. On many busy streets there are no pedestrian crossings, so it's best to latch onto a local and follow them as they weave their way through the endless flow of cars, you may found yourself waiting for hours if you decided to wait for one of them to stop for you on pedestrian crossing. If you use pedestrian bridges, watch out for wonky steps and holes, and also look out for motorcycles and bicycles that often use the bridge illegally. Despite this horrible habits of the inhabitants, the downtown area itself does have adequate sidewalks, you may find yourself faster taking the path on foot than travelling by vehicles, there are few recommended guide for you to explore the city:

1) Kota Tua - pedestrian friendly square, you can walk in these area and explore the sight of dutch colonial charm that were once centre of the colonial seat.

2) Pasar Baroe - a pedestrian friendly zone market, that exist since the colonial era

3) Sudirman-Thamrin corridor - the downtown itself have nicely done paved pedestrian footpath for eager explorer all the way through rasuna said, there's available wifi too!

4) Monas and Kebon Sirih area - the city square is pedestrian friendly zone, and the surrounding area have several attraction such as president palace to old colonial churches

5) Car Free Day - the city centre enclosed itself from motor vehicle, every Sunday from 6.00 a.m. to about 11.00 a.m. This is the moment you can find yourself walking on the road of the city from Sudirman, Thamrin to Monas area, the busway service would still be running in the enclosed zone for travellers to reach their destination.

See [ edit ]

travel jakarta travel

Landmarks [ edit ]

  • Monas ( National Monument ). Located at Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Square), Jakarta's best known landmark, the 137 metre monument is located in the centre of Merdeka (Freedom) square. From the observation deck, you can view the city. The basement shows a relatively colorful display of Indonesian dioramas but has not been updated since the Suharto era and is biased towards the New Order dictatorship. Entrance ticket Rp 2,500, ticket to the top of Monas, Rp 7,500. Expect lines that put the local traffic to shame.
  • Presidential Palace , ( north of the National Monument ). Official residence and office of the Indonesian president is open to the public on weekends for free, preferably make reservation first and use formal clothes, no sandals.
  • Gelangang Bung Karno Stadium , ( Senayan Sport complex in South Jakarta ). A large stadium surrounded by a large park, the area is a good way to enjoy a fresh air away from the congestion and as well to see a large stadium provided you are interested in it.
  • Bundaran HI , ( Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle ). A large fountain with a statue, located in Central Jakarta and is in front of the city's grand major malls.

Themeparks [ edit ]

  • Ancol Dream Park ( Taman Impian Jaya Ancol ). Ancol Dream Park is located right on the coast. The Park itself is well worth the visit, however, don't hold high expectations as the last major overhauls were in the late twentieth century. Both the beach and the sea water are polluted and best avoided. The Park consists a theme park, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy world) with ticket fee Rp 195,000 per person in week days and Rp 275,000 per person on week end-Sunday-and-Holiday, Atlantis Water Adventure (Waterboom) ticket fee Rp 100,000 per person, Seaworld (for the largest aquarium in South East Asia), Gelanggang Samudra (Ocean Park) animals show ticket Rp 90,000 per person, Fantastic Multimedia (Laser) Show ticket fee Rp 50,000 per person, resorts, hotel, beach, marina, and great restaurants. It's one of the biggest such parks in Asia. Entrance ticket fee to the complex Rp 25,000 per person excluding parking fee
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah , ( Beautiful Indonesia in little park ). See the whole Indonesian culture from here. It offers an exciting tour of 30 provinces of Indonesia with samplings of the country's more than 250 cultures, which are unfortunately diluted by the late 20th century New Orderideals of absolute cultural unity. The resignation of dictator Suharto has partially limited the force of such ideals. Highlight features are the Museum Indonesia and the Keong Emas IMAX theater. Entrance ticket fee to the complex Rp 10,000 per person and individual attractions must also be paid for - prices range from 5,000-40,000 depending on the attraction.
  • Jungleland Sentul City , located in Bogor regency however far from the city center lies Indonesia's largest and newest theme park. There are much more variety of rides in the theme park compared to Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy world), complete with a science park and a dinosaur land, a great place for both kids or adults who like to get their adrenaline boiled.

Museums [ edit ]

(Note that the majority of museums in Indonesia do not provide English translations, with the exception of some major museums.)

  • Gedung Kesenian Jakarta , ( Jakarta Arts Theater ). Neo-renaissance structure, previously meticulously restored, and now one of the proud landmarks among the Jakarta buildings which have been conserved. Some of the city best performance by both local and visiting artists are often held here.
  • Museum Nasional , Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat no.12 ( BRT Monumen Nasional, Monas, Transjakarta Busway stop Gambir, Line I ), ☎ +62 21 3868172, +62 21 381 1551 ( [email protected] , fax : +62 21 3447778 ), [x] . Tu-Fri 8:30AM-4PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-5PM and closed on Mon and public holidays . Houses a vast collection of prehistoric, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, including one of the world's largest collections of Southeast Asian ceramics and Hindu Javanese art. The museum was opened in 1868. See the Jakarta/Central article for more detail, including tour information. Admission charge: Indonesian residents: Rp 5,000, foreign visitors: Rp 10,000 .
  • National Gallery of Indonesia . The National Gallery of Indonesia has existed as a cultural institution in the field of visual arts. Today the museum kept 1770 artworks by Indonesian and foreign artists, among the most notable are Indonesian artists Raden Saleh, Affandi, Basuki Abdullah, and also some foreign artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarely, Sonia Delaunay, Pierre Soulages, and Zao Wou Ki. Located at the opposite side of Monas from Museum Nasional at Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No.14. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am until 4pm.
  • Museum Art Mon Decor . A new museum located in Jakarta, it houses various numbers of modern artwork by various Indonesian artist from all over the region.
  • Textile Museum . Houses a large collections of textiles related to the religious and social practices of the major islands of the archipelago, including batik, ikat and kain ulos.
  • Gedung Proklamasi , ( Proclamation Building ). The historical site of Indonesian independence, where on August 17th, 1945 Soekarno-Hatta (Indonesian first President and vice-President) declared the nation's independence.
  • Lubang Buaya . Marks the site where an alleged failed coup d' etat by Partai Komunis Indonesia (PKI), the Indonesian Communist Party, met its end, alongside the bodies of several high-ranking generals who are believed to have been tortured to death.
  • Museum Taman Prasasti . A museum that is located in what formerly is a wealthy Dutch graveyard, the museum is surrounded with tombs and monuments with European designs and arts.
  • Museum Polri . Indonesia's police force Museum, located in the southern part of the city.
  • Satria Mandala Museum . A war museum located in Southern Jakarta, displaying sets of weapons, tanks, and war planes.
  • Museum Adam Malik ,. Small museum dedicated to Mr Adam Malik, a renowned figure who represented Indonesia in the United Nations, among many of his other feats including as an Indonesian foreign minister.
  • Museum Bank Mandiri , ( in the Old Town or Kota Tua area opposite the Northern Terminus of Corridor 1 of the Busway and Kota Station ). See the history of banking in the Dutch colonial era. Sections include the history of how the Dutch segregated the services offered to bankers by race, the history of the creation of Bank Mandiri and it's memorabilia , Colonial Era Bank Governors and Rupiah bank notes through time.
  • Museum Bank Indonesia a museum located next to Bank Mandiri, it is one of the most modern museum in Indonesia, with a history of trades and currency in Indonesia during the colonial times.
  • Museum Wayang , ( Puppet Museum ). Dedicated to puppetry and is located at Kota Tua, one of Indonesia's most famous traditional art forms. On display are the wayang kulit shadow puppets, three-dimensional wooden puppets and special dance masks. Wayang performances are presented on Sunday at 10AM.
  • National Archive Museum . Formerly the Dutch archive building now is a museum, it is also located in the Kota Tua area.
  • Museum of fine ceramic and art . Formerly the court of justice in Dutch colonial era, now houses potteries and artworks of Indonesia.
  • Museum Sejarah Jakarta . Some local history of Jakarta, including a room once occupied by the Javan hero Prince Diponegoro. Located on Fatamillah Square in the Kota area.
  • Museum Bahari ( Nautical Museum ). A collection of boats and nautical-themed artworks, in the Sunda Kelapa area. There's also an old watchtower next door though the watchtower was closed for renovations at the time I visited .

Historical Heritages [ edit ]

  • Kota Tua , ( Old town Batavia ). Is the old town of Jakarta, situated at north of Jakarta nearby the Glodok China Town. The area collides modern Jakarta with its old Dutch colonial charm. It includes a square of the old city, complete with sets of Musseum and cafes. and is filled with street vendor selling goods and food at reasonable range of price. The place is home to many historical museum, which are Museum Fatahillah the old Dutch Town hall building that are now historical museum, Museum Wayang, Museum Mandiri, Museum Maritime (old warehouses) and Bank Indonesia Museum. This area is popular among local populace as a family recreational destination, as well artist and photographer's playground.
  • Jembatan Kota Intan , ( Kota Intan drawbridge ). The bridge was developed coincide with the development of Batavia by Jan Pieterzoon Coen in 1628, and the only one of the rests of many suspension bridge ever decorating Batavia city.
  • Sunda Kelapa Port/Old Harbour . The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains today as a bustling hub for inter islands trade. Graceful Bugis phinisi schooners, the world's last wind-powered sailing fleet used for trade, still berthed at the quay as they have for century.
  • Fish Market and Museum Bahari , ("Maritime Museum ), ( at the mouth of the Ciliwung river ). This market area bustles with activities related to the sea. The Museum Bahari situated at the harbour, is housed in restored Dutch warehouses dating back to the first trading post of the Dutch East Indies.
  • Pasar Baru . Although the name means New Market, it doesn't mean the place is new at all. Dating back to the Dutch colonial era, it has been one of the main hub for commodities trading. And nowadays, it has been nothing short of a mixture of stores packed up in a very limited space. You can bet to find unbranded items of medium to high quality and fairly low price here.
  • Paleis Van Daendels . Formerly a palace for a notorious Dutch East Indies Governor General, Herman Willem Daendels, now is the financial department building. You are not allowed to go inside, however this building is a must for colonial architecture fans and is just a little further from the Monas area.

Religious sites [ edit ]

  • Istiqlal Mosque , The biggest mosque in Southeast Asia with a capacity of 120,000, located near the Monas Square. It was designed by Frederich Silaban, a Christian architect. Foreign visitors of all religions are welcome; remove your shoes before entering and stop by the desk for a free tour with an English-speaking guide.
  • Cut Mutiah Mosque , A mosque that is named after an Indonesian national heroine Cut Nyak Meutia who took part in the struggle against Dutch colonialism in Aceh, formerly a Dutch property for an architecture firm.
  • Jakarta Cathedral , A Dutch colonial Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of Jakarta. There is a museum attached to the Cathedral on the top floor.
  • Immanuel Church , A Dutch colonial Protestant church located near the Monas Square, designed in classic architecture
  • Sion Church , The oldest church in Jakarta, located near the Kota Tua area.
  • Vihara Dharma Sakti , An old Buddhist temple located inside the Glodok Chinatown.

Others [ edit ]

  • Pekan Raya Jakarta . Or in English language "Jakarta Fair", an annually held event in Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran. It features exhibitions, trade promotions, shopping, music performances, various shows, amusement rides and a food festival. The fair is meant to celebrate the anniversary of Jakarta. The Jakarta Fair sees exhibitors from across the country display a whole range of goods and products ranging from specialty food items to traditional handmade arts and crafts. In addition to the many exhibitors, there is also live entertainment including music, dance and cultural performances.
  • Jalan Surabaya , ( Surabaya Street ). Lively open-air antique market on the fringes of the Menteng residential neighborhood. A good place to bargain for exotic treaures.
  • Taman Ismail Mazurki . A park complex with a theater building and Jakarta's planetarium.
  • Ragunan Zoo , ( in South Jakarta near Pasar Minggu ). A 185-hectare city zoo contains a comprehensive collection of some 3,600 species of wildlife from throughout Indonesia. Look for the rare Komodo dragon. Pusat Primata Schmutzer consists of gorillas and other primates. Entrance ticket fee is only Rp 4000 ($0.5) due to subsidies from Jakarta administration. Perhaps a better alternative to Ragunan, however, is Taman Safari near Bogor (see the Get Out section for details.)
  • Bird Market , Jl. Barito in South Jakarta and Jl. Pramuka in Central Jakarta. Various colourful tropical birds and other animals are on sale.
  • Bird Island, in the Thousand Islands
  • Jakarta Hidden Tours , [x] . Ronny and Anneke will lead you around some local slums where you will have a chance to meet local people and witness how they live. The proceeds of your tour will go to the local people and Ronny's Interkultur foundation.
  • Jalan Jaksa , is a short street situated just to the south of Monas, in the Sarina area. It is popular with ex-pat backpackers and the party crowd. Accommodation in Jalan Jaksa ranging from Rp100,000 to 250,000 per night. There is also a string of cafes, inexpensive restaurants with cheap beer and a variety of entertainment. You'll either love it or hate it.
  • Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) , ( north of Jakarta in the Java Sea ). The Kepulauan Seribu are easily accessible by speed boat from Ancol marina for a price, or simply go to Muara Karang Fishing Port where scheduled passenger boats (ojek kapal) leave every 7am in the morning. This spray of some 300 hundred sandy, picturesque islets offers invigorating respitee for those wishing to escape from the bustling city.

Do [ edit ]

Cinema [ edit ].

Movie theaters are a more affordable escape at around Rp 25,000-35,000 for a plush seat (Rp 35,000-50,000 on weekend, up to Rp 70,000 if you watching in 3D, and around Rp 100,000 - Rp 150,000 for Premier Class) in any of the capital's shopping malls. Beware of the heavy hand of the Indonesian censor though. The price of popcorn and drinks are exorbitant. CGV Blitz (former: Blitz Megaplex) cinemas will typically show movies in any foreign language other than English. And the lesser ones also exhibit Indonesian B-Movies with erotic themes (still heavily censored). The largest chains of cinemas in Indonesia are the 21 Cineplex (branded as XXI in premium shopping malls) and CGV Blitz . IMAX theaters, as of now, are only available at Gandaria City's XXI, Mal Kelapa Gading's XXI, and Keong Mas in TMII. Although the latter doesn't always show commercial movies. Foreign cultural institutes hold regular indie film screenings : the Arthouse Cinema at Goethe Institut , the Cine-Macet at Institut Français .

Music festivals [ edit ]

Typically unbeknownst to the world, Jakarta boasts some of the world's largest music events and the many youth fans have attracted artists all around the world to regularly stop by Jakarta as part of their world tour, from rock concerts to Korean pop. The largest event is the annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival that takes place each March for 3 days, filled with over 40 international and local artists performing jazz, R&B, and reggae songs. The Hammersonic in April is a metal music event, while Java Rockin' Land entices you to a June night of rock & roll, and the Djakarta Warehouse Project in December will make you dance and be entertained by world famous DJs.

Sports [ edit ]

  • Fitness centre : Large hotels provide free fitness centres for guests. Some hotels have sauna, spa, tennis court and jogging track. They are also available in shopping malls.
  • Golf : Golf is the number one pastime of the upper classes and, as so many other things here, relatively cheap by Western standards. Green fees can go as low as Rp 60,000 on weekdays, although the better courses are twice that, and weekend rates are considerably steeper at Rp 300,000 and up.
  • Bowling : Most alleys are found in shopping malls. The fee for a game is US$2–3. Guest can rent bowling shoes etc. The length of the lanes are 32 ft.
  • Football : Jakarta has plenty choices of Futsal fields in many areas. Futsal is a version of football but has fewer players and more lax rules of play. Dirt and grass makeshift fields are abundant in residential areas, and can be crowded with players, onlookers and vendors, especially on weekend afternoons. In these casual games, anyone can simply ask to jump in or relax.
  • Drifting : There's a drifting circuit on top of Mal Artha Gading (MAG)
  • Badminton As one of the powerhouses in badminton, Jakarta has a multitude of badminton courts, ranging from the national venues at the Senayan Complex to the suburban halls which cater to both futsal and badminton. Most of them have wood-panel flooring, and are maintained in reasonably good condition. Lighting is strictly functional and is below par in comparison with standard badminton halls. The best way to find a playing venue (and players) is to post a request on badmintoncentral, the global badminton forum. It has a lot of members from Indonesia who would be happy to provide directions to a local hall. People play almost every evening - so, walk in, strike up a conversation with the group's captain, and expect to blend in their group for the session. If the captain refuses payment (usually less than Rp 20,000), it is polite to buy the players a round of soft-drinks (teh-botol is a good choice). Be warned that it is common for Indonesians to eat, smoke, drink and nap by the side of the court. So, watch your footing!

Other activities [ edit ]

  • Karaoke : One of the main entertainment program in Asia. With the most popular chains spread throughout Jakarta, such as Inul Vista (Sarinah, Plaza Semanggi, Kelapa Gading, etc.), Happy Puppy (La Piazza, etc.), and NAV (Kelapa Gading, etc.). Expect to pay as low as Rp 60,000/hr+tax for a 6 person room.

Work [ edit ]

Casual work in Jakarta is difficult to come by and Indonesian bureaucracy does not readily facilitate foreigners undertaking employment in Indonesia. As in the rest of Asia, teaching English is the best option, although salaries are poor (US$700-3000/month is typical, although accommodation may be provided) and the government only allows citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA to work as teachers. Formal work visas, residency permits and registration with several government offices is necessary. Formal approval from the Department of Manpower and and the provision of documentation and guarantees from an employing sponsor is required to engage in any form of employment in Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia. Business visas are available for the purposes of conducting business related activities in Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia, this class of visa has strict conditions and requires a local business to sponsor the applicant. A business visa does not permit the holder to undertake any form of employment.

Buy [ edit ]

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If you're stopping in Jakarta, consider buying an extra suitcase, because there are lots of good shopping to be done. You can buy good used suitcases at Jalan Surabaya (see below) and you can see or but other good used things such as old gramophone plates or other 'antiques'.

  • Shopping Malls : Despite the crushing poverty exhibited in many parts of the city, Jakarta has a large number of giant, glittering malls it is recorded that the entire city itself has 174 shopping malls, which just might give the city the title " city with most malls in the world ", which can be hard to believe since Jakarta is not a well-known shopping destination.

Note that, for imported goods, prices in many of the more expensive stores can be much higher than what would be charged in the same shops in other countries. Jakarta has malls that vary from the upmarket malls to cheap malls. Global luxurious brands like Chanel, Gucci, Dolce and Gabanna can easily be found in the upscale malls such as Plaza Indonesia , Grand Indonesia or Plaza Senayan . Pacific place mall in Jakarta houses Asia's only Gallerie Lafayette department store. It is not hard for one to find international brands in the city as it exists nearly in all of its major shopping malls. There are also less attractive malls in Jakarta that sells various local cheap brands, electronic products, and mobile phone services, usually attached with a supermarket.

As general the city lacks a vibrant shopping street, the city plans Jalan Dr. Professor Satrio (or simply Dr. Satrio Road ) that are said to be planned as Jakarta's Orchard road, in the Mega Kuningan area that houses many towering famous hotels such as the raffles. However, nothing drastic has been done with the exception of a new large mall opening up in the area and also new fly-over (or freeway) above Dr. Satrio Road called Flyover Kampung Melayu-Tanah Abang , though it houses several shopping centers as well.

  • Markets : In addition to malls, there are also numerous extremely large shopping centres , quite a few of which can be found in the Mangga Dua (Two Mangoes) complex, a massive indoor markets with hundreds upon hundreds of shops selling everything at wholesale prices,including fake branded items, bags, purses, shoes electronic products and pirated movies/DVDs. With a bargaining skill, all can be bought at a very low price, as a general rule, you should start the bargain with half from the initial offered price. Another market in town Pusat Grosir Tanah Abang or Thamrin City which popular among Malaysian tourists are large textile markets selling various clothing and Islamic wears, all offering wholesale prices. Another one is Pasar Baru (New Market) which had existed since the colonial era, various clothing, accessories, and bags are sold here. If you are seeking traditional markets, there are plenty of them scattered throughout the city.
  • Supermarkets : There are a large number of modern supermarkets in Jakarta and it is not hard for one to notice the nearest supermarket from their hotel, as most of the shopping centers usually have a supermarket inside. Some of the most known supermarket in town include Giant, Hero, Hypermart, Carrefour/Transmart, Lotte, KemChicks, Superindo etc.
  • Convenience stores : If you want to avoid the oversized malls and you're looking for smaller yet modern places to shop for daily needs then Indomaret or Alfamart stores are located virtually everywhere throughout Jakarta, including some of the housing complexes. These two Indonesian convenience store chains are complemented by international convenience stores.
  • Antique shop : If you are looking for some antique product such as local handicrafts, Indonesian traditional batik, wayang golek (Javanese puppets), you can go to Jalan Surabaya in Central Jakarta where you can find many antique shops along this street. Pasaraya Grande shopping mall at Blok M, South Jakarta has one dedicated floor for all Indonesian antiques and handcrafted goods. Pasar Seni at Ancol is the centre of paintings and sculpture, you can ask the painters to make you as the model for your paintings. Sharinah Department Store one of the oldest in town, a place where you can buy traditional Batik and clothing, Craft goods, antiques as well as luxurious crafted precious gems under one roof.
  • Duty Free Shops : Duty-Free shops are available at Soekarno Hatta airport and a small number of shops in the city. The Lotte Duty-Free at Ciputra mall is one of the largest available within the city, bring your passport to the shops.
  • Jakarta Gem Center (JGC) Rawa Bening , Jl Bekasi Barat ( just in front of Jatinegara station ). JGC is the biggest central of gems and precious stones in Indonesia, even Asia. It is located in Jl.Bekasi Barat, just right in front of Jatinegara train station, making it very strategic and convenient as the tourist spot. There are more than 1,330 stalls selling various kinds of gemstones, crystals, rings, stones, fossils, even to antiques and mystical items. After undergoing total renovation in 2010, JGC has developed rapidly and is always crowded with local and international visitors. Each day visitors can reach more than 1,000 people and the peak would be on Saturday - Sunday. The place is relatively clean and safe, modern, has sufficient parking lot, and made up of 4 floors.

Eat [ edit ]

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Jakarta has a vast range of food available at hundreds of eating complexes located all over the huge city. In addition to selections from all over the country, you can also find excellent Chinese, Japanese, and many other international foods thanks to the cosmopolitan population. Longer-term visitors will wish to dig up a copy of "Jakarta Good Food Guide" (JGFG) or "Jakarta Java Kini". The JGFG, as its affectionately known to Jakartans, is now in its 3rd edition, with the latest version published in 2009 and covering over 600 restaurants and casual eateries in the city. The JGFG has now also been made into an iPod touch & iPhone application, so you can download all 600 reviews and have them in the palm of your hand for whenever you're craving a bite of some good local food.

Nowadays more popular apps for smartphones (such as Zomato, TripAdvisor, Yelp etc.) come in handy and are usually enough for those who seek recommended restaurants/stalls throughout Jakarta.

You can find Jakartan versions of many dishes, often tagged with the label Betawi (Indonesian for "Batavian").

  • Sop iga sapi , beef spare rib soup that takes a simple Dutch dish and piles on Indonesian spices.
  • Soto Betawi , coconut milk broth with beef tendons, intestines, tripe.
  • Kerak telor , omelette from egg cooked with glutinous rice and served with shredded coconut and a dried shrimp topping.
  • Ketoprak , rice roll, tofu, bean sprout, crackers in peanut sauce.
  • Bubur Dingin , lit. Cold Porridge with beef sweet soup
  • Nasi uduk , rice cooked in coconut milk similar to nasi lemak, served with choices of various toppings; such as fried chicken, beef, fried shalots sambal
  • Nasi ulam , rice cooked in coconut milk served with fried minced beef, sweet fried tempe, many other toppings, cucumber, and sambal (chilli sauce).

Your stomach may need an adjustment period to the local food due to many spices locals used in their cooking. Standard price on this guide: The price for one main course, white rice ("nasi putih") and one soft drink, including 21% tax and service charge.

  • Street Food , Jakarta is famous for its street delicacies. Every Region of Jakarta has its own unique offering of street foods. Some areas for great /exceptional and unique street food are Kelapa Gading (Seafood), Muara Karang/Pluit (Seafood), "Nasi Uduk" (Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta) and Tennis Sized Meatballs (Blok S, South Jakarta) . Beware though, as these foods may take a toll on your stomach. It is advised to be acclimatised to the Indonesian environment for a week before eating street food and then to do so with some caution. Prices are around Rp 10,000 to Rp 25,000. For street hawker food, there are a lot of food courts and hawkers scattered throughout the city that offers them, for a greater concentration of them there are Glodok(China Town), Monas Square and Kota Tua (old town). Indonesians have a good herbal remedy for stomachache and some other mild food-borne illnesses which actually works, which is called Tolak Angin . It is available almost anywhere.

Budget [ edit ]

The food courts of Jakarta's shopping malls are a great way of sampling Indonesian and other food in more hygienic and air-conditioned comfort.

  • Plaza Senayan (basement)
  • Plaza Semanggi (level 3A and 10-Plangi Sky DIning), Taman Anggrek's Dapur Anggrek (level 4), all have good selections.

Mal Kelapa Gading

  • Mal Kelapa Gading' s Food Temptation (level 3) claims to be the largest in Indonesia.
  • Gading Food City , offering a vast selection of mostly Indonesian outdoor eats with live music.
  • La Piazza is more upscale.
  • Eat n Eat in the New Kelapa Gading Mall 5, a new food court with a traditional colonial era Indonesian atmosphere and offers a great mix of Indonesian cuisine and others from the Malay Archipelago.

South Jakarta

  • Blok M has three malls, and underground and a variety of other shops. The malls are Pasar Raya, Blok M Square, and Blok M Plaza. All three have good food courts. In addition, there are smaller restaurants and there is even street food in the Blok M area.
  • Kemang Food Fest, in Kemang, the most popular expatriate neighborhood, offers great food for 24 hr/7 days a week. A number of restaurants (both offering eastern and western food) gather in this outdoor establishment.
  • Tebet is another great option near the centre of the city. The area offers great food (both indoors and outdoors), including a comic cafe and is surrounded by fashion outlets. If you happen to be near Bundaran H.I., Grand Indonesia's
  • Food Louver on the level 3 skybridge in the Grand Indonesia foodcourt near Bundaran H.I. offers a great variety of food from around the world, some seats offer a great view of the Jakarta Skyline.

Most budget restaurants have delivery service or you can call Pesan Delivery service [7] , ☎ +62 21 7278 7070. You can order take away foods from most budget restaurants. Some traditional Indonesian cuisine may be too hot and spicy for many foreign tourists. At some restaurants you can ask for food without chili: "Tidak pakai cabe" or "Tidak Pedas". Standard price is Rp 15,000-50,000.

Mid-range [ edit ]

Mid to Upper-scale restaurants are plentiful and prices range from Rp 30,000 and upwards for entrees.

  • Pondok Indah Mall 2's Restaurant Row
  • Mal Kelapa Gading's Gourmet Row
  • Senayan City's Basement Floor
  • Grand Indonesia's Food Louver
  • Cilandak Town Square .

Splurge [ edit ]

The best gourmet splurges in Jakarta are the opulent buffet spreads in the 5 star hotels such as the Marriott, Hotel Mulia, Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La, which offer amazing value by international standards. Standard price: Rp 150,000-300,000 per person

Drink [ edit ]

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Jakarta may be the capital of the world's largest country with Islamic population, but it has underground life of its own and alcohol drinking is not prohibited. If you're the clubbing type, its nightlife is arguably among the best in Asia. From the upscale Blowfish, X2 or Potato Head Garage to the seediest discos like Stadium, Jakarta caters to all kinds of clubbers, but bring a friend if you decide to brave the seedier joints (though they tend to have the best DJs). Fans of live music, on the other hand, are largely out of luck if they go to budget bars, at least unless they're into Indonesian pop.

When out and about, note that Jakarta has a fairly high number of prostitutes , known in local parlance as ayam (lit. "chicken"), so much so that much of the female clientele of some respectable bars (operated by five-star hotels, etc) is on the take.

A nightlife district popular among expats is Blok M in South Jakarta , or more specifically the single lane of Jl. Palatehan 1 just north of the bus terminal, packed with pubs and bars geared squarely towards single male Western visitors. While lacking the bikini-clad go-go dancers of Patpong , the meat market atmosphere is much the same with poor country girls turned pro. D's and My Bar are two of the most popular spots. Blok M is now easily accessible as the southern terminus of BRT Line 1. For a more off-the-beaten track experience, head a few blocks south to Jl. Melawai 6 ( opposite Plaza Blok M ), Jakarta's de-facto Little Japan with lots of Japanese restaurants, bars, karaoke joints and ayam girls.

Jalan Jaksa is also popular among expats and backpackers. Jalan Jaksa has the cheapest (or equal cheapest) beer in Jakarta. Generally a little cheaper in other respects as well, Jalan Jaksa is also a bit more laid back. Papa's Cafe is a popular spot, and the Beatles can be heard most nights at Memories Cafe. However there is a variety of other entertainment in a friendly, casual athmosphere. Jalan Jaksa also has cheap food and cheap to moderately priced accommodation.

To hang out where Indonesia's young, rich and beautiful do, head to Plaza Indonesia to it's numerous bars and sky-high lounges are. Plaza Senayan's Arcadia annex attempts to duplicate the concept, but with more of an emphasis on fine dining. The Kemang area in Southern Jakarta is popular with expats and locals alike. It has numerous places to eat, drink and dance as well houses several boutiques and shops. The Senopati and SCBD too are now flocking with Indonesia's young, rich and beautiful go.

The Kota area in northern Jakarta is the oldest part of town with numerous colonial buildings still dominating the area. It is also considered to be the seediest part of town after midnight. Most karaoke bars and 'health' clubs there are in fact brothels who mostly cater to local Jakartans. Even regular discos such as Stadium and Crown have special areas designated for prostitutes. Other notable establishments in this area are Malioboro and Club 36 which should not be missed. This part of town has a large ethnic Chinese population who also dominate the clubbing scene there.

The bulk of the clubbing scene is spread throughout Jakarta however, most usually found in office buildings or hotels. A help of an experienced local with finding these places is recommended. Do note that nightlife in Jakarta tends to be pricey for local standards.

In general, dress codes are strictly enforced in Jakarta: no shorts, no slippers. Drunken, rowdy behavior is frowned upon. During the month of Ramadan, all nightlife ends at midnight and many operations close for the entire month.

Sleep [ edit ]

Please see the individual Jakarta district articles for accommodation listings

The travel agencies at Jakarta's airport can have surprisingly good rates for mid-range and above hotels. Star ratings are reserved for midrange and better hotels, while budget places have "Melati" rankings from 1-3 (best). Tax and service charge of 21% is usually added to the bill.

Budget : Backpacker hostels ( losmen ) can be found in Jalan Jaksa , which is close to Gambir Station (to the east) and Sarinah (to the west) with the Trans-Jakarta busway. Rooms start from Rp 50,000/night. Clean, air-conditioned rooms with own bathroom start at about Rp 100,000/night. Hotels with standard room rate start at about US$22/night.

Mid-range , Hotels with standard room rate of from US$26-100/night.

Splurge , Jakarta has more than its fair share of luxury hotels, and after the prolonged post-crash hangover new ones are now going up again. Many remain good value by world prices, but opulent lobbies do not always correspond to the same quality in the room. The standard room rate on splurge hotels is more than US$100/night. Accor Group hotels (Mercure, Grand Mercure, Ibis, Novotel, Pullman), Intercontinental, Le Meridien, Shangri-La, Kempinski are just to name a few existing foreign chains, as well as local brands such as Mulia and The Sultan Hotel & Residence whose hotels are situated in Senayan, and Santika hotels.

For a stay of a month or more, monthly rental rooms (called kost ) and apartments are a good alternative to budget and mid-range hotels, respectively. Fully-furnished rooms (with TV, A/C, large bed, hot shower, kitchen outside) can be rented for Rp 1.5-4 million/month. In most cases, rental fee already includes electricity and water usage, often there are additional services included like laundry, Internet access, breakfast, etc. There are cheaper rooms as well (starting from Rp 500,000-700,000), but those are usually small, without window, and the furniture includes just bed or even nothing. Also, some cheaper places are exclusively for either men or women (no opposite sex tenants or visitors allowed); many others allow couples to stay together - but only if they're legally married. Check on this before committing to rent.

For apartments (one or more rooms + private kitchen + often balcony), prices are from Rp 3-4 million and up. Cheaper rates can be obtained in some places which are oriented to the long-term rental (6 months or 1 year minimum); however, there may be same limitations as for cheaper rooms. Once again, check before committing.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Due to terrorism and high-profile terrorist bomb blasts in past years means that security in Jakarta tends to be heavy, with car trunk checks, metal detectors and bag searches at most major buildings. Statistically, though, you are far more likely to be killed in the traffic. The city is relatively safe for travelers to explore, but always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid bringing drugs into Indonesia or Jakarta. Eight foreigners were executed for drug-related offenses. The tolerance for drug smuggling is very low, and Westerners and Africans are sometimes stereotyped as drug users or dealers by the general populace. The police have a long-standing reputation for being quite corrupt, so the less you deal with them, the better.

Criminal problems have become more serious in the last 10 years. Pick-pocketing or bag snatching are the most common crimes. Be on your guard in crowded places such as markets, because pickpockets often steal wallets and cell phones. Keep a close eye on your valuables and choose your transportation options carefully, especially at night. Business travelers need to keep a close eye on laptops, which have been known to disappear even from within office buildings. For all-night party excursions, it may be wise to keep your cab waiting; the extra cost is cheap and it's worth it for the security. Lock your car doors and windows, and show no cell phones or wallets on the dashboard. Often simply catching the thief in the act will cause him to run away. Because the police are seen as useless or corrupt, Jakartans will usually come to the aid of a victim. Just ask for help ("Tolong!"). In many neighborhoods, a thief caught by the local residents will be punished "traditionally" (often quite brutally) before being taken to police. Most local neighborhoods employ their own security.

However, there are an increasing number of violent crimes, such as mugging. Traffic lights at night can be potentially unsafe, so stay alert. Use of guns remains rare in Jakarta. There may also be school or neighborhood fights that should be avoided.

There are also occasional scams, especially in tourist-filled areas. Some scams include: play-acting as staff or salesperson with an interesting promo package or lottery to get the victim to an ATM and withdraw money from his or her account; pretending to recognize the victim, chatting him or her up, and then offering a laced snack or drink; and pretending to offer a ride to the victim, only to mug him or her during the trip.

In general, just exercise awareness and precaution. Know your destination, avoid walking alone at night (especially in slums), avoid flaunting valuables, and be wary of strangers. Keep your passport secured at all times, and try to avoid carrying too much cash at one time.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Water sources in Jakarta as well as the rest of indoensia arent always clean or safe for human consumtion always drink bottled water, or boil your water before drinking it. Never drink tap water directly. In Depok and Bogor boiled tap water is considered drinkable, but in most areas of Jakarta, make your tea and coffee from bottled water.

If buying bottled water from a street vendor always check the 'tamper proof' seal is intact.

In the coastal areas of Jakarta, such as North Jakarta, the water quality is even worse and if you have a 'bak mandi' in your bathroom using the water from shallow well, adding one capfull of Detol to the 100 to 200 litres of water may be a good idea. To the south eg, South Jakarta, Depok and Bogor, the water quality is better - but still don't drink it un-boiled.

During the rainy season (December, January, and February), lower parts of Jakarta (mostly those to the north) are often flooded, turning the lower parts of Jakarta into 'Little Venice' or 'Jakarta's Venice' because of the roads changing into canals that resemble Venice, Italy. Thanks to the completion of East-Flood-Canal, much of the water is channeled directly to the sea without a chance of passing through the central part of the city.

There is a law against smoking at public places in Jakarta, and the smoker can (in theory) be fined up to US$5,000. You may see the signs threatening a fine ( denda ) of Rp 50 million or 6 months jail for smoking, although that law seems not to be enforced (due to the extreme level of tolerance of most Jakartans). You can see that some locals still smoke on the street and even in local buses, as anywhere in Indonesia, but when reminded they usually stop smoking. It's generally prohibited to smoke, however, inside shops, offices, and air-conditioned buildings generally. If in doubt, take the safer side: Don't smoke.

Stay comfortable [ edit ]

Learn from locals about how to stay comfortable in the heat and humidity of the city: Wear only cotton clothing to absorb the extra sweat + humidity of the air. And wear it long so that it function as comfortable SPF-200 sun protection at the same time. Street workers in Jakarta usually wear wide straw hat or bamboo hats to protect their head and face from the sun, and they always have a super mini towel ready within reach to wipe the sweat.

Contact [ edit ]

Telephone [ edit ].

If you see a public telephone , lift the receiver and check the number in the display near the keypad. If the number is not 000, don't insert coins, because the phone is broken. They usually are broken, but are very cheap (just $0.01/min) when they do work. Keep in mind that the public telephone can't make calls to cellular phone and long-distance calls and even international calls.

DO BUY A SIM CARD AS YOU GET TO THE AIRPORT for your cellphone. For $2 or less you can get a local SIM and some credit. Top up to up to $10 to get 4G LTE, which is generally good and you can use to navigate around the city. Telkomsel is the biggest provider and generally has the best reception in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia, "3" from Hutchinson is the cheapest, otherwise Indosat Ooredoo and XL isn't too bad either.

Internet [ edit ]

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If you have your own laptop you may be able to access networks at many of the capital's malls. Ask at the information desk for access codes. Free hotspots are also available at most McDonald restaurants and StarBucks Cafes. Several hotels also provide a free wifi hotspot in their lobby. There are also free available Wifi at Thamrin-Sudirman road corridor in the center of the city.

Internet cafes are available in many parts of the city with a price of Rp 4,000-5,000. Many internet cafes (locally known as warnet) can be found around universities and residential areas. Most shopping malls provide wi-fi, typically through individual stores or restaurants.

If you are keen on using the internet for long hours, try to get the "happy hour" deals provided by internet cafes near universities or residential areas. They provide 6 hr of surfing on the internet for Rp 12,000, but only available at around midnight-6AM.

Tourism information [ edit ]

Jakarta City Government Tourism Office [8] , Jl. Kuningan Barat No. 2, ☎ +62 21-5205455 ( [email protected] ).

Jakarta City Digital Map and Travel Guide [9] , Wisma 77 Lantai 5 Jalan Letjen S. Parman Jakarta Barat. ☎ +62 21 5369 0808 .

Emergency [ edit ]

  • Ambulance , ☎ 118 . Seriously, it is better to just get a taxi to the hospital, but make sure you have money or a credit card before you do. You may not be attended to until you flash the cash.
  • Police , ☎ 110 . Be prepared to pay the police to do their job. Despite much talk about "reformasi", the police are still corrupt. Don't waste your time making a complaint, or requesting assistance, concerning anything less than a serious matter. However, despite being corrupt, the police are generally polite. Always be polite and respectful in dealing with them.
  • Search and rescue , ☎ 115 .
  • Indonesian Police Headquarters , ☎ +62 21 7218144 .
  • Jakarta Police Headquarters , ☎ +62 21 5709261 .

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ], get out [ edit ].

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Anyer resort beach 160 km (99 mi) west of Jakarta. Driving time: up to 4 hours.

Krakatoa Krakatoa (Gunung Krakatau) is a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883 was one of the most violent volcanic events ever recorded.

Bandung some 140 km (87 mi) southeast of Jakarta, full of colonial buildings, universities, and famous for both its food and its fashion markets. Driving time: 2-2.5 hours (through Cipularang toll road). X-Trans shuttle transport departs hourly from several locations for Rp 80,000.

Bogor cooler climes and a beautiful botanical garden an hour away. Several great golf courses are located in Bogor. Sentul A1 Race Circuit is located in Citeurerup, Bogor. Express train takes a bit over an hour, economy a little longer. (Waiting and train cancellations are the bigger issue.) Driving time: from 1 to 2 hours. On weekends, the trip may take up to 3 hours by road, and the trains can be crowded.

Sentul recreation area east of Bogor popular as a weekend destination from Jakarta, with golf courses, resort hotels, amusement parks, and with hills turning to mountains when approaching Puncak to the south-east. From Jakarta by car 1.5 hours or more, depending on the traffic situation.

Puncak — cooler climes and beautiful view of tea plantations. Up to 2.5 hours by tollway.

Ujung Kulon National Park — a beautiful national park, southwest of Jakarta. Driving time: up to 5 hours. Application in advance should be endorsed first because the national park is prioritized for researchers.

Taman Safari Wildlife Recreational Park — Jalan Raya Puncak 601, Cisarua, Bogor. 70 km (44 mi) south of Jakarta. Drive time 2.5 hours from Jakarta (outside rush hours) and about 20 km (12 mi) past Bogor, close to the Gunung Gede mountain. The best part is the drive-through zoo with lions, tigers, hippos, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, as well as plenty of other animals in well-kept large enclosures. Recently Taman Safari has gone through a major renovation, essentially turning much of the former conventional zoo to an amusement park for kids. The rear or upper parts still contain a number of conventional zoo exhibitions including penguins, snakes, monkeys and apes, kangaroos, and Komodo dragons. The steep price hikes in the last years have made it uncompetitive (money is much better spent going to the Singapore zoo). Admission is Rp 400,000 (foreigners; this is approximately USD 27 / 24 Euro) or Rp 230000 (locals), and Rp 15000 for vehicles. When visiting with children reserve a full day. For adults, 2.5 hours is enough to see the most interesting animals. If you want trekking please add 1 to 3 hours anymore depends on the trekking routes. Night Safari is available and you can sleep also in the park lodges.

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Jakarta Tours & Vacation Packages

One of the world’s greatest megalopolis, Jakarta blows your mind by its dynamism, vibrancy, and different flavors. Our Jakarta day tours & holiday packages will lead you to indulge in the chaotic charm of the city through the street corners. With the perfect combination of antiqueness and modernity, you can find all of Indonesia toward the fascinating city. It is not where people pouring for a better life, but throughout decades, people from different areas still maintain their characteristics, making the city become a mosaic of diverse culture, beliefs, and desires. Hop on Jakarta tours, there are various delightful things to do:

  • Merdeka Square – See the bold and confident facet of Indonesia
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – one of the most unique amusement parks in the world displaying the rich arts and cultural diversity
  • Glodok Chinatown – revel in the rich history of the vibrant Jakarta through historical buildings, ancient temples, and Chinese architecture
  • The Thousand Islands – the untouched archipelago of stunning beaches and diving sites
  • Jakarta National Museum – Witness the dioramas depicting the history of Indonesia

We offer a lot of choices for Jakarta tours below which covers the must-see attractions and other stunning sites around Jakarta for you to add to your  Indonesia vacation packages . If none of them fit your needs, feel free to contact us to design your own tailor-made Jakarta vacations that suit you most.

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8 Days in Indonesia: A Travel Itinerary From Jakarta to Bali

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Indonesia might induce a bit of analysis paralysis in even the most experienced traveler—after all, the archipelago has over 17,000 islands—but the beginning Indonesia traveler can get the most out of their visit by limiting their trip to the two neighboring islands of Java and Bali.

Java is one of the most densely populated islands in Southeast Asia , and its long heritage of indigenous Javanese culture makes the place a must-see for any traveler visiting the region. Our itinerary's Java leg will include stays in  Jakarta (Indonesia's bustling, engorged capital) and Yogyakarta (a center for Javanese culture) before jetting over to Bali just over the Bali Strait.

Our Bali leg will involve a day in South Bali , before taking a short drive up to Central Bali and Ubud , where you can experience the indigenous Balinese culture at its proudest and most refined.

However, before undertaking any trip to Indonesia, you should review the following travel basics:

  • Indonesia travel information : Learn all about Indonesia's visa requirements, currency, and safety guidelines for foreign travelers.​
  • Money and money changers in Bali : Learn about the local currency, how to change dollars and pounds to the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), and where to have your foreign currency exchanged while on the island of Bali.​
  • Drug laws in Bali and the rest of Indonesia: Drug possession and trafficking in Bali and the rest of Indonesia can get you in deep trouble so it's wise to understand the laws.

Day 1: Jakarta's Historical Sites

On your first day, you'll fly into the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Nicknamed the "Big Durian,” this sprawling megalopolis covers over 290 square miles in the western part of Java. Once you've checked into your hotel, either in Central Jakarta or in North Jakarta—budget travelers will love the cheap and plentiful budget hotels in Jakarta—your tour of the "Big Durian" can begin.

Jakarta's reputation as a polluted, traffic-choked city has, unfortunately, preceded it, but nobody should miss the chance to tour this unique city. Jakarta is an interesting study in Indonesia's modern history, as it used to be the center of the Dutch colonial presence in the "East Indies,” as Indonesia was called at the time, and entered the postwar years under the sway of the charismatic but ultimately doomed President Sukarno. The Dutch colonizers and the strongman that replaced them shaped Jakarta's most popular landmarks.

Visitors should start with a visit to Fatahillah Square in the north of the city, the crumbling former Dutch colonial capital. The vast square used to be a venue for public executions, while the former statehouse behind it is now a museum dedicated to Indonesia's colonial history.

Next, move south to Central Jakarta, and you travel in time from the 19th to the 20th century, where Indonesia's first president Sukarno solidified his place in Indonesia's history with several notable buildings.

The Monas (short for "national monument" in Indonesian) towers over Central Jakarta, the navel of a plaza that is itself surrounded by government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Book a tour to the very top of the Monas to get a bird's eye view of Central Jakarta. Then, just a short distance away, you can visit Istiqlal Mosque —the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, whose size is very appropriate for the biggest Islamic nation in the region.

Make a retail detour to Jalan Surabaya Antique Market , where you can look over a treasure trove of Indonesian antiques, old shadow puppets, salvaged ship parts, used luggage, and vinyl LPs, before finishing off your day with a visit to a Padang restaurant , where you can try a vast range of Indonesian dishes served on little plates, along with all the rice you can eat.

Day 2: Bandung

Head to just a little south of the city of Jakarta is the city of Bandung , another Dutch-immigrant-created town nestled among mountains along a river basin. You should be able to drive or take a bus between the two fairly quickly, but we recommend departing early on your second day to make the most of the daylight hours.

Bandung is highly influenced by Dutch visitors who had hoped to make the city the new capital of the nation. This immediately inspired an influx of residents when it was first established, which eventually resulted in the creation of the sprawling city full of fine dining, European-inspired custom boutiques, and arts and cultural spots visitors enjoy today.

Once you arrive in Bandung, you can head over to Tangkuban Perahu, a volcano just north of the city (pictured above). Although the last time this volcano erupted was in 2013, the volcano is still considered active and you should check before planning a visit to this beautiful location.

After the volcano, you’ll not want to miss checking out some of the many, many tea plantations in and around the city of Bandung, most of which have existed and been in use since the Dutch immigrants first tried to claim power over the region.

You’ll then want to make it back into the city before nightfall to check into your hotel—we recommend the Dusun Bambu’s Room Facilities—and grab a bite to eat at any number of great restaurants in the area—ask your hotel concierge or consult TripAdvisor’s list of “Best Places to Eat in Bandung” to plan your dinner or simply wander around until something suits your tastes.

Day 3: Bandung

Whether or not you decide to stay at the Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park, you’ll want to make your way there to start off your second day in Bandung to fully immerse yourself in Sudanese culture in a fun and environmentally friendly eco-tourism spot.

Here, you’ll be able to dine in a birdcage-inspired restaurant held aloft on stilts or in any number of great Sudanese establishments. Fun for the whole family includes rowing around on the waterfront, riding horses, petting rabbits, or playing on the uniquely designed kid’s playground.

You can easily spend the whole day at Dusun Bambu, but we recommend moving on to explore another great cultural venue: Saung Angklung Udjo, a one-stop workshop that teaches children of all ages about the music and culture of Indonesia. Here, you can experience a live concert, or even learn to play one of the traditional instruments taught at this unique center for art and culture.

Once you’ve finished with Saung Angklung Udjo, we recommend getting another great meal from one of Bandung’s many great restaurants before heading back to the hotel and calling it an early night—you’ll need to be awake quite early for another day of travel on day four of your trek. 

Day 4: Borobudur & Prambanan

Early in the morning, board a bus or a hired car to take you to the massive Buddhist mandala known as Borobudur, more than an hour's drive from Yogyakarta. The walkways leading up to the top levels are decorated with 2,672 relief panels that tell stories of the Buddha's life and traditional Buddhist parables.

After you return from Borobudur, spend the noontime hours chasing the shade and pursuing retail therapy in Yogyakarta: buying silver at Kota Gede or watch batik being made in many workshops across the city, prior to buying your favorite swatches.

Not far from Yogyakarta's city borders, you can visit Candi Prambanan, an ancient Hindu temple complex that keeps coming back from the dead—several earthquakes have shaken the temple apart, but the local government keeps putting the pieces back together.

After exploring the temple grounds, book a seat to watch the Ramayana dance performance at Prambanan, performed on an open-air stage in front of the majestically-lit Prambanan temples.

Day 5: Yogyakarta's Kraton

First things first: You'll want to visit the very center of Yogyakarta, the Kraton , an expansive palace compound that is the home of Indonesia's only ruling Sultan, Hamengkubuwono IX.

Yogyakarta's social, cultural, and spiritual life revolves around the Sultan and his palace: Daily Javanese entertainments take place at the palace's Bangsal Sri Manganti pavilion, and the massive Alun-Alun Utara field north of the main residential area of the palace hosts the yearly Pasar Malam (night market) that accompanies the Sekaten , a week-long celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth.

Exploring the Kraton will take about two hours to complete; afterward, you can explore the museums and tourist attractions around the Kraton, which are all accessible via becak (Yogyakarta's rickshaws) from the palace gates.

Start with a lunch of gudeg at Sentra Gudeg Wijilan , a clump of eateries located east of Alun-Alun Utara along Jalan Wijilan. Gudeg is Yogyakarta's signature dish: a jackfruit-based savory preparation served hot with rice, crispy beef skin, and hard-boiled egg.

Afterward, explore the other attractions nearby: the Museum Kereta , which collects the Sultan's 23 ornate carriages; the Taman Sari, a former swimming, and bathing complex built for the Sultan's use; and Masjid Gede Kauman , Yogyakarta's Westminster Abbey equivalent, immediately across the Alun-Alun Utara.

Day 5: South Bali

Fly in early from Yogyakarta to Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport (compare prices on flights from Adisucipto Airport in Yogyakarta to Ngurah Rai in Bali) to get a head start on the Bali leg of our Indonesia itinerary.

For your first night, stay in South Bali, the tourist epicenter of the island. You have plenty of accommodations to choose from in these parts.

There's plenty to do within an hour's drive of your South Bali resort, but for your first day, we suggest you hit the following spots:

  • Visit the world's biggest statue of Vishnu (as yet unfinished) at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
  • Go shopping at one of South Bali's many shopping centers.
  • Drive all the way to Pura Luhur Uluwatu and watch the area's Kecak and fire dance .
  • On the way back from Uluwatu, stop by Jimbaran, Bali to dine right on the beach.

Day 6: Central Bali

Early in the morning, take the hour-and-a-half drive up from South Bali to Ubud in Central Bali, where Bali's magnificent culture lives a charmed life. As you arrive, make sure you have your accommodations lined up.

In the daytime, check out the many art galleries & museums in Ubud, and see why Ubud's reputation as an art and culture hub is so richly deserved. The Museum Puri Lukisan presents modern 20th-century artwork produced by native Balinese while the Blanco Renaissance Museum showcases artwork created by an expatriate artist whose creative juices ran wild as he settled into Ubud.

Before 12-noon strikes, queue up at the Warung Ibu Oka to secure a table early; this open-air restaurant serves babi guling , or Balinese roast pig, for an extremely small number of diners every day. The restaurant is only open for lunch and closes as soon as the last pig is chopped up and served.

From Warung Ibu Oka, walk down Jalan Monkey Forest to do an afternoon tour of Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest at the very end of the road, at the bottom of the slope. The forest and temples within will take about an hour or two to see in full.

Afterward, trudge back up to the Ubud town center to watch a traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace; the performances in town re-enact classic Hindu legends, performed by dancers in colorful, traditional costumes.

Day 7: Taking it Easy in Ubud

After the excitement of the past few days, it's now time to take it easy—and where better to kick back than infamously laid-back Ubud?

Ubud's many spas and meditation centers perform all types of Eastern and Western wellness techniques, from massage to reiki healing to acupuncture to herbal medicine.

Your last day in Ubud is also a great time to sample Ubud's shopping scene: Beginning from the Ubud Art Market across the street from the royal palace (pictured above), you can explore the many boutiques, shops, and stalls radiating from the center of Ubud to the periphery. Jalan Monkey Forest, in particular, has plenty of interesting upscale shopping finds .

Day 8: Tanjung Benoa

For your return engagement to South Bali, go to the eastern part and stay in Tanjung Benoa, the aquasports center of the island. The beach off Tanjung Benoa is no good for surfing, but it's encouraged a more laid-back tourist scene compared to more hectic Kuta on the other side of the island. Spend the morning learning a new aquasport, then tuck in at one of the restaurants in Tanjung Benoa before enjoying a spa break at the Thalasso Bali Spa.

In the evening, catch the Devdan performance at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, to see Indonesia's rich dance heritage condensed into a single, spectacular two-hour show: An excellent way to end your long week in Indonesia.

3 Weeks in Indonesia: A Fully Loaded Itinerary

Ten Unforgettable Bandung, Indonesia Experiences

Top Things to Do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Bali's Regions & Beaches, Decoded

The Top 15 Things to Do in Indonesia

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The Yogyakarta Kraton, Central Java, Indonesia

10 Best Things to Do in South Bali

Bali Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Guide to Bali's Watersports Hotspot Tanjung Benoa

8 Top Cultural and Natural Explorations to Discover in East Bali

Art Galleries & Museums in Ubud, Bali

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  • Jakarta Travel Agent

As a leading travel agency in Jakarta, Exploring Tourism aims to make your visit truly unforgettable. Our expert Jakarta travel agent know all about its vibrant culture, history, and hidden gems, ensuring that you experience all it has to offer during your stay here. When you choose us as your travel agency in Jakarta, you gain access to our extensive knowledge and expertise. Every traveler is unique; therefore, we take the time to listen carefully to your preferences and interests before creating tailored itineraries that best meet your needs. No matter whether it is history, food, or adventure you seek, we have something in Jakarta just right for you!

Our travel agent in Jakarta will take care of organizing all aspects of your trip, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing guided tours and activities. We collaborate closely with a network of trusted partners and local tour operators in Jakarta to create an authentic and immersive experience for you in Jakarta. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in culinary delights, we will take you on a journey that showcases the true essence of Jakarta.

Jakarta is a city steeped in history, boasting numerous iconic landmarks and attractions. From the modern wonders and the historic places, our sightseeing tours ensure you don't miss out on the city's architectural marvels, cultural hotspots, and hidden gems.

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Finding the perfect accommodation for your stay in Jakarta is essential, and our travel agency is here to assist you. No matter what your travel budget or style is, our selection of luxurious hotels, budget-friendly options and boutique accommodations has something suitable to meet the needs and preferences of every traveler. We ensure comfortable and convenient stays, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

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To make your travel experience seamless and hassle-free, we offer thoughtfully crafted tour packages. Whether you're interested in exploring the small places of Jakarta, visiting sacred places, or discovering the beautiful landscapes, our Jakarta tour packages cater to diverse interests and budgets.

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Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Jakarta with our exciting activities. Experience the thrill of road transport, savor the flavors of authentic Indonesia cuisine during food tours, or indulge in traditional dance and music performances. Our carefully curated activities allow you to create cherished memories during your time in Jakarta.

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Jakarta is a treasure trove of attractions, offering something for every traveler. Explore the shop for souvenirs at the colorful bazaars, visit the religious places, or take a peaceful stroll in the serene gardens. With our expert guidance, you'll discover the best places to visit and experience the true essence of Jakarta.

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Discover the beauty and magic of Jakarta with Exploring Tourism, a trusted Jakarta travel agency, by your side. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to this incredible city. Let us create memories that will last a lifetime as we take you on a journey through the vibrant places, ancient monuments, and captivating culture of Jakarta.

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How Safe Is Jakarta for Travel?

Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia : Safety by City

Being the country’s economic, cultural and political center, Jakarta is the capital and largest city of  Indonesia , it is the most populous city in whole Southeast Asia.

Heavy traffic and high level of pollution are present in the city, but it still attracts tourists with its exciting nightlife, sandy beaches followed by diving and surfing and vibrant shopping areas.

The city is the center of Indonesian culture and you are guaranteed to meet people of all sorts here.

The Old City, with the Dutch style buildings, stays as a reminder of how the city looked like before the modern buildings were built.

Among other areas interesting to include on your agenda if coming here are Jakarta History Museum, Maritime Museum and Sea World Indonesia.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Jakarta

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

When the overall risk is in question, Jakarta can be considered not so safe city. Tourists need to exercise a high degree of caution in Jakarta, and this is all due to the high threat of terrorist attack. Your security is at danger at all times, so you need to pay special attention. Before deciding to come here, you should watch the media to get the latest information about safety.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

People are friendly, hospitable, and helpful, but make sure to keep away from the mini-bus drivers and some notorious taxi drivers. There are unfair taxi drivers that do not use meters. Public transport in Jakarta can be considered safe, but overcrowded and thus targeted by pickpockets.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Taking into account the fact that it is a city with a high touristic flow, pickpocket risks are possible. To decrease the chances of being robbed, little precautions are enough. Theft and other petty crimes, such as robbery and bag snatching, are frequent with violence, which is sometimes used.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Natural disasters occur. Earthquakes and tsunamis are common in Jakarta and the eruption of the volcanoes might be a threat because they can erupt at any time and cause widespread loss of life and destruction. Floods and mudslides occur during the wet season, and after the water recedes, it leaves the high risk of contracting water-borne diseases. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging and kidnapping risks in Jakarta are rare and it is unlikely that you might get assaulted. However, you should not rely on this, and should always practice common sense and make sure to avoid some risky areas at night.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Since terrorism is a worldwide threat, tourists need to be careful in case of any suspicious activity. Security in Jakarta tends to be heavy and constant information indicating that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia is received. Attacks might occur anywhere, anytime, including locations frequented by tourists.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Drink spiking with toxic substances occurs. Fake Arak, dangerous for your health, is often offered to tourists since it costs less because methanol is used instead of alcohol. Scams with credit cards are frequent in Jakarta and criminals use electronic “skimming” to steal credit card credentials and pin code at some ATMs. Some scammers pretend to recognize the victim offering him/her a drink and a ride, to mug him/her.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women can feel safe in Jakarta. There are no reports of foreign women being assaulted, but you should always be vigilant and do not accept help or drink from unknown males.

  • So... How Safe Is Jakarta Really?

Jakarta is a  huge city  with several  district s that have strong cultural value, but, unfortunately, many of the buildings are not well preserved.

The area around Old Town covers very interesting places to visit and it is safe, but be aware that the big flow of tourists attracts pickpockets and scammers.

When it comes to crime, you should stay away from the Ancol Port area and other neighborhoods in the North of the city, which have the highest crime rate among other districts.

Criminal problems have become more serious in the last 10 years and pick-pocketing or bag snatching are the most common crimes.

Business travelers need to watch for their laptops, which have been known to disappear even from within office buildings.

In general, as long as you exercise awareness and precaution, avoid walking alone at night and be wary of strangers you do not have to worry about your safety in Jakarta.

  • How Does Jakarta Compare?
  • Useful Information

For the stays that are shorter than 30 days, you do not require a visa. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months. Visas are available at the airport and they may be paid in cash or credit card. If you intend to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days, you need to apply for a visa. The period of your stay is calculated from the day you arrive.

The official currency of Indonesia is the rupiah. You can withdraw money from the ATM using your credit or debit card. ATMs are available, but you should always have some money with you since Indonesian taxis do not accept credit cards.

The dry season in Indonesia lasts from May to October and the peak season is August. Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate. The majority of precipitation falls from November to April. The best part of the year to visit Jakarta is spring and early autumn.

The busiest airport in Indonesia is Soekarno–Hatta International Airport which operates all international and most domestic flights. It is 20 km away from the city. The older Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is used by the military, VIP flights, charter flights, and private jets and several domestic flights.

Travel Insurance

Regardless of how healthy you are, travel insurance is obligatory. It should cover medical expenses since numerous diseases might happen to you such as measles, mosquito-borne illnesses, and Zika virus. Do not consume magic mushrooms because they can cause major health problems.

Jakarta Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature

Indonesia - Safety by City

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Graha-Maria-Annai-Velangkanni

7 Reviews on Jakarta

Stunning city.

Jakarta is a very busy place so if you are not keen on going to a place where you always have to be moving, go elsewhere. This place seems to get a lot of tourists and the locals do not slow down the pace for no one. I had a wonderful time here with my wife and our friends did not. It was just too busy for them to enjoy it.

I’m sorry, but I live in Jakarta and there arent any terrorist attack neither earthquakes and tsunami’s that occur, the transport risks are not majorly in Jakarta you may be talking about the country itself but to throw this out there it’s safe and even if there are thefts they’re mostly in suburban places

Another citizen.

Noticable earthquakes do happen probably once or twice a year but other then that I agree.

Expériences in the city

I agree with most of informations. Just as usually in any country with high % of poor people, you will consider the difference of their revenue that could push some people to be opportunistic.

Generally it’s advised not to stay alone anywhere and to be connected with local practices. Visiting this city is in itself an adventure. You feel to be part of the last century in some areas.

I will go there again after covid 19

Busy, lively city

I’ve lived 30 years in Jakarta and whilst it is might be not the safest city, it is not also a dangerous place to live at all. Of course, there are some sketchy areas, where there are no tourist attractions. But locals wouldn’t even go there anyway. Just stay in Central or South Jakarta, where it is mostly safe. We have MRT now which really clean and safe. Yes, terrorist attacks occurred a couple of times in the past, but gunshots and gang fights happened almost every day in US cities, which I find more terrifying. Antiterrorism special forces also worked very hard to capture terrorists in our country. We have so many great cafes, restaurants, street food, attractions you should try.

I live in usa. The places that gun violence happens everyday, you would never visit.

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Article Contents

  • Jakarta : Safety by City
  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

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4 Rekomendasi Penginapan di Kota Tua Jakarta dan Sekitarnya

Topik untukmu:, kompas.com travel jalan jalan, zeta zahid yassa,, ni nyoman wira widyanti.

Tim Redaksi

Zeta Zahid Yassa

Penulis ni nyoman wira widyanti, 1. bobopod kota tua.

Ilustrasi kamar tipe Earth Double di Bobopod Kota Tua, Jakarta Barat.

Bobopod Kota Tua berjarak sekitar 300 meter dari Museum Sejarah Jakarta. Wisatawan pun tinggal berjalan kaki selama kira-kira lima menit. 

Mengusung konsep hotel kapsul, Bobopod menyediakan kamar yang maksimal berkapasitas dua orang. Terdapat beragam tipe kamar, antara lain Sky Double Pod Room, Sky Single Pod Room, Earth Single Pod Room , Sky Double Pod Room, dan Earth Double.

Dilansir dari situs web resminya, Sabtu (9/3/2024), tarif menginap per malamnya di hotel ini mulai Rp 279.950 sampai Rp 311.850.

Bobopod Kota Tua beralamat di Taman Fatahillah Nomor 3, Kecamatan Taman Sari, Jakarta Barat.

10 Kota Tua di Indonesia untuk Libur Akhir Tahun

5 rekomendasi tempat wisata di kota tua jakarta, bisa jalan kaki, 2. wonderloft hostel.

Kamar tipe Dorm yang disediakan oleh Wonderloft Hostel di Kota Tua, Jakarta Barat.

Wonderloft Hostel konsep kamar bertipe Dorms , tapi ada pula yang bertipe  Private Rooms berupa  Budget Twin, Twin Shared Bathroom , dan  Twin Ensuite.

Untuk tipe  dorms , ada yang  mixed  (campuran), ada pula yang  female (khusus perempuan). 

Fasilitas yang ditawarkan cukup beragam, antara lain dapur bersama, common room , kamar mandi bersama, rooftop terrace , dan perpustakaan kecil.

Tarif menginap di hostel ini mulai Rp 138.000 per malam. 

Wonderloft Hostel berlokasi di Jalan Bank Nomor 6, Kecamatan Taman Sari, Jakarta Barat.

Baca juga: Cara ke Kota Tua Naik KRL dan Transjakarta, Lokasinya Strategis

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Kompas Travel (@kompas.travel)

3. Heritel Urban Hostel Herritel…

Tag wisata jakarta hotel dekat kota tua jakarta hotel dekat kota tua wisata kota tua jakarta hostel dekat kota tua jakarta penginapan dekat kota tua jakarta.

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House secretary-general among those slapped with travel ban

The House of Representatives secretary-general and some individuals from the private sector are banned from traveling overseas as the KPK needs their testimonies in a probe into an alleged graft case involving an interior design project for lawmakers’ official residences.

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House secretary-general among those slapped with travel ban

he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) through the immigration office has slapped a travel ban on seven individuals, including the House of Representatives secretary-general, in relation to an investigation into alleged corruption in a 2020 interior design project for the official residences of House lawmakers.

The travel ban is intended to ensure that they will answer testimony summonses, KPK spokesman Ali Fikri said.

“We hope they can be fully cooperative with the investigation and remain in the country when [investigators] need their testimonies,” Ali told reporters on Tuesday.

Ali did not reveal the identities of those prohibited from traveling abroad nor their connection to the alleged corruption.

But director-general for immigration Silmy Karim at the Law and Human Rights Ministry told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the seven names on the travel ban list included House secretary-general Indra Iskandar and secretariat staffer Hiphi Hidupati.

The five other names are from private companies in the construction and furniture sectors, and most are in senior management positions at their respective companies.

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The travel ban has been imposed since January and will be in place until July, but can be extended if the investigation requires it, Ali said.

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A plane was flying with 159 onboard. Then both pilots fell asleep.

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Two pilots of an aircraft carrying 157 other people fell asleep midflight, causing the plane to veer off its designated path, according to a preliminary report by Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee.

The pilots were operating a Batik Air flight on Jan. 25 when they both fell asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes, the report said . The plane, carrying 153 passengers and four crew members, had left Kendari, in the southeast of the island of Sulawesi, and was headed to Jakarta, a two-hour and 35-minute flight.

The report did not identify the pilots, only describing the pilot in command as a 32-year-old Indonesian and the second in command as a 28-year-old Indonesian. Both had been deemed fit to fly, having passed health checks and returned negative tests for alcohol, the report said.

When the flight reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, about 30 minutes after departure, the pilot in command asked the deputy for permission to rest, which was granted. The pilot in command fell asleep and woke just under an hour later.

The pilot in command then asked his cockpit mate whether he wanted to sleep, but the second in command declined, according to the report, so the first pilot continued to sleep while the deputy remained in control of the aircraft.

After making contact with Jakarta’s area control center, the second pilot “inadvertently fell asleep,” the report said, noting that when the control center later attempted to contact the pilots, it did not receive a response.

“Several attempts to contact BTK6723 had been made by the Jakarta ACC including asking other pilots to call the BTK6723,” the report said. “None of the calls were responded to by the BTK6723 pilots.”

Twenty-eight minutes after the last recorded transmission from the second pilot, the first pilot woke up “and was aware that the aircraft was not on the correct flight path,” the report said. The pilot put the flight back on track, and the plane went on to land at Jakarta, the report said.

Passengers and employees aboard the flight were unharmed, and there was no damage to the plane, the report said.

According to the report, the second pilot had been taking care of his 1-month-old twins at home, was struggling with sleep and had moved residences the day before the flight.

The Transportation Ministry “strongly reprimands” Batik Air over the incident, said Indonesia’s civil aviation director, Maria Kristi Endah Murni, according to Agence France-Presse .

“We will carry out an investigation and review of the night flight operation in Indonesia related with Fatigue Risk Management for Batik Air and all flight operators,” she said in a statement.

AFP reported, citing a Batik Air statement, that the two pilots had been “temporarily suspended.” Batik Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.

Around the world, the airline industry has long grappled with the issue of fatigue among staff members, particularly pilots and cabin crew members.

A survey conducted in July among 6,893 pilots in Europe by an aviation safety consultancy for the European Cockpit Association found that 3 out of 4 pilots fell asleep while flying a plane in the month before the survey.

In 2022, the managing director of Wizz Air faced backlash from unions and pilot representatives after he urged fatigued staffers to go the “extra mile” amid shortages, Sky News reported .

In August, The Washington Post reported that U.S. federal authorities had investigated nearly 5,000 pilots suspected of falsifying their medical records to conceal that they were receiving benefits for mental health disorders and other serious conditions that could classify them as unfit to fly.

5,000 pilots suspected of hiding major health issues. Most are still flying.

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