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25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia)

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

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

Here are the 25 best things to do in Jakarta …

1. Go shopping in Menteng

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

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

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

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

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

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

2. Admire Istana Merdeka

Istana Merdeka

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

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

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

3. Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands Jakarta

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

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

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

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

4. Check out Monas Tower

Monas Tower

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

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

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

5. Visit Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo

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

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

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

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

6. Explore Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

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

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

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

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

7. Marvel at Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque

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

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

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

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

8. Relax on Ancol Beach

Ancol Beach Jakarta

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

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

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

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

9. Enjoy Kota Tua

Kota Tua

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

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

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

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

Suggested tour : Old Batavia Guided Coach Tour

10. Visit the National Museum

National Museum

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

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

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

11. Have fun at Dunia Fantasi

Dunia Fantasi

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

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

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

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

12. Stroll around Taman Anggrek Mall

Taman Anggrek Mall

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

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

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

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

13. Admire the National Gallery of Indonesia

National Gallery Of Indonesia

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

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

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

14. Watch a Music Festival

Jazz Festival, Jakarta

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

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

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

15. Visit Jin De Yuan

Jin De Yuan Front Worship

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

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

16. Dine at Seribu Rasa Menteng

Seribu Rasa Menteng

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

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

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

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

17. Walk around Taman Suropati

Taman Suropati

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

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

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

18. Visit Museum Wayang

Museum Wayang

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

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

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

19. Check out the sailboats at Sunda Kelapa Port

Sunda Kelapa Port

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

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

20. Visit Jakarta War Cemetery

Jakarta War Cemetery

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

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

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

21. Make a splash at Atlantis Water Adventure

Atlantis Water Adventure

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

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

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

22. Visit Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia

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

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

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

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

23. Walk around Glodok

Glodok

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

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

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

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

24. Take in the views at Awan Lounge

Awan Lounge

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

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

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

25. Visit Museum Tekstil

Museum Tekstil

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

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

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

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

25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia):

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

tourist destination jakarta

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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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Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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

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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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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jakarta

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 24, 2023

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

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

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

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

1. Visit the Museum Nasional

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

The Museum Nasional in Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indonesian kites

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

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

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

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

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

National Monument, Merdeka Square

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

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

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

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

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

Adress: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta

Central Park Mall, Jakarta

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

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

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

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

Exhibit at Museum MACAN

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

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

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

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

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

Aerial view of the Thousand Islands in the Java Sea

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

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

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

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

Jakarta History Museum on Taman Fatahillah in Jakarta's Old Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Restaurant in the trendy neighborhood of Kemang, Jakarta

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

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

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

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

Night view of Istiqlal Mosque

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

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

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

Paddleboats at Ancol Beach, Jakarta

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

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

Jakarta Cathedral

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

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

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

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

Setu Babakan, Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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12 Things to do in Jakarta + Tourist Spots

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

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

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

1. Monas Tower (National Monument)

Monas Tower (National Monument), Jakarta

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

Jakarta Travel Essentials:

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

Jakarta Tours & Discounts

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

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

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Old Batavia (Jakarta Old Town or Kota Tua)

2. Jakarta History Museum (Fatahilah Museum)

Jakarta History Museum

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

3. Puppet Museum (Wayang Museum)

Puppet Museum (Wayang Museum), Jakarta

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

4. Jakarta Maritime Museum

Jakarta Maritime Museum

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

5. Jakarta Old Town Walking Tour

Jakarta, Indonesia

Location : Jakarta Old Town . Save on Google Maps .

6. National Museum of Indonesia

National Museum

7. Jakarta Cathedral

Jakarta Cathedral

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

8. Istiqlal Mosque

Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque)

9. Sunda Kelapa Port

Sunda Kelapa Port

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

10. Chinatown (Glodok)

Jakarta Chinatown

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

11. Pasar Baru

Pasar Baru, Jakarta

12. Jakarta Shopping Malls

Grand Indonesia mall

Where to go beyond Jakarta

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

Bandung Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Tours + discounts

8 Places To Visit in Bandung

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

Yogyakarta Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Top discounts

Borobudur Sunrise Trip

Yogyakarta Private Car Charter

Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Temple Trip

8 Places To Visit in Yogyakarta

Location : Bali, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Bali Travel Essentials

Bali Private Car Charter

Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali

Heart of Bali Tour

16 Places To Visit in Bali

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

Medan Travel Essentials

8 Places To Visit in Medan

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

Places to visit in Jakarta

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

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

1. enjoy the best bars with beautiful views.

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

2. Experience the luxury hotels

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

3. Monas – the national monument

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

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

4. Visit the thousand islands

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

5. Enjoy the nightlife

6. go to the malls.

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

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

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

Ideas for Things to do in Jakarta

7. visit tmii – taman mini indonesia indah.

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

8. Go to the beach – Ancol

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

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

9. Amusement park – Dufan (Dunia Fantasi)

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

10. The Istiqlal mosque and the Catholic cathedral

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

11. Stroll jalan Surabaya

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

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

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

13. Try as many cafes / restaurants as you can

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

14. Chill out in a park

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Visit tourism attractions near Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous post discover your indonesia yogyakarta car rental.

Firsta

About the Author Firsta

Related posts, 2 day 1 night baduy cultural tour.

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Jakarta Travel Guide: Exploring the Big Durian

tourist destination jakarta

189 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi Firsta!!

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

Best regards!

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

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

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

Cheers, Firsta

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

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

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

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

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

A city that never sleeps!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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will come to jakarta for 3 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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He he I haven’t visit Sunda Kelapa yet.

You should visit it 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up the great advice! Cheers, Bhaskar

Hi Bhaskar,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Same like you, the best is the number 6 🙂

Definitely, right? Very enjoyable thing to do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Param

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Salam 1Malaysia Firsta,

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

University LimKokWing Cyberjaya

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

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

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

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

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Dear Firsta,

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and cheers!

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

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

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awesome jakarta.. I love Indonesia..

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

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

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

Hi Christine,

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

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

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

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Hello Firsta,

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

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

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Thanks Firsta for taking the trouble to do the blog.

Whoops – hit enter by mistake!

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

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

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

PS nice G+ page.

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

Thanks for the recent helpful email.

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Hello Firsta.

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

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

Looking forward to hearing suggestions from you!

Harap kamu bisa tolong saya yah! 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ah right. The Mpok Siti. 😀

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

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Hi Firsta! Thanks for this valuable info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I am sivaraman from India

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

Hi Sivaraman,

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

Hope it helps and have a great time in Jakarta.

dates 28th and 29th MAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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baru nyoba yang nomor 1 dan 15 lol ?

It’s a good start :p

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

Glad you found it interesting Jesse 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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anybody know about rooms near indian embassy in jakarta ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Masirwin,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much

Dear Shevon,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, it is indeed a very busy city.

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

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

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

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Very usefull . Surabaya Street would be favorite!

I love Surabaya street too, Harumi.

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

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

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Hiiii. Have you ever been to Vietnam before?

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

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20 Must-Visit Attractions in Jakarta

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna /

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

1. national monument (monumen nasional or monas).

Building, Museum, Park

1. National Monument (Monumen Nasional or Monas)

2. Istiqlal Mosque

The majestic Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta

3. Sunda Kelapa Harbor

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5. Kota Tua Jakarta

Museum, Park, Building

The Fatahillah Museum in Kota Tua, Jakarta

6. Fatahillah Museum (Jakarta History Museum)

Building, Museum

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

7. Kepulauan Seribu

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

Kepulauan Seribu Regency, Jakarta, Indonesia

8. National Museum

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

9. Lara Djonggrang Restaurant

Restaurant, Indonesian

10. Petak Sembilan

Market, Chinese, Street Food

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

11. Dunia Fantasi & Ancol Dreamland

Amusement Park

12. Jakarta Cathedral

Cathedral, Museum

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

13. Pasar Baru

13. Pasar Baru

14. Pantai Indah Kapuk Mangrove

15. wayang museum.

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

16. Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory

17. taman mini indonesia indah.

Amusement Park, Park, Cinema

Traditional house in Taman Mini Indonesia Park

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

Glodok, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

tourist destination jakarta

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna / © Culture Trip

19. Skye Bar & Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Asian

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

20. Toko Merah

Putu Bagus Susastra Wiguna

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Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

One of the world’s greatest megalopolises, Jakarta is a dynamic and vibrant city. Its chaotic charm and juxtapositions can be found on every street.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museum Nasional

Museum Nasional

Merdeka Square & Central Jakarta

The National Museum is the best of its kind in Indonesia and an essential visit. The enormous collection begins around an open courtyard of the 1862…

Indonesia, Jakarta, Merdeka Square, National Monument Monas

Merdeka Square

It is here that Jakartans come to take a breather from the traffic. The figurative centre of Jakarta, Merdeka Square (merdeka means independence) is…

Taman Fatahillah

Taman Fatahillah

Kota’s central cobblestone square, surrounded by imposing Dutch colonial buildings, is Jakarta's most attractive location and a popular gathering spot for…

Museum Layang-Layang

Museum Layang-Layang

South Jakarta

Families will love Jakarta's kite museum, located in a quiet backstreet in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta. Inside a traditional Indonesian house, complete…

Galeri Nasional

Galeri Nasional

Over 1700 works of art by foreign and Indonesian artists are part of the National Gallery collection. While only a few works are on display at any time,…

Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia

This museum presents an engaging and easily consumed history of Indonesia from a loosely financial perspective, in a grand, expertly restored,…

Museum Macan

Museum Macan

Opened in late 2017, Museum Macan is Indonesia's first modern and contemporary art museum and an exciting cultural development for the city. It was built…

Jin De Yuan

Jin De Yuan

This large Chinese Buddhist temple compound dates from 1755 and is one of the most atmospheric and important in the city. The main structure has an…

Latest stories from Jakarta

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

Tips & Advice

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Jakarta is sometimes overlooked by visitors bound for Java's ancient ruins or Bali's beaches. Check out our first-timer's guide for great reasons to linger.

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Taman Fatahillah. Image by Prayudi Hartono / Getty

Aug 7, 2014 • 4 min read

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1. Explore Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Explore Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

16 km from city center 1 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, literally translated to Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, is an Indonesian cultural theme park. Depicting some iconic places of Indonesia, the TMII gives a glimpse into the country's cultural heritage in the form of architectural displays, flora, fauna, textiles, costumes, etc. You will come across replicas of the country’s different regional pavilions, museums, recreational spots, and houses of worship.

2. Walk Around Merdeka Square

Walk Around Merdeka Square

0 km from city center 2 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

As one of the largest public squares in the world, Merdeka Square boasts open green spaces shaded by a tree cover, well-paved roads winding all around, and Indonesia’s National Monument at its center. It also includes a deer enclosure, a musical fountain, and sports and recreation spaces in its 75-hectare space. 

3. Day trip to Thousand Islands

Day trip to Thousand Islands

81 km from city center 3 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Situated off the northern coast of Jakarta, Kepulauan Seribu is a group of 342 islands. Also popular as the Thousand Islands, only 36 of its islands are authorized by the government to be used for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, out of these 36 islands, only 13 islands are open for public visit, with two islands being established as National Park.

4. Shopping At Grand Indonesia Mall

Shopping At Grand Indonesia Mall

2 km from city center 4 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Grand Indonesia Mall is a hub for entertainment, food, recreational and fun activities. It has top-class clothing brands and bookstores, a miniature theme park, and arcade games for children. It also has a dancing fountain show at the fountain atrium at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM every day.

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Marvel At The National Monument (MONAS)

0 km from city center 5 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The National Monument of Indonesia is a massive tower located at Merdeka Square's center. It will take you through the evolution of Indonesia's culture since its pre-historic times, with many artifacts from each era. The historic structure also has an observation deck, the National History Museum, and the Hall of Independence.

6. Discover Kota Tua (Old Town)

Discover Kota Tua (Old Town)

6 km from city center 6 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Jakarta Old Town or Kota Tua Jakarta bears reminisce of the Dutch era, with its colonial architecture and historical references. The streets of the Old Town boast buildings and structures that date back to colonial times, most of which are converted into museums today. The area is also studded with cafes and restaurants.

Top Hotels In Jakarta

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7. Have A Fun Day At Ancol Dreamland

Have A Fun Day At Ancol Dreamland

6 km from city center 7 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Ancol Dreamland is a massive Taman Impian Jaya Ancol complex theme park. Loaded with amusement rides, it is a recreational complex with an oceanarium Seaworld, Atlantis Water Adventure, and Fantasy World. Beautiful views of the area can be enjoyed through cable rides. Nearby is an art market known as Pasar Seni, where you'll find cafes, craft shops, and artworks.

8. Relax At Ancol Beach

Relax At Ancol Beach

6 km from city center 8 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Stretched over the north coast of Jakarta, Ancol Beach is a part of Jakarta’s largest recreation park and remains to be the only beach in the city that can be reached without a boat. Therefore, it is perfect for a family picnic and beach walk. You can go for a boat ride, engage in various beach activities and water sports, or enjoy the enchanting sunset.

9. Tour The Istiqlal Mosque

Tour The Istiqlal Mosque

1 km from city center 9 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Mesjid Istiqlal or Istiqlal Mosque is the biggest mosque in South East Asia, accommodating almost 200000 people at a time. Also known as The Grand Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta, it was built to commemorate the Independence of Indonesia. It has a free guided tour which can be booked from the tour desk on-site. Tourists (male and female) are allowed to enter through the Al Quddus entrance (women’s entrance) on the right.

10. Ride Rollercoaster At Dufan

Ride Rollercoaster At Dufan

6 km from city center 10 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Dunia Fantasi (Dufan) or Fantasy World is a theme amusement park with a roller coaster, live shows, and interactive rides. It is a part of the Ancol Dreamland and is Jakarta's largest recreation park. There are small rides for kids and scary ones like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, Ontang-Anting, propeller, etc for adults. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.

11. Visit Jakarta Aquarium & Safari

Visit Jakarta Aquarium & Safari

4 km from city center 11 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Jakarta Aquarium & Safari is the largest indoor terrarium in Indonesia with over 3,500 aquatic, terrestrial, reptiles, and amphibian animals residing within the premises. The park is divided into twelve zones. You check out the aquariums, experience sea floor walking and sea diving, explore the deep oceans, interact with the animals and feed them, and indulge in many other comprehensive activities.

12. Visit National Museum of Indonesia

Visit National Museum of Indonesia

0 km from city center 12 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The National Museum of Indonesia provides insight into Indonesian culture and history. It is popularly known as Gedung Gajah or Elephant building due to the large elephant statue at the entrance. The museum has a free English tour.

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13. Family Time At Ragunan Zoo

Family Time At Ragunan Zoo

15 km from city center 13 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Ragunan Zoo is an animal conservatory in Jakarta, housing endangered and threatened animals from Indonesia. It is home to various species like langurs, macaques, orangutans, gorillas, mouse deer, and the porcupines from Java. There are areas dedicated to train rides and a playground for children.

14. Discover Nightlife At Menteng

Discover Nightlife At Menteng

2 km from city center 14 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The sub-district of Menteng is located within Central Jakarta. The tourists visiting Menteng are surprised to see well-lit, wide boulevards lined with trees as well as grand fountains and fine dining establishments within the special residential zone home to diplomats and top celebs of Indonesia. The area has live music venues, cocktail lounges and numerous eateries.

15. Shopping At Taman Anggrek Mall

Shopping At Taman Anggrek Mall

3 km from city center 15 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Taman Anggrek Mall translates to "Orchid Garden Mall" which is named so because there used to be a huge orchid garden at the site of the mall before it was built. It is home o more than 500 specialized stores spread across seven floors and an ice-skating rink, Southeast Asia's first indoor ice rink.

16. Visit Atlantis Water Adventure

Visit Atlantis Water Adventure

6 km from city center 16 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Atlantis Water Adventure is an exciting water park in the Ancol dreamland area. It spans over five hectares of land and the theme is based on the mythological underwater world of Atlantis. It includes a wave pool, a continuously flowing river pool, a rainbow ball pool, a waterfall pool, water slides, and two children’s pools. There are also restaurants and food courts serving cuisines from India, Brazil, Spain and Bangladesh.

17. See Puppets At Museum Wayang

See Puppets At Museum Wayang

5 km from city center 17 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Museum Wayang or Puppet Museum is a magnificent display of the Javan Wayang form of puppetry, exhibiting a huge collection of classic flat wooden puppets. Situated opposite Fatahillah Square, it displays puppets portraying characters from across Indonesia, China, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and Europe, housed within its vintage cabinets. During the weekends, they have grand performances on interesting themes.

18. Explore Underwater World At Sea World Ancol

Explore Underwater World At Sea World Ancol

6 km from city center 18 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Sea World Ancol, also known as Sea World Jakarta, is a marine aquarium that comprises 1 Main Tank, 1 Shark Tank, and several small tanks. The Main Tank is the biggest aquarium in South East Asia. There are 28 displays divided into 9 freshwater aquariums and 19 aquariums and 4 open ponds. It also has feeding shows and a touch pool.

19. Picnic At Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park

Picnic At Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park

12 km from city center 19 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park is a lush nature park and a mangrove conservation area. It is a great place for a family picnic, surrounded by mangroves. You can enjoy a speedboat ride, canoe, or walk on the suspension bridge. It also has. a few food stalls.

20. Tour Jakarta History Museum

Tour Jakarta History Museum

4 km from city center 20 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Jakarta History Museum, also known as Fatahillah Museum, is one of the largest museums in Old Jakarta Town. It is filled with more than 23,000 artifacts from the Dutch civilization and various Indonesian kingdoms. It has 27 ornately adorned rooms filled with articles that chronicle the city's history, from when it was founded as Jayakarta to when it was rechristened Batavia and when it became independent.

21. Explore Art At Museum MACAN

Explore Art At Museum MACAN

6 km from city center 21 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Museum MACAN, or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara, houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art from Indonesia and around the world. Famous for its active exhibitions, its chief highlight is the stunning masterpieces of Yayoi Kusama, a pioneer in contemporary art.

22. Senayan City Shopping Mall

Senayan City Shopping Mall

7 km from city center 22 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Senayan City Shopping Mall is a world-class mall in Senayan City with services ranging from shuttle buses, bicycle parking, and valet. One of the oldest malls in Jakarta, it has many exclusive and internationally renowned brands.

23. Explore Glodok Chinatown

Explore Glodok Chinatown

4 km from city center 23 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Glodok is Jakarta's Chinatown, housing the remnants of the past Chinese settlements. It is mainly famous for its market. From old and beautiful Chinese temples like the famous Da Shi Miao, kuan yin, jin de Yuan(Jakarta's oldest Chinese temple), and Vihara Dharma Bhakti to stores selling showpieces and electronic equipment, Chinatown has a lot to explore.

24. See Gold Bar At Museum Bank Indonesia

See Gold Bar At Museum Bank Indonesia

4 km from city center 24 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

If you want to understand how the Indonesian banking system works, the Museum Bank Indonesia is just the right place. Situated in the Old Town, this colonial-style museum includes old currencies from around the world in its display collection from as early as the 14th-century pre-colonial era. You can see real gold bars here.

25. Visit National Gallery of Indonesia

Visit National Gallery of Indonesia

1 km from city center 25 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Galeri Nasional, or National Gallery, is a hub of modern Indonesian art exhibiting the evolution of Indonesia through art. It has temporary and permanent museums containing more than 1700 artworks. You can visit only on prior reservations, where you are given a 1-hour slot to explore the gallery.

26. Watch The Shows At Ocean Dream Samudra

Watch The Shows At Ocean Dream Samudra

6 km from city center 26 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

A part of the Ancol Dreamland, Ocean Dream Samudra is a gigantic waterpark offering a variety of live shows of sea lions, dolphins, tornado fish, and the Scorpion Pirate Show. It also has 3D, and 4D movie shows revolving around the themes of animals, serving as a great mix of entertainment and education.

27. Click Photos At Alive Museum Ancol

Click Photos At Alive Museum Ancol

7 km from city center 27 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Located within Ancol Beach City, the Alive Museum stores wax sculptures of many notable personalities, from Hollywood to Korean pop singers. Along with sculptures, movie posters are signed by celebrities, musicians, actors, and more. It also has multiple exhibits of 3D objects following several themes, allowing you to take pictures with them and giving off a realistic illusion.

28. Admire Jakarta Cathedral

Admire Jakarta Cathedral

1 km from city center 28 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, or Jakarta Cathedral, is an elegant Roman Catholic church that stands 60m tall opposite Istiqlal Mosque. Its metal spires can be well seen from several kilometers. This beautiful church is neo-gothic in its architectural style and is reminiscent of the Dutch period.

29. Pay Respects At Jakarta War Cemetery

Pay Respects At Jakarta War Cemetery

6 km from city center 29 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Lined with lush green trees and well-maintained gardens, the Jakarta War Cemetery is the resting place for soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Indonesia against the Japanese during World War II. Tourists visit this place to pay their respects to the brave soldiers. A separate resting place is nearby for soldiers from British India, who died preserving the British empire.

30. Shopping in Jakarta

Shopping in Jakarta

30 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Jakarta is a fabulous place for shopping, popular for a number of native items like batik, wooden carvings, jewelry, gemstones, Indonesian coffee, homegrown fashion, pouches, Wayang puppets, and a lot more. Grand Indonesia Mall, Central Park, and Senayan City are some of the best malls. You can visit Trade Centre (ITC), Pasar Baru, Blok M, and Tanah Abang Market if you want to bag good bargain deals.

31. Wander Around Fatahillah Square

Wander Around Fatahillah Square

5 km from city center 31 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Fatahillah Square is a grandiose piazza built in honor of the renowned military figure and Indonesian national hero of the same name. Formerly referred to as the Batavia City Square, this historic landmark is home to the Wayang Museum, the Jakarta History Museum, and the Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum.

32. See Batik Textiles At Jakarta Textile Museum

See Batik Textiles At Jakarta Textile Museum

2 km from city center 32 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Museum Tekstil, or Jakarta Textile Museum, is a 19th-century museum showcasing exquisite artistic skills that go into making Indonesian textiles through the usage of efficient technology ahead of its time. Visitors can make their own beautiful batik designs and learn how the fabric is made.

33. Enjoy The Nightlife

Enjoy The Nightlife

33 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Nightlife in Jakarta is extremely cosmopolitan and Urbanic in nature, with several clubs, lounges, and bars. A few of the most popular clubs in Jakarta include Dragonfly Club, Colosseum Club, Empirica Club, and Jenja Club. The Cloud Lounge, Karumba, and Lucy in the Sky are some of the top rooftop bars in Jakarta that are worth visiting.

34. Try Out Local Food

Try Out Local Food

34 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The street food in Jakarta is primarily quick meals served on a ‘push cart’, and the highlight of buying from a push kart is that you see your meal being prepared right before you. There’s a range of local delicacies you can dig into, including simple fried tofu, gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Soto (traditional Indonesian soup served with rice), and Satay (a heavenly dish with chunks of dice-sized grilled meat on bamboo skewers which is usually served with spicy seasonings).

35. Jalan Surabaya

Jalan Surabaya

4 km from city center 35 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Located in a posh locale of Jakarta, Jalan Surabaya is an eclectic mix of street culture, cafes, antique shops, and more. On one side of the road, there are a number of stalls selling antiques like wooden puppets, ceramics, and porcelain. Parallel to it, Jalan Surabaya is lined by some of the best cafes in Jakarta.

36. Pondok Indah Mall

Pondok Indah Mall

11 km from city center 36 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Pondok Indah Mall is a posh shopping complex located in the suburbs of Pondok Indah. Also referred to as PIM, the Pondok Indah Mall complex is a massive undertaking comprising of 3 malls, all interconnected with skywalks and walkways.

37. Museum Layang Layang

Museum Layang Layang

15 km from city center 37 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Kite Museum of Jakarta, or Museum Layang Layang, was opened in 2003 to impart kite education to the citizens and houses a collection of more than 600 kites worldwide. Along with many interesting kite displays, watching movies based on their history is a must for visitors.

38. Kelapa Gading Mall

Kelapa Gading Mall

10 km from city center 38 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Kelapa Gading Mall is the answer for shopping and entertainment in Jakarta. Stretching over 150,000 square meters, this is one of the largest malls in Indonesia and is a great hang-out spot for food and movies.

39. Explore Kemang

Explore Kemang

12 km from city center 39 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

The Kemang neighborhood in Jakarta is home to fancy apartments, good food, trendy nightclubs, shops, and other amenities. Kemang’s specialties include eateries like Baconerie, Komunal 88, Mamma Rosy, and more. In addition, it has a range of nighttime hotspots like Beer Garden, Parc 19, Queens Head, and Yolo BBQ.

40. Gandaria City Mall

Gandaria City Mall

9 km from city center 40 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Gandaria City Mall is one of the biggest and most luxurious shopping malls in South Jakarta. Located in an upscale residential area, countless brands of clothes, shoes, and accessories belong to international and local brands. The most attractive site is the Star Trek Exhibition.

41. Pacific Place Mall

Pacific Place Mall

6 km from city center 41 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Pacific Place is a business hub in South Jakarta. The building consists of a six-floor mall, an office center, the Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place hotel, and a serviced residence. It is a high end place situated at a posh location and contains world class clothing brands. There are fancy restos and bars as well to relax after shopping. There is one supermarket on the lower level as well.

42. Sunda Kelapa Harbour

Sunda Kelapa Harbour

5 km from city center 42 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Sunda Kelapa was an important port connecting markets worldwide in the 15th century during the reign of the Hindu Sunda Kingdom of Pajajaran. It was previously known as Pasar Ikar, which means "fish market." It is a great place to wander in canoes and boats while witnessing the humdrum of the fish market and the unloading of timber, coal, and spices.

43. Istana Merdeka

Istana Merdeka

1 km from city center 43 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Istana Merdeka is a presidential palace in north Merdeka Square. Thousands of Indonesians gathered around to chant "Merdeka" meaning freedom, thus granting the palace its name. The building's exterior can be admired from Merdeka Square. Entry is permitted only on set days.

44. Suropati Park

Suropati Park

3 km from city center 44 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

A former circular court designed to control the traffic in the area, Suropati Park is now a park where the citizens come to relax and walk their dogs. On Sundays, you can soothe your ears with the musical lessons played by an open-air orchestra.

45. Mall of Indonesia

Mall of Indonesia

8 km from city center 45 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Situated at the banks of Kali Sunter, close to the Kelapa Gading Square of Jakarta, lies the Mall of Indonesia. Be it shopping, cinema theatres, multi-cuisine restaurants or fun-filled activities and events for the public and tourists, the Mall of Indonesia has everything to satisfy everyone’s appetite for entertainment.

46. Kota Kasablanka

Kota Kasablanka

6 km from city center 46 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Kota Kasablanka is a typical mall in Jakarta that houses some of the well-known international brands.The upper levels of the mall consists of various restaurants and the area is known as Food Zone that has options ranging from fine dining to fast food chains. There are also several entertainment options, the most well-known being the terrific Cinema XXI that screens both national and international movies.

47. Lippo Mall Puri

Lippo Mall Puri

9 km from city center 47 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Lippo Mall Puri is located at St. Moritz in West Jakarta. It belongs to the Lippo mall franchise, catering to many national and internationals brands. A fairly spacious mall and a beautiful interior, it attracts people from all age and walks of life. There are many entertainment options including a Deluxe Cinema XXI and it offers a diverse range of restaurants servings up a delicious range of cuisines, from Western to pan-Asian.

48. Transera Waterpark

Transera Waterpark

17 km from city center 48 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Transera Waterpark is an African themepark, loaded with exciting rides. Divided into two sections namely the dry park and wet park, one can encounter a range of thrilling and unique rides like the Voodoo House and the Zambesi River expedition, making the area suitable for a quick getaway during the weekend withyour family and friends.

49. Jalan Jaksa

Jalan Jaksa

1 km from city center 49 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Jalan Jaksa is a short street in Central Jakarta. It used to be a famous place among the law students during the Dutch era, thus deriving the name "Jalan Jaksa" where Jaksa means "attorney" in Indonesian. It attracts a huge youth crowd from the country and the world by being the backpackers' street providing some of the best hostels and bars and cafes for a memorable nightlife.

50. Immanuel Church

Immanuel Church

1 km from city center 50 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

St. Immanuel Church is a beautiful white church in central Jakarta. A maginficent display of colonial Dutch architecture, it has a sanctuary with the names of prominent Dutch church members. It is a peaceful place where visitors can enjoy the sound of pipe organs every Sunday. Church services are offered here in Bahasa, English and Dutch on Sundays.

51. Aeon Mall Jakarta Garden City

Aeon Mall Jakarta Garden City

14 km from city center 51 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Aeon Mall is a fairly recently-opened mall located in Bekasi, loaded with Japanese clothing brands and food stalls. You will also find many standard brands from Indonesia and exciting games for children at the arcade. The main highlight of this mall is the giant Ferris wheel on the top floor that looms large over the mall, a unique feature of the complex that attracts a lot of attention and shoppers.

52. Toko Merah

Toko Merah

4 km from city center 52 out of 122 Things To Do in Jakarta

Toko Merah, located at Jakarta Old Town, translates to "Red Shop." The former residence of Governor-General Gustaaf Willem now attracts many tourists for its gorgeous vintage setting. Nowadays, the building serves as a venue for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions.

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Bandung, Indonesia

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tourist destination jakarta

Exploring Jakarta: Top Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

November 15, 2023

By: Indonesia GoTo

Jakarta, the bustling capital city of Indonesia, is a vibrant destination that offers a rich mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Jakarta has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Jakarta that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Indonesia.

tourist destination jakarta

Understanding Jakarta’s Rich History

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. The city was originally a small coastal settlement known as Sunda Kelapa, which served as the main harbor for the Hindu Kingdom of Sunda. This bustling port was a hub of trade and commerce, connecting the region to various parts of the world.

However, Jakarta’s history took a dramatic turn when it became a trading post for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. The Dutch influence left an indelible mark on the city, shaping its culture, architecture, and even its name. Jakarta was known as Batavia during the Dutch colonial period, and it served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies.

The Influence of Colonial Era on Jakarta’s Architecture

One of the profound impacts of the colonial era on Jakarta can be seen in its architecture. The city boasts an impressive collection of colonial buildings, including the famous Jakarta History Museum, which was once the 17th-century headquarters of the Dutch East India Company. This grand structure stands as a testament to the city’s rich past and offers a glimpse into the colonial era.

As you take a stroll through the streets of Jakarta, you’ll come across charming colonial-era buildings that are a visual delight. The architectural styles range from Dutch colonial to a fusion of European and Indonesian influences. These buildings not only showcase the city’s historical significance but also serve as a reminder of the diverse cultural heritage that Jakarta embodies.

The Role of Jakarta in Indonesia’s Independence

Jakarta played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. The city was the epicenter of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1945. On August 17th of that year, the first President of Indonesia, Sukarno, declared the country’s independence from Dutch colonial rule at his residence in Jakarta, known as the Merdeka Palace.

Today, visitors can explore the National Monument, a towering structure that stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s independence. Located in the heart of Jakarta, this monument is a significant landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Inside the monument, you’ll find a museum that showcases the country’s journey to freedom, displaying artifacts, photographs, and historical documents that depict the struggles and triumphs of the Indonesian people.

Jakarta’s rich history is not limited to its colonial past and struggle for independence. The city has undergone tremendous growth and transformation over the years, becoming a vibrant metropolis that blends tradition with modernity. From its bustling markets and traditional neighborhoods to its modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, Jakarta offers a unique blend of old and new.

Exploring Jakarta’s historical sites, such as the Fatahillah Square, the Old Town area, and the Istiqlal Mosque, provides a deeper understanding of the city’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, Jakarta offers a treasure trove of stories and experiences that will captivate and educate you.

tourist destination jakarta

Jakarta’s Vibrant Culture and Traditions

Jakarta is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. The city is home to people from various ethnic backgrounds, including Javanese, Sundanese, and Chinese, among others. This diversity has resulted in a unique blend of cultures that is reflected in Jakarta’s art, music, and cuisine.

The Unique Blend of Cultures in Jakarta

Exploring Jakarta’s neighborhoods is like taking a journey through different cultures. Chinatown, also known as Glodok, is a bustling district where you can experience Chinese architecture, temples, and traditional cuisine. In contrast, the Kota Tua area showcases the Dutch colonial heritage through its well-preserved buildings and museums.

Traditional Festivals and Events in Jakarta

Jakarta is known for its vibrant festivals and events. The city celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local traditions. From the lively Chinese New Year celebrations to the colorful Jakarta International Kite Festival, there’s always something happening in Jakarta.

Must-Visit Landmarks in Jakarta

Jakarta is dotted with landmarks that are worth exploring. Whether you’re interested in history or modern architecture, Jakarta has something to cater to your interests.

Historical Monuments in Jakarta

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Jakarta wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque, two iconic religious landmarks that symbolize the religious diversity of the city. Another historical gem is the Fatahillah Square, where you’ll find the Jakarta History Museum, the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, and the Wayang Museum.

Modern Architectural Wonders in Jakarta

Jakarta is also home to impressive modern architecture. One of the most recognizable structures in the city is the Bundaran HI, a towering roundabout that serves as a starting point for exploring Jakarta’s upscale shopping district. Another architectural marvel is the National Gallery of Indonesia, which showcases contemporary Indonesian art and hosts various exhibitions and events.

Exploring Jakarta’s Natural Beauty

While Jakarta is known for its urban landscape, there are also pockets of natural beauty that are worth discovering.

Jakarta’s Beautiful Parks and Gardens

Escape the bustling city and find tranquility in one of Jakarta’s parks and gardens. Taman Suropati, with its lush greenery and charming gazebo, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Taman Menteng, known for its jogging track and pond, offers a serene environment to relax and unwind.

Beaches and Islands Near Jakarta

If you’re craving a beach getaway, Jakarta has you covered. Just a short boat ride from the city, you’ll find the Thousand Islands, a chain of breathtaking islands with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. Spend a day snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging on the white sandy shores.

Jakarta’s Thriving Food Scene

Jakarta is a food lover’s paradise. The city is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of flavors and dishes.

Street Food Delights in Jakarta

Indulge in the vibrant street food culture of Jakarta, where you can find an array of tempting treats on every corner. From the legendary satay skewers to the fiery rendang, Jakarta’s street food scene is a feast for the senses.

Fine Dining Experiences in Jakarta

If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience, Jakarta has no shortage of upscale restaurants. From lavish rooftop dining establishments to trendy fusion cuisine, Jakarta’s fine-dining scene offers something for every discerning palate.

As you can see, Jakarta is a city that offers a plethora of attractions for travelers. From its rich history and culture to its natural beauty and delectable cuisine, Jakarta is a destination that never fails to captivate. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey of exploring Jakarta’s top tourist attractions in Indonesia.

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  • 8 Amazing Places Near Jakarta You Ought To Visit In 2024

23 Mar 2023

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta offers a lot in terms of sightseeing tour and modern city life. From history to shopping, art and architecture to vibrant party places; Jakarta has it all. Once you have visited all the historic city’s landmarks, explore the exotic places near Jakarta. Head to the hills, eco-park to discover Indonesia’s jungles and the beauty during your visit to any of these 8 wonderful places we have shortlisted for you.

8 Best Places Near Jakarta

These are the list of 8 stunning places near Jakarta and its surrounding areas for a fun-filled weekend getaway.

1. Macan Eco Resort, Thousand Island

Resort View

Image Source

Macan Eco Resort is one of the best places to visit near Jakarta Indonesia for travelers who like snorkeling. With a variety of colorful coral reefs, the underwater view is enchanting. The water is crystal clear and hence fish are easily seen from the surface. The scenery on the island is so mesmerizing that it leaves the tourists with the best experience. They can also simply sit on chairs while enjoying the view. If you are in North Jakarta, Macan Island can be reached in about 2 hours if you board a boat from Marina pier.

Distance from Jakarta: 75km

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

2. Botanical Garden, Bogor

Garden with beautiful flowers

Bogor, one of the best tourist places near Jakarta has a very large city park called Bogor Botanical Garden. It is a city with cool weather and there are numerous activities you can indulge at Bogor Botanical Gardens. Each year the area comes up with new tourist attractions. The main attraction here is the natural water cycle. You can see it as well as the latest natural use technologies. To enter Bogor Botanical Garden, you can buy tickets with a price of INR 70 per person. The timing of the park is from 08.00 AM to 5.00 PM daily.

Distance from Jakarta: 56km

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

3. Safari Zoo, Puncak

Deer walking in the zoo

Safari Zoo, Puncak is one of the best tourist places around Jakarta Indonesia. Founded in 1980, it is a pioneer of Indonesia’s tourist attraction. The 50-hectare park is the first Safari Park in the country and now, Taman Safari has expanded to reach 168 hectares. People are attracted towards this famous tourist place as it offers various recreational and educational facilities. When visiting the safari zoo, plan to stay at Safari Lodge hotel in order to take a tour of both daylight safari and night safari.

Distance from Jakarta: 74km

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

4. Sri Baduga Fountain, Purwakarta

Lightening Fountain

Sri Baduga Fountain situated in Taman Sri Baduga, Purwakarta is the largest fountain park in South East Asia. It is a mere 2 hour drive from Jakarta. If you like urban attractions, it is worth the visit. The fountain has light effects which attract tourists. There lies a lake near the fountain called Situ Beleud. For the best experience, visit on Saturday and Sunday night to witness the coolest fountain light effect.

Distance from Jakarta: 98km

Suggested Read: Jakarta Nightlife: 10 Best Places To Groove To The Indonesian Beats!

5. Gunung Padang, Cianjur

Gunung Padang

Gunung Padang is the largest megalithic site in Southeastern Asia. It is one of the best tourist places to visit around Jakarta for those who love ancient relics. This site is thought by archaeologists to date older than the age of the Egyptian Pyramid. It offers different views at different levels and certain rules are there which must be followed here like not throwing garbage in the core area. However, one can eat on the edge of the core zone side. The timing to visit the place is from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Jakarta: 135km

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

6. Geopark Ciletuh, Sukabumi

Scenic beauty of waterfall

A new tourist spot, Geopark Ciletuh situated in Sukabumi is amongst the good places near Jakarta. The place boasts many things – natural beauty, such as waterfalls, beaches, fields, hills and many other enchanting views. The geopark expands across eight sub-districts and its most favorite entrances is from Ciemas. From Jakarta, one can take public transportation, or drive on their own. It takes around four to six hours from Jakarta, depending on the vehicles opted.

Distance from Jakarta: 167km

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

7. Kamojang Ecopark, Garut

Ecological Park

Kamojang Ecopark is one of the famous tourist places near Jakarta. Located in Kamojang pine forest on the border between Garut and Bandung, Kamojang Ecopark offers various adventure activities. You can ride all-terrain vehicles, swing with flying fox and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera along. The cliff area is where you can take really good pictures with natural scenes.

Distance from Jakarta: 198km

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

8. Ranca Upas, Ciwidey, Bandung

Natural Beauty

A 3 hour drive from Jakrata, Ranca Upas in Bandung is one of the popular places to visit near Jakrata. For those who want to enjoy a fun-filled day with friends or family amidst nature, must-visit this place. The natural freshness and greenness is a natural remedy to calm your mind. Ranca Upas, Bandung, Ciwidey are the natural remedy you can experience here. To add, there are hot spring baths that are perfect amidst the Ciwidey air.

Distance from Jakarta: 180km

Further Read: 10 Jakarta Beaches That Are Bound To Make Your Indonesia Trip All The More Fun

If you are in Jakarta and have some time to explore Indonesia, immediately plan to visit several beautiful places near Jakarta . Now that you know the happening places around the city, pack your bags, plan a trip to Jakarta and have an amazing time with your friends and family. The trip is sure to refresh your mind and recharge your energy.

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

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

By: Dinal Jain Published: May 05, 2023 02:00 PM IST

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

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

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

How much can a trip to Jakarta cost?

Expect to spend around USD 106–USD 171 (INR 8,660 – 13,889 ) per day as a couple on a trip to Jakarta. This includes food, travel, sightseeing and accommodation expenses. If you’re looking to spend a luxury vacation in Jakarta, you might have to shell out around USD 212–USD 717 (INR 17,321 – 58,582 ) per day for two people. Besides travel, food and sightseeing expenses, this estimate includes average stay tariffs for luxury hotels or vacation rentals.

Best time to visit Jakarta

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

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

Jakarta Trip

How to reach Jakarta 

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

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

The best places to visit in Jakarta 

The national monument.

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

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

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque

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

Museum Layang-Layang

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

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

Jin De Yuan

Jin De Yuan Temple

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

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

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

Jakarta Cathedral

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

Jakarta Chinatown

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

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

National Gallery of Indonesia

National Gallery of Indonesia

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

Ancol Beach City (Ancol Mall)

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

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

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

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

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

Nightlife in Jakarta

Henshin - Places to visit in Jakarta

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

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

  • Numerous party places in Jakarta have strict dress regulations. Men must dress formally, wearing a shirt and decent shoes. For women, a dress and high heels are required.
  • The entry fee for a club can be anywhere between IDR 1,00,000 (INR 557) and IDR 3,00,000 (INR 1,671) on a weekend, and alcohol is heavily taxed in Indonesia.

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

Colosseum Club

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

Caspar Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

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

Costéss Cafe And Bar

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

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

What to eat in Jakarta 

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

Nasi Goreng Sosis

Nasi Goreng

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

Ketoprak 

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

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

Where to shop in Jakarta

Pondok Indah Mall

Grand Indonesia Mall

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

Pondok Indah Mall

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

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

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

Where to stay in Jakarta

Hotels in jakarta.

Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

Raffles Jakarta

Raffles Jakarta

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta

More Hotels in Jakarta

The St Regis Jakarta

The St Regis Jakarta

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

The Langham Jakarta

The Langham Jakarta

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

Related: 11 Asian Destinations You Can Visit From India Under INR 1 Lakh

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Jakarta Food
  • places in asia

Dinal Jain

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

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  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jakarta (UPDATED 2024)

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    Here are the 25 best things to do in Jakarta …. 1. Go shopping in Menteng. Source: Shutterstock. Jalan Surabaya Flea Market. One of the main pastimes in Jakarta is shopping, and if you want to take advantage of this fully then head to the district of Menteng which is famous for its flea market.

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    2. Istiqlal Mosque - A Marble Marvel. Constructed in 1978, the Istigal Mosque is the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia and one of the stunning places to go in Jakarta. If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, this is one of the best Jakarta places to visit. The mosque has the capacity of 200,000 people.

  5. The Best Places To Visit In Jakarta

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

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    Jakarta's tourist attractions will also show you a deeper side of this cosmopolitan city. Explore models of traditional homes from all over Indonesia's 17,000-plus islands at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Feel the spirit of Indonesian independence at the Monas national monument.

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    These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Jakarta Aquarium & Safari. 685. Aquariums. Jakarta Aquarium & Safari is the largest indoor living planet in Indonesia. In about a hectare conservation area, Jakarta Aquarium & Safari is ...

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    From historical sites to high-end restaurants, discover these must-visit attractions. 1. National Monument (Monumen Nasional or Monas) This iconic landmark of Jakarta serves not only as a magnificent viewing deck with unrestricted views of the city, but also a museum depicting the nation's history.

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