jakarta travel what to do

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

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

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

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

6 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

1. enjoy the best bars with beautiful views.

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

2. Experience the luxury hotels

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

3. Monas – the national monument

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

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

4. Visit the thousand islands

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

5. Enjoy the nightlife

6. go to the malls.

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

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

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

Ideas for Things to do in Jakarta

7. visit tmii – taman mini indonesia indah.

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

8. Go to the beach – Ancol

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

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

9. Amusement park – Dufan (Dunia Fantasi)

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

10. The Istiqlal mosque and the Catholic cathedral

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

11. Stroll jalan Surabaya

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

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

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

13. Try as many cafes / restaurants as you can

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

14. Chill out in a park

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Visit tourism attractions near Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author Firsta

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189 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Firsta!!

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

Best regards!

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

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

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

Cheers, Firsta

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

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

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

will come to jakarta for 3 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

He he I haven’t visit Sunda Kelapa yet.

You should visit it 🙂

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

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

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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.

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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. 😀

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

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

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

Same like you, the best is the number 6 🙂

Definitely, right? Very enjoyable thing to do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Param

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

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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! 🙂

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

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

Salam 1Malaysia Firsta,

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

University LimKokWing Cyberjaya

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

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

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

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

Dear Firsta,

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and cheers!

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

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

awesome jakarta.. I love Indonesia..

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

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

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

Hi Christine,

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

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

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

Hello Firsta,

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

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

Thanks Firsta for taking the trouble to do the blog.

Whoops – hit enter by mistake!

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

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

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

PS nice G+ page.

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

Thanks for the recent helpful email.

Hello Firsta.

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

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

Looking forward to hearing suggestions from you!

Harap kamu bisa tolong saya yah! 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ah right. The Mpok Siti. 😀

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

Hi Firsta! Thanks for this valuable info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am sivaraman from India

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

Hi Sivaraman,

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

Hope it helps and have a great time in Jakarta.

dates 28th and 29th MAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

baru nyoba yang nomor 1 dan 15 lol ?

It’s a good start :p

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

Glad you found it interesting Jesse 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anybody know about rooms near indian embassy in jakarta ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Masirwin,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much

Dear Shevon,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, it is indeed a very busy city.

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

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

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

Very usefull . Surabaya Street would be favorite!

I love Surabaya street too, Harumi.

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

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

Hiiii. Have you ever been to Vietnam before?

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

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

25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia)

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

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

Here are the 25 best things to do in Jakarta …

1. Go shopping in Menteng

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

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

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

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

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

2. Admire Istana Merdeka

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

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

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

3. Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands

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

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

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

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

4. Check out Monas Tower

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

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

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

5. Visit Ragunan Zoo

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

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

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

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

6. Explore Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

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

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

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

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

7. Marvel at Istiqlal Mosque

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

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

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

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

8. Relax on Ancol Beach

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

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

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

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

9. Enjoy Kota Tua

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

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

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

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

Suggested tour : Old Batavia Guided Coach Tour

10. Visit the National Museum

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

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

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

11. Have fun at Dunia Fantasi

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

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

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

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

12. Stroll around Taman Anggrek Mall

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

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

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

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

13. Admire the National Gallery of Indonesia

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

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

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

14. Watch a Music Festival

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

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

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

15. Visit Jin De Yuan

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

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

16. Dine at Seribu Rasa Menteng

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

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

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

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

17. Walk around Taman Suropati

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

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

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

18. Visit Museum Wayang

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

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

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

19. Check out the sailboats at Sunda Kelapa Port

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

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

20. Visit Jakarta War Cemetery

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

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

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

21. Make a splash at Atlantis Water Adventure

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

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

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

22. Visit Museum Bank Indonesia

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

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

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

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

23. Walk around Glodok

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

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

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

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

24. Take in the views at Awan Lounge

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

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

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

25. Visit Museum Tekstil

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

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

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

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

25 Best Things to Do in Jakarta (Indonesia):

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

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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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Jakarta and beyond

12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jakarta

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 24, 2023

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

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

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

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

1. Visit the Museum Nasional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adress: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Indonesia

JAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget + Indonesia Requirements

“Anywhere else, aside from Jakarta?”

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

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

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

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING JAKARTA

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

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

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

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

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

INDONESIA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN JAKARTA

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

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

Best Area to Stay

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

This area includes these neighborhoods:

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

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

Top Budget Hotels and Hostels in Jakarta

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

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

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

Search for more Jakarta Hotels!

How to get to jakarta.

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

Manila to Jakarta

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

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

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

To book, visit: www.cebupacificair.com .

Jakarta Airport to City Center

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

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

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

By Grab or Gojek

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

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

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

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

Internet Connection / Data SIM in Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GET AROUND JAKARTA

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

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

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

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

By Grab or GoJek

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

By Transjakarta Bus

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

Here’s how you can ride the Transjakarta buses:

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

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

THINGS TO DO IN JAKARTA

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

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

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

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

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

Merdeka Square & Surrounding Landmarks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ancol Beach

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

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

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

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

Textile Museum

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

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

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

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

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

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

WHERE TO EAT IN JAKARTA

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

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

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

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

SAMPLE JAKARTA ITINERARY

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

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

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

This also includes a big allowance for incidental expenses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When is the best time to visit jakarta.

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

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

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

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

Where to exchange currencies in Jakarta?

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

What is the power plug or socket used in Jakarta?

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

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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 where to go in jakarta.

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

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

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

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

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• 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!

• 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!

• 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!

• 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!

• 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

• 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!

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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!

• 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!

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Find out what people want to know about where to go 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!

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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Jakarta Solo Travel Guide

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

QUICK FACTS

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

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

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

WHERE TO STAY

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

GETTING AROUND

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

JAKARTA NIGHTLIFE

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

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

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

INTERESTING WALKS

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

LOCAL WISDOM

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

Recommended trip duration:  2-3 days

• Vientiane, Laos
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Bali, Indonesia
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Yangon, Myanmar
• Singapore, Singapore

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99 Things to Do in Jakarta: The Ultimate 14,650-Word Guide

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Welcome to the most comprehensive list of ‘things to do’ in Jakarta ever created. Read this extensive article to find out what to do, where to go and learn about the hidden gems that make Jakarta a completely underrated city. Number 97 might be the best of them all?

Things to do in Jakarta? Figuring out what to do in a city so big can be a challenging task for most visitors. This includes both local and foreign tourists. People who have never visited Jakarta struggle to navigate the largest Indonesian capital. 

Whether your itinerary is only 1 day or 72 hours, you need to know what to do in Jakarta. The faster you can figure out what you want to see and how you are going to get to each attraction , the better.

For many years, Jakarta has been overlooked by international and even foreign tourists because of its traffic. But fortunately, things are changing. With the new MRT System opened up and the Jakarta Airport Railink connecting passengers to the city center, things are starting to change. 

Let’s not forget about the various LRT Lines being built throughout the city.

As the public transportation options continue to improve, so too will the number of things to do in Jakarta. The following list of things to see in Jakarta includes all kinds of points of interest. There are no shortage of museums , shopping malls , markets , and family theme parks to keep you entertained in Jakarta for many days. 

So here it is, 99 Things to Do in Jakarta 

1. Stay in the tallest hotel in Jakarta and see 50 miles in every direction. 

Central Jakarta has no shortage of skyscrapers, but one stands above all others:  Gama Tower in South Jakarta. 

Gama Tower stands at 289 m making it the tallest tower in Jakarta and all of Indonesia for that matter. 

The interesting thing about Gama Tower is that The Westin Jakarta occupies floors 50 through to 67. The rooms at this cutting edge hotel offers spectacular panoramic views all the way to the north of Ancol and south of Bogor. 

Even the lobby at this hotel offers exceptional views of Jakarta’s skyline.

2. Visit Sunda Kelapa and the Old Schooners

Sunda Kelapa often makes Jakarta’s top ‘to-do list’. The reason?

A ‘step back in time’ you might say. This is the old port area of Jakarta located along the northern tip of the city. 

The old schooners still attract tourists after all these years. They are still as photogenic as ever, with their rustic, colourful charm. 

If you are going to visit Sunda Kelapa in Jakarta, remember to bring your camera along!

3. Go sky bar hopping at Jakarta’s trendiest nightspots!

An often overlooked tourist activity in Jakarta is visiting one of the many sky bars throughout the city. Not only are they awesome for socializing and meeting people, but they also offer breathtaking views of the skyline and the streets below. 

There are several great sky bars to visit in Jakarta. 

Two of the most popular choices are Skye and Cloud . 

Both of these properties are located right in the heart of central Jakarta.

***Note: We currently have no partnership with these two establishments.

4. Take the Commuter to the Impressive Bogor Botanical Gardens

A visit to the Bogor Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do while you are in Jakarta. This is a big-time attraction for both foreign and domestic tourists visiting the city. 

Bogor is considered to be a satellite city south of Jakarta. Jakarta is simply so massive that it extends in all directions for miles. 

Bogor Botanical Gardens are best visited by taking either the Red or Yellow Commuter Lines south to Bogor Station . 

From Bogor Station, you can either walk to the entrance of Bogor Botanical Gardens or you can arrange a short ride. Either way, the entrance gate is quite close to the commuter station.

Expect the train to take about 1.5 hours from central Jakarta. 

Once you are in the gardens take your time and savor the fresh air and relaxing environment.

*** Read more about the Commuter System in Jakarta with this comprehensive guide .

5. Try out the newly opened MRT. 

One of the biggest stories in Jakarta in 2019 was the opening of the first MRT Network in Indonesia. 

Although all planned lines are not completed built, there are currently 13 stations making up the first line. The southernmost station is Lebak Bulus MRT Station and the northernmost station is Bundaran HI MRT Station . 

Many Indonesians in the south take the MRT to Bundaran HI on weekends in order to shop at Grand Indonesia , Plaza Indonesia , and Thamrin City . 

If traffic is heavy, opt for the MRT. It could literally save you hours of time!

6. Dine-in two of Jakarta’s trendiest areas: Kemang and Senopati.

Tourists, locals, and expats are always looking for delicious places to eat. Two areas that you might want to consider are Kemang and Senopati.

One thing to do in Jakarta is to stay at a nice hotel , freshen up and then head out for the evening. What area(s) should you go?

Both Kemang and Senopati are common favorites among expats living in the city. You will find many high-end international restaurants and trendy bars in these areas. Just remember to book a reservation well in advance and you should be good to go! 

7. Visit Museum MACAN, the most popular museum in the entire city. 

Museum MACAN (MACAN Museum) is a new, extremely popular modern art museum in Jakarta. It is one of Jakarta’s top attractions and receives thousands of visitors per week.

Although it is called a ‘museum’ it is technically an art gallery. 

One of the major reasons why Museum MACAN has become one of the top things to do in Jakarta is because it is ‘very photogenic’. It attracts guests from all age categories.

Although the exhibits do change, the opportunities for superb ‘selfies’ do not. It is common to see visitors to Museum MACAN snapping awesome photos with interesting mirror exhibits and dark room luminations. 

You cannot bring a camera into Museum MACAN, only a cell phone. Therefore, remember to bring along your best handphone and have it fully charged before visiting Jakarta’s most popular and trendiest museum. 

8. Explore Jakarta Aquarium in Neo Soho Mall.

One of the most popular things to do in Jakarta with family and friends is to visit Jakarta Aquarium .

Jakarta Aquarium is a modern, extremely kid-friendly activity for the whole family. Expect it to be very busy on weekends when kids are out of school and parents are off work. 

There are lots of species at the aquarium, but their jellyfish exhibit is one of the best!

Like most aquariums, there are live animal feedings and other activities for children. 

Jakarta Aquarium is located in Neo Soho Mall . This mall is physically attached to Central Park Mall via a modern pedestrian sky bridge. 

9. Take a step back in time at Jalan Surabaya Antique Market. 

Jalan Surabaya Antique Market has been one of Jakarta’s most popular markets over the years. 

Why you might ask? There are a few reasons for this. 

First of all, it is very easy to navigate. It is organized along one road. All you need to do is walk from one end of the market to the other and you will see every shop along the way. 

Jalan Surabaya Antique Market is also an easy point of interest to access because it is located right in central Jakarta, close to Bundaran HI , the Monas and popular hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental and Grand Hyatt .

Let’s not forget about the antiques and interesting products at the market. You can find all kinds of cool stuff at the market such as traditional Indonesian masks, swords, and antique lamps, ceramics among other things. 

If you want an easy thing to do in Jakarta head to this market. You can check it out in under 30 minutes if you are walking at a brisk pace.  

10. Take a landscape photo of the Monas – Indonesia’s National Monument. 

Very few (if any) domestic or international tourists visit Jakarta without visiting the Monas . This is Indonesia’s National Monument located right in the heart of Jakarta. 

Visiting the Monas is one of the top things to do in Jakarta (possibly even #1 on the ‘to do’ list). 

It is common to see both local and foreign tourists within Monument Park to get the perfect photo of the monument. Directly north of the water you can find some water to capture reflections of the tower.

11. Go bargain hunting at Pasar Tanah Abang – Jakarta’s best place for famous batik. 

According to most locals in Jakarta, there is no better place to buy Batik and other textiles than at Pasar Tanah Abang . 

People throughout Indonesia still wear traditional Batik attire to work on a daily basis. 

Shoppers from all over Southeast Asia visit Indonesia to buy Batik. 

When you are in Jakarta, add a stop at Pasar Tanah Abang to your ‘to-do list’ while in the city. It can be easily included into sightseeing itineraries because it is close to major attractions such as the Monas and National Museum of Indonesia . 

This area of Jakarta can get really busy, so don’t forget your camera to capture vivid photos along the way of the bustling environment.

Tanah Abang Market is one of the largest markets in Asia, so plan to be there for at least a few hours (if not more)!

12. Go souvenir shopping at Pasaraya Blok M – one of the best places for Indonesian-made products anywhere. 

If you are looking for Indonesian souvenirs head to Pasaraya Blok M . There is a whole entire floor dedicated to Indonesian-made goods. 

It is common to see both foreign and domestic tourists checking out the wood-carved puppets, local coffee (kopi), batik clothing and traditional Indonesian masks. 

There is something for everyone here. Keep in mind that there are some high-quality products here, so not everything is really cheap. The paintings and wood ornaments are impressive but pricey. 

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta, consider shopping for a few hours here. Simply take the MRT to Blok M Station . You can walk to Pasaraya Blok M in 5 minutes from the station.

13. Explore the impressive gold treasury at the National Museum of Indonesia.

The National Museum of Indonesia is a must-see attraction in central Jakarta.

Many visitors often overlook the impressive gold treasury room on the top floor of the museum. You can check out all kinds of ancient artifacts, but the gold daggers and swords are quite impressive. 

To access this room, you must use the elevator. Photos are not permitted in this section of the museum due to the high value of the goods on display. 

14. Visit the largest produce market in the entire city – Pasar Induk Kramat Jati.

A completely overlooked thing to do in Jakarta is to visit Pasar Induk Kramat Jati .

This is a massive food and vegetable market (produce) that is like a city of its own. It is regarded by locals at the mother of all markets in Jakarta. And you will quickly notice that they weren’t lying. 

This still remains a frontier place to visit in Jakarta. Most tourists don’t even know it exists. 

You will find all kinds of exotic fruits and vegetables scattered throughout this massive marketplace. 

Keep in mind that this is a wholesale market, so be prepared to find super cheap deals on orders above 5 kilograms.

15. Take an aerial photo of famous Bundaran HI from one of the best 5-star hotels in Jakarta. 

One of the most iconic spots in Jakarta is without question Bundaran HI . 

This is a famous roundabout that is surrounded by 5-star luxury hotels . Consequently, one popular thing to do in Jakarta is to take the MRT down to Bundaran HI Station and catch glimpses of this area. 

The best vantage point of Bundaran HI and the Selamat Datang Monument is to book a room at one of the neighbouring hotels that provide unobstructed views down below. 

Three extremely popular hotels with views of Bundaran HI are:

• Grand Hyatt Jakarta
• Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
• Hotel Kempinski Indonesia

Request for a Bundaran HI view when you make your booking online in advance.

*** Read more about the top hotels in Jakarta with this comprehensive accommodation guide .

16. Experience a mesmerizing cultural parade at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini is one of the largest family theme parks in all of Indonesia. It is so big that it will probably take you more than a full day to see all of it. 

Although it was built a long time ago, it still is extremely popular because it offers so many different options for visitors. 

If you want to see Komodo Dragons, they are at Taman Mini. If you want to check out museums, sure no problem. 

Taman Mini is one of the top things to do in Jakarta because it showcases traditional buildings from each one of Indonesia’s provinces as well. Therefore, if you want to learn more about Indonesia and its people and their history, this is a great spot. 

Unlike many theme parks in Europe and North America, Taman Mini is so big that visitors usually travel throughout it using a car, moto or bicycle. You can try to walk but many of the sites are spread out.

It is your call, but bring lots of water and a fully charged camera along.

17. Pamper yourself with a staycation at one of Jakarta’s best luxury hotels.

‘Staycations’ are very popular in Jakarta and for good reason!

Many expats and locals living in Jakarta spend a weekend or two every year at Jakarta’s five-star hotels. Jakarta has some great online accommodation deals and amazing service standards.

What many people don’t realize is that many of Jakarta’s best properties like the Ritz Carlton Pacific Place offer lounge access. What this means is that you can get unlimited food and drinks in classly, well designed lounges with first class service. 

Sounds like a tempting weekend retreat, doesn’t it?

Some of the most popular staycation hotels in Jakarta include the following properties:

• Ritz Carlton Pacific Place
• Ritz Carlton Mega Kuningan
• Raffles Jakarta
• The Westin Jakarta
• The Mandarin Oriental
• The Dharmawangsa

All of these properties are super nice with world-class amenities. Don’t forget about getting a few spa treatments or simply enjoying the saunas and jacuzzis. 

One of the best things to do in Jakarta is to simply relax at one of these hotels while celebrating a special event such as your anniversary or birthday. They all usually prepare some kind of treat in your room if you let them know in advance that you are celebrating a special occasion.

18. Take a walk through Jakarta Gems Center – a fascinating open marketplace. 

Visiting Jakarta Gems Center is a fascinating thing to do in Jakarta. 

It is located in Jatinegara – a bustling area that is known for street markets. One of the coolest things about the Jakarta Gems Center is that it is pretty much completely off the radar of foreign tourists. 

This makes it an ideal place for frontier tourists to check out. 

Be prepared to see lots and lots of gemstones on display. Try to do a bit of research beforehand if you plan on buying something, however. 

The local dealers will welcome you with a big smile!

Jakarta Gems Center is right across the road from Jatinegara Station which is part of the commuter system in Jakarta. 

If traffic is bad, consider taking the Yellow Commuter Line to the station and then simply walk across the road using the pedestrian bridge. You can’t miss the market from the station.

19. Watch an exciting water show at Taman Lapangan Banteng in central Jakarta. 

Taman Lapangan Banteng is one of Jakarta’s most modern public parks. Yet, most visitors to the city don’t even know it exists!

It is situated in a prime spot near the northeastern corner of the Monas, and directly across from famous Hotel Borobudur .  

There are a few cool features that make Taman Lapangan Banteng unique from other parks in Jakarta . 

First of all, it has a nicely designed outdoor amphitheater that is the perfect spot to watch outdoor performances. Secondly, it has a modern water light show that is choreographed to music. 

Once of the most iconic monuments in central Jakarta is the West Irian Liberation Monument . This is located right in the heart of Taman Lapangan Banteng. It is a photographic structure and worth checking out. 

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta, grab a book and chill at Taman Lapangan Banteng for a few hours!

20. Watch some talented local musicians play guitar at Taman Suropati in central Jakarta.

Taman Suropati is a public park located right in the heart of central Jakarta. It is extremely well known amongst locals living in Jakarta. 

It has mature trees and a super-cool vibe on weekend evenings. 

One of the most popular activities at Taman Suropati is playing music during the evening hours. It is common to see groups of Indonesians chilling out while singing or playing guitar. 

As a tourist, a cool thing to do in Jakarta is to head down to the park and start up some conversations with some locals. 

Like most parks in Jakarta, around the exterior, you will find various street hawkers selling snacks and drinks. Taman Suropati is also close to Taman Menteng and Taman Situ Lembang . Consider combining these into the same trip if you are Menteng Jakarta. 

*** Read more about Jakarta’s best public parks using this comprehensive guide.

21. Capture epic photos of culture-rich Chinatown.

One of the coolest things to do in Jakarta is to explore the narrow, vibrant streets of Chinatown . 

Chinatown is busy year-round. Unlike many Chinatowns in Southeast Asia, Jakarta’s still feels like an authentic marketplace opposed to a tourist draw. Consequently, it’s a solid place to take vivid street photos. 

Early in the morning is probably the best time to visit Chinatown in Jakarta. 

The reason?

This is when you will see the freshest meat and seafood!

Petak Sembilan Market and Dharma Bhakti Temple tend to be the most popular points of interest in Chinatown Jakarta.

There are many shops around Chinatown in Jakarta as well. So don’t go there thinking there are only street markets. Pasar Glodok is also right near Petak Sembilan Market. This is a large, multistory market building.

22. Go ice skating at one of these three malls in Jakarta.

Whoever knew that there are three different ice skating rinks in Jakarta ? Really, three?

Yeah, that’s right. Despite Indonesia’s tropical climate, there are indeed three ice rinks in three different shopping malls . 

Ice skating is a popular family activity in Jakarta. Consequently, you can find people of all ages skating during public hours on weekends and even during the week. 

The three rinks in Jakarta are found in these malls:

• Taman Anggrek Mall
• Bintaro Xchange Mall
• Aeon Mall Jakarta Garden City

Obviously, most people living in Jakarta or visiting the city do not have ice skates. Don’t worry, you can rent them right at these rinks if you don’t have a pair!

23. Ride the elevator to the tip of the Monas for sweeping panoramic views of central Jakarta.

The Monas (National Monument of Indonesia) is definitely one of the top attractions in all of Jakarta. Indonesians are patriotic and love celebrating their independence. 

When you visit central Jakarta you have to see the Monas. Very few visitors would leave without checking it out!

It has an interesting museum (history museum) in the basement that summarizes Indonesia’s history using dioramas. 

The most captivating experience at the Monas is taking the small elevator to the viewing platform. But you have to be smart and proactive about it. 

If you show up to the Monas at 10 am on a Sunday morning, EXPECT large line ups! It usually opens at 8:30 am, but go well before that to avoid being disappointed. Due to its narrow design, only a single elevator transports people up to the viewing platform . 

So be ready early and get your camera charged. 

The view from the top of the Monas is really good. You can capture excellent aerial shots of nearby attractions such as Jakarta Cathedral , Istiqlal Mosque , and the central skyline.

This is an essential thing to do in Jakarta if you are a travel photographer.

24. Snorkel at one of the 1000 Islands north of Jakarta.

Although there aren’t really 1000 islands north of Jakarta, there are several nice islands to explore!

The 1000 Islands is an archipelago north of Jakarta. Some of the islands are surprisingly nice despite their proximity to one of the largest cities in the world.

You can arrange to stay at an island or you can also take day trips out to them. 

If you take a speed boat to some of the more distant islands such as Pulau Macan you will get clear water and find some nice white sand beaches. 

During the rainy season, the boat trips out to the 1000 Islands can get choppy. So be sure to check the upcoming forecast before you set sail!

25. Shop for affordable electronics at Mall Ambassador or Mangga Dua Mall.

With a city well over 10 million, there must be some popular shopping malls for buying electronics, right? Of course, there is!

Mangga Dua is one of the best places to shop for electronics in Jakarta. One of the best electronics malls in Mangga Dua is called Mangga Dua Mall . Oddly enough, there is another mall in Jakarta that looks very similar to Mangga Dua Mall – Mall Ambassador .

Mall Ambassador is located in Kuningan near Raffles Jakarta and Lotte Shopping Avenue .

Both of these electronics malls are considered to be among the best in all of Jakarta. They are multistory complexes with no shortage of shops selling everything from handphones to residential security systems. 

If you can find what you are looking for at these two malls consider ITC Fatmawati , ITC Kuningan or ITC Mangga Dua . 

26. Check out the large weapon room at Museum Polri in Blok M. 

Visiting Museum Polri is an interesting thing to do in Jakarta if you want to learn more about the armed forces of Indonesia. 

Situated in Blok M, Museum Polri is a well-kept place to check out for a few hours. The ground floor of the museum has some interesting exhibits. One of them features lots of weapons including automatic machine guns. 

The upper floors of the museum highlight major incidents in Indonesian history and how the police force worked to stop/overcome the issue. They have an interesting exhibit on the Bali Bombings that are sad but informative. 

The closest MRT station to Museum Polri is Blok M Station . It is about a 3-minute drive from the station to the museum.

27. Enjoy some late-night snacks at Plaza Festival. 

Plaza Festival is a social-oriented mall right near the Westin Jakarta . It has some of the best outdoor restaurants for late-night eating out. It is a great spot for chilling with some friends while grabbing some snacks and cold beverages. 

They are also building an LRT Line close to Plaza Festival which is going to make it even easier to reach it than ever before. 

A cool plan is to grab a few drinks at Plaza Festival and then head over to Hensin. This is the tallest sky bar in Jakarta. Both of these establishments are only about 5 minutes away from each other.

28. Visit the Indonesian puppet museum in Kota Tua.

The Puppet Museum , also known as Museum Wayang , is one of Kota Tua ’s most popular museums.

It isn’t Jakarta’s most modern museum, and it could use a facelift, but it is still worth checking out. Some of the puppets are really interesting and they are not only Indonesian puppets. 

There are also puppets from other countries around the world. The entrance price is very affordable and it is right in the heart of Kota Tua. 

To get to Museum Wayang simply go to Taman Fatahillah . From there, you can’t miss it since it is located along the western side of the square.  

29. Explore the works of Indonesian artists at the National Gallery of Indonesia. 

Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia is one of the best things to do in Jakarta if you are an art lover. 

Many of Indonesia’s best artists works are on display here. Currently, according to Wikipedia , there are approximately 1770 pieces of artwork on display in the gallery. 

Some noteworthy works on display include those by both foreign and famous Indonesian artists: 

• Raden Saleh
• Basuki Abdullah
• Wassily Kandinsky
• Hans Hartung
• Victor Vasarely
• Sonia Delaunay
• Pierre Soulages

The added convenience of visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia is that it is so close to other points of interest like the Monas, Jakarta Cathedral, Istiqlal Mosque, Taman Lapangan Banteng and Pasar Baru.

30. Walk through Bustling Pasar Baru Market

Pasar Baru is one of the oldest markets in Jakarta. As a result, it is very famous amongst locals in the city. It also welcomes quite a number of foreign visitors on a daily basis. 

It is situated in central Jakarta, a few kilometers northeast of the Monas. This market is unique in the sense that it is mainly a walking street. The odd car drives through the market, but it is mainly reserved for pedestrian traffic most of the time. 

When you visit Pasar Baru you will notice that it has a wide range of different types of shops. Everything from sporting goods to tailored suits. 

If you have the energy, you can walk from the Monas to Pasar Baru or vice versa. But most tourists would get a short ride between them due to the heat in Jakarta. Regardless, it’s an interesting thing to do in Jakarta.

31. Take your family to SeaWorld Ancol.

Prior to Jakarta Aquarium opening up in the city, SeaWorld Ancol was the most popular aquarium complex in Jakarta.

In case, you are not familiar, Ancol is a massive family-oriented theme park located along the waterfront. You can find beaches, water parks, markets and all kinds of restaurants here. It is a massive park that seems to extend forever!

One interesting thing to do in Jakarta is to visit SeaWorld Ancol. This is a large indoor aquarium that offers guests interesting daily shows and exhibits. An interesting idea is to visit both the Jakarta Aquarium and SeaWorld Ancol to see which one you like more!

Jakarta Aquarium is in Neo Soho Mall , whereas SeaWorld Ancol is physically located within the theme park. Therefore, you have to enter the park to access all the underwater species!

32. Play with gorillas, elephants and komodo dragons at Ragunan Zoo.

Ragunan Zoo is an extremely popular attraction in Jakarta. It is one of the best things to do in Jakarta for families. 

As you might have heard Jakarta could still use more parks and greenspace. Fortunately, Ragunan Zoo serves as both a zoo and a public park. 

And let’s not forget that Ragunan Zoo is MASSIVE! 

In comparison to other zoos around the world, Ragunan is also extremely affordable. It is one of the best deals in all of Jakarta and that’s why so many families visit the zoo. 

During weekends, it is common to see locals sitting in the shade just relaxing within the zoo grounds. Many expats use the zoo as a recreation facility for working out. It is perfect for jogging and cycling early in the morning when the air is fresh and the sun is not too hot. 

Ragunan Zoo has an extensive selection of animals from all over the world. So many, that it is challenging to see the entire zoo in one day. We challenge you to try, but don’t be disappointed if you can’t!!

If you can’t make it to Komodo Island, you can see many Komodo Dragons in Ragunan Zoo as well! 

33. Visit every section of one of the largest markets in the world: Tanah Abang Market.

Tanah Abang Market  or Pasar Tanah Abang in Bahasa Indonesian is the largest textile market in Southeast Asia. It is so big that you can’t even see the entire thing in a day!

We are talking about endless floors of batik and other textiles. If you want affordable clothing, this is the place to go in Jakarta!

Pasar Tanah Abang Blok A and Pasar Tanah Abang Blok B combine to form the largest market building in this area of Jakarta. If you key either one of these into your GPS, that’s a great place to start if you want to explore this fascinating area of Jakarta. 

You can access Tanah Abang Market by taking the commuter to Tanah Abang Station or by taking the MRT to Bundaran HI Station .

From Tanah Abang Station, you can walk directly to Pasar Tanah Abang in about 5 minutes. There is a pedestrian bridge connecting the station area to the market. 

If you take the MRT to Bundaran HI Station you will have to walk or arrange a drive from there to Tanah Abang Market. 

The walk takes about 20 minutes through some narrow but interesting streets.

34. Visit Tugu Tani, Proclamation Monument, and the Selamat Datang Monument to see which one is your favorite.

Indonesia is very proud of its Independence. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see various monuments scattered in prominent positions around the city.

The most famous monument in Jakarta (next to the Monas) is the Selamat Datang Monument . This is also called the ‘Welcome Monument’ . It is situated right in the middle of Bundaran HI and it is surrounded by world class hotels like the Mandarin Oriental .

Very few tourists leave Jakarta without a photo of this monument. 

But guess what? There are many other monuments worth checking out while you are in Jakarta as well! 

Try visiting Tugi Tani and the Proclamation Monument . Both of these are located in central Jakarta. They are a short ride from Bundaran HI.

35. Discover bustling Jatinegara Market on a Saturday or Sunday morning. 

A completely underrated thing to do in Jakarta is to explore Pasar Jatinegara (aka Jatinegara Market). 

This is a bustling place to check out that many foreign tourists never visit while in Jakarta. 

One of the added bonuses of visiting Jatinegara Market is that it is serviced by Jatinegara Station . Therefore, you can take the commuter system there and simply walk to the market. 

Right across the road from Jatinegara Market is CityPlaza Jatinegara . This is a busy, affordable shopping center. It has a bunch of local food choices in its food court and some popular cafes on the ground floor. 

Pasar Jatinegara is a big market building but the surrounding streets are also market space as well. Consider checking out the main market but the side streets around it to get the best experience in this area of Jakarta.

36. Meet local students at Taman Fatahillah and learn Bahasa Indonesian while they learn English.

Taman Fatahillah (aka Fatahillah Square) is one of the most iconic places in all of Jakarta. It is situated in Kota Tua – the old Dutch area of the city.

Most visitors to Jakarta see Taman Fatahillah before they leave the city ! It is one of the most visited places throughout the entire city. Expect both domestic and international tourists here. 

One of the most unique experiences at Taman Fatahillah is being approached by local school groups. Indonesian students are super eager to learn English. Consequently, it is common practice for them to approach foreigners and to ask them if they want to chat. 

There is no better way to feel the true warmth and welcoming nature of Indonesian’s than this! You might even find that they want to record your conversation. Don’t be alarmed, this is usually for school projects. Students need to show evidence to their teachers. 

The closest commuter station to Taman Fatahillah is Jakarta Kota Station . Most tourists tend to take a taxi or walk to Kota Tua, however. If you want to try out the commuter system, simply walk 5 minutes north of Jakarta Kota Station to enter Fatahillah Square.

37. Visit Museum Bank Mandiri and Museum Bank Indonesia in Kota Tua and see which one you like more.

Kota Tua is one of Jakarta’s main museum hubs. People visit Kota Tua every day to check out artifacts from the past. 

Two popular museums in Kota Tua are Museum Bank Mandiri and Museum Bank Indonesia . The interesting thing about these museums is that they are located directly beside each other. 

This makes it super easy to draw comparisons between them. Keep in mind that they are both represent the same genre of museum: banking . 

Some of the most interesting exhibits in these two museums include all the ancient paper bills from around the world and antique ATM machines. Who remembers the first ATM machines after all?

You can access both of these museums by taking the commuter train to Jakarta Kota Station . You can walk to them within 3 minutes from the station. 

Many tourists also arrange rides to Kota Tua as well because the commuter trains can get very busy in Jakarta during peak hours. 

38. Learn how to make traditional Indonesian Batik at the Textile Museum in Tanah Abang.

One of the coolest things to do in Jakarta is to make batik at the Textile Market in Tanah Abang. This activity is often completed overlooked by visitors to Jakarta. 

Tanah Abang is an immensely popular shopping area in central Jakarta. Near Pasar Tanah Abang you will find the Textile Museum (aka Museum Tekstil ). 

Although the museum is interesting, you might find the workshops even more fun!

To find the Batik-making workshops go behind the textile museum. There is a building with a large workshop space that is dedicated to making basic batik clothing. 

If you love learning about culture, this is a must-do in Jakarta. And the weird thing is, hardly anyone knows about it?

39. Enjoy a traditional Indonesian Coffee (kopi) at Cafe Batavia while taking photos of Fatahillah Square.

Cafe Batavia is one of the most iconic and popular cafes in all of Jakarta. It is particularly popular with domestic and international tourists visiting Jakarta. 

It is located right in the heart of Kota Tua. Consequently, Cafe Batavia offers excellent views of Taman Fatahillah and colonial buildings in the Old Town .

Location is not the only reason why Cafe Batavia is popular, however. It has an elegant, yet aged interior design that looks like something you would find in a movie. They often have classy bands playing at the cafe and their menu has plenty of Indonesian favourites to choose from.

40. Climb to the top of Syahbandar Tower to see views of Sunda Kelapa. 

Syahbandar Tower, also known as Menara Syahbandar is an interesting place to visit in Jakarta. Often overlooked by visitors and locals in Jakarta, this is a historical site that still offers interesting views of the harbour area. 

If you are in the Sunda Kelapa area head over to Syahbandar Tower. You will see why it was once used as a viewpoint to monitor boat traffic in Batavia. The tower was built in 1839 so historians will find this a worthwhile attraction. 

The surrounding buildings next to Syahbandar Tower where once used as tax and customs offices for good being shipped into the city. 

Currently, you can purchase a joint entrance ticket for Syahbandar Tower at Jakarta Maritime Museum . 

Once you walk up to the top of the tower you can still capture interesting views of Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta Maritime Museum, and the busy street traffic below. Travel photographers should appreciate the views from the top. 

Although there are many things to do in Jakarta, this is one of those ‘unknown’ places to check out that most tourists simply don’t know enough about to visit. 

41. Visit the historic Dutch cemetery museum, Taman Prasasti Museum.

It’s rare to find a cemetery that also serves as a museum, but Jakarta has one!

Museum Taman Prasasti is an interesting place to visit in Jakarta. It contains many old Dutch graves scattered throughout a pleasant park area. 

Historians visiting Jakarta find this museum particularly interesting. Like most of Jakarta’s museums, the entrance fee is marginal. 

You can easily check out the Monas, National Museum of Indonesia and Taman Prasasti Museum during the same day. They are within walking distance of each other. 

42. Check out the modern art collection at Art 1 Museum in Jakarta

Art 1 in Jakarta is a large, multistory modern art gallery that is a nice spot to visit while you’re in the city.

Jakarta has seen an increasing number of art galleries pop up over the last five years and this is one of them. If you were to compare Art 1 Museum to other museums in Jakarta it is the most similar to Museum MACAN . 

To view the entire gallery will take you anywhere from 30 minutes to 2-hours. When you walk into the entrance there is a nice cafe area where you can relax as well. Since this is a private museum it is more expensive that government-managed ones, but it is very well maintained with bright, clean exhibits.   

43. Take the MRT to Bundaran HI Station to shop at Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia and Thamrin City Mall. 

Foreign tourists visiting Jakarta are seen in Thamrin all the time. This is arguably the most popular area for tourists in all of Jakarta. So why do they stay in Thamrin?

One of the main reasons is shopping!

Three of Jakarta’s most popular malls are located within a few minutes of Bundaran HI:

• Grand Indonesia
• Plaza Indonesia
• Thamrin City

Currently, you can stay near Bundaran HI MRT Station and walk to these malls stress-free without spending a second driving in Jakarta’s traffic! 

It also doesn’t hurt to have some of Jakarta’s most popular malls right in this area as well. Hotel Kempinski Indonesia and the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta are two popular choices for people visiting Jakarta.

44. Take the MRT to Blok M Station and shop at Blok M Square, Plaza Blok M, and Pasaraya Blok M.

One thing to do in Jakarta is to use the MRT to visit one of the best shopping areas in the city: Blok M.

Blok M is famous for budget shopping, and now it has never been easier to access since the MRT opened in early 2019. 

When you take the MRT to Blok M Station you can literally enter the closest mall in one minute! Yeah, that’s right! No traffic and no worries…

To get to Plaza Blok M Mall just follow the signs and take the southwestern exit from the station. After you cross the pedestrian walkway to the mall you will be inside in seconds. There is a stress-free security check at the entrance of the mall.

You can also walk to Blok M Square and Pasaraya Blok M from Blok M Station in 5 minutes. They are located east of the station. 

Due to the popularity of the new MRT system, these malls in Blok M have become busier. Consequently, there are more food choices than ever before!

45. Check out one of the most popular family parks in Indonesia – Dunia Fantasi in Ancol Taman Impian.

Dunia Fantasi officially opened in 1985 and ever since it has been attracting visitors. 

This is the biggest outdoor amusement center in Indonesia which is divided into 8 areas:

If you want to draw some comparisons, Dunia Fantasi is Indonesia’s Disneyland without all the Disney characters! You will find lots of rides here for children and adults. 

Similar to SeaWorld Ancol, Dunia Fantasi is part of Ancol Taman Impian. Therefore you have to enter the main park before you can access the rides. 

According to Dunia Fantasi’s official website , official hours of operation are:

Weekdays: 10:00 – 18:00 

Weekend: 10:00 – 20:00 

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta this is a great option if you have a family. Just remember to consider when you are going to this theme park. If you arrive on a public holiday or during a long weekend expect longer than usual lines at the rides!

46. Try the best ‘Saturday morning’ brunch in Jakarta. 

Yeah, that’s right, ‘SATURDAY MORNING’. 

Enjoying brunch in Jakarta is a great thing to do on a weekend. But as you might imagine, most of the best brunches in the city are on Sunday. This is especially true at Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta . 

But what if you are busy on Sunday….?

Well, not to worry!

Consider eating brunch Saturday opposed to Sunday in Jakarta. The Mandarin Oriental has a delicious French Restaurant called ‘Lyon’ that you can try. Similar to the amazing brunch at Hotel Mulia, you can also expect wine and beer options with your brunch here as well.

According to Lyon’s official website , their Saturday brunch is from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm. 

We suggest that you make a reservation well in advance and plan to arrive early to get enough food and drinks before 2:30 pm!

Another added benefit about eating brunch at the Mandarin Oriental is that it is right beside some of the best shopping malls in Jakarta like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia . Just simply walk across the road and you will be at Grand Indonesia. 

Bundaran HI and the Selamat Datang Monument are directly in front of the hotel as well.

47. Take a Photo of Old Medical Equipment at Museum of National Awakening (Museum Kebangkitan Nasional).

Museum Kebangkitan Nasional or the Museum of National Awakening is an interesting place to explore while you are in Jakarta.

As its name suggests, it showcases the ‘national awakening’ of Indonesia and how it evolved into a self-guided country. Some of the coolest exhibits in the museum include old medical tools used in surgery. 

You are probably wondering why there are medical instruments here?

Well, the building was initially made into four museums: Budi Utomo Museum, Museum of Women, Museum of Pers, and Museum of Health and Medicine. On February 7, 1984, the four museums were then combined and renamed as the Museum of National Awakening.

Like many of Jakarta’s museums, there is a central courtyard here. The building itself is beautiful with a colonial-facade.

48. Watch a live-band rock out at the Hard Rock Jakarta.

Both foreign and local ‘rock lovers’ head to the Hard Rock Jakarta for some high quality live music.

The Hard Rock is conveniently attached to Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta. This also means you can get to it from the MRT in under 10 minutes. Just heat to Istora Station and walk through the mall. 

The Hard Rock has live music most evenings. Also keep in mind that it has some of the best Western dishes in the city. It isn’t cheap but the serving sizes tend to be larger than other restaurants around the city. 

You can refer to their official website for more information about their menu and upcoming music performances.

49. Go for a ‘locally guided walking tour’ of Jakarta.

If you want to see the ‘real Jakarta’ while you are in the city, consider going for a walking tour. You can make your own walking tour itinerary or simply book one with a local agency. 

These have become a popular thing to do in Jakarta over the last 5 years. Consequently, there are now many differently locally managed walking tour organizations in the city. 

Jakarta Good Guide is one of many reputable operators in the city. This article does a nice job of summarizing different walking tours in Jakarta to save you some time.

Just remember to bring some water, a hat, sunglasses and a facemask along for your walk. 

50. Take the MRT to Istora Station and watch an international concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

The MRT has made it super easy to access various attractions in Jakarta. Gelora Bung Karno is one of them.

Gelora Bung Karno is a massive park in central Jakarta. Typically, it hosts major international athletics competitions like the ASEAN Games. One of the best things to do while in Jakarta is to take the MRT to Istora Station . Once you are there you can walk to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and watch an international concert. 

Your next question will be, “What concerts did they have there before?”

Well, to put this into perspective, world-famous rock band Guns N’ Roses (GNR) had a massive concert there in 2018.

The park is not only limited to a massive stadium but it is also has a baseball field and secondary stadiums for sports like badminton.

51. Try out the new LRT System and go to Mal Kelapa Gading.

With the MRT opened in Jakarta, you might also want to give the LRT a try as well. 

The first route is often termed by publications as ‘Kelapa Gading to Velodrome’ is almost open to the public. Free trial runs began in early June 2019 and it is expected to be commercially operating in late 2019. 

One of the best ways to try out this new form of public transportation in Jakarta is to take it to Mal Kelapa Gading . 

Mal Kelapa Gading is one of Jakarta’s largest shopping malls. It has an extensive selection of shops and tons of restaurants to choose from. It is very popular with local shoppers but foreign tourists are still not familiarized with this corner of the city.

There is also an interesting outdoor social venue called La Piazza close to the mall.

52. Go for a morning run at three public parks in Menteng: Taman Suropati, Taman Menteng, Taman Situ Lembang.

Why not try to visit three different public parks during your morning run?

Well, this is possible in central Jakarta. All you need to do is take the MRT to Bundaran HI Station and then run to one of these three parks :

• Taman Suropati
• Taman Menteng
• Taman Situ Lembang

You can even consider doing a workout at one of the outdoor gyms. 

None of these parks are overly large by any means, but they are interesting to check out and a good way to add some extra distance to your workout. 

Also consider visiting these during Car Free Day in Jakarta during Sunday mornings from 5 to 11 am.

53. Find a family pet at Pasar Pramuka or Pasar Barito in Jakarta

Pets in Jakarta have become increasingly popular over the last 10 years. You will see lots of people with dogs and/or cats. Birds are also popular amongst Jakartans. 

If you are looking for a family pet or simply want to see some interesting animals, you can head to Pasar Pramuka or Pasar Barito. Both of these have a large selection. 

Keep in mind that some of the enclosures are really small, so if you are sensitive about animal rights, then you might want to take a pass on this and find another thing to do in Jakarta!

54. Check out a large collection of automatic machine guns and military aircraft at Satriamandala Museum.

Satriamandala Museum is Indonesia’s military museum. You can find all kinds of interesting artifacts there. 

Some of the coolest exhibits include the warplanes (outside) and the weapon room (inside). 

If you walk around to the back of the museum you will find some tanks and other war machines on display. 

One of Jakarta’s best hotels ( Four Seasons Jakarta ) overlooks the museum grounds. 

It is common to see school groups stopping here to learn about Indonesia’s military history and how it has shaped the current status quo.

55. Walk inside spooky prison cells used during the Dutch times at Jakarta History Museum in Kota Tua.

Jakarta History Museum is just one of many museums in Kota Tua. It is prominently located along the southern side of Fatahillah Square. 

This building was once the town hall during the Dutch times. Currently, Jakarta History Museum is a very popular stop for families and visitors to Kota Tua. It is very affordable to enter and offers a solid glimpse into the past. 

The building itself is quite striking and very photogenic.

Once you travel through to the back courtyard of the museum you will have the chance to see old prison cells that were used to detain people during the Dutch occupation. 

You can enter the cells and take photos if you want as well. Historians will find this to be an interesting thing to do in Jakarta.

56. Take a road trip to popular Taman Safari Bogor.

While you are in Jakarta, don’t overlook the opportunity to explore Taman Safari Bogor. As the name suggests, this is an ‘outdoor safari zoo’ that has over 2500 animals!

Technically, this is not in Jakarta. It is southeast of Bogor – one of Jakarta’s satellite cities to the south. 

This outdoor park is extremely popular with both local and international tourists. Actually, many visitors to Jakarta fly into the city just to be able to visit Taman Safari. 

One thing that you must do if you want to visit Taman Safari Bogor from Jakarta is to arrange transportation. Since this is a ‘driving safari’ visitors view animals in the park from their respective vehicles. Traffic can sometimes be heavy, so be sure to leave really early in the morning to avoid jams when possible. 

You can access the official website of Taman Safari Bogor here .

You can also consider staying near Taman Safari. The air in this area of Java is much colder and cleaner than in Central Jakarta. These two options below are conveniently located either near or inside the park:

• Taman Safari Lodge (located inside Taman Safari Park)
• Pesona Alam Resort & Spa (9-minute drive away)

57. Discover the role M.H Thamrin played in Indonesian history at the Museum of M.H. Thamrin.

Visiting M.H. Thamrin Museum is an interesting thing to do in Jakarta if you want to learn more about the life of M.H. Thamrin. Historians will find this museum particularly interesting.

Mohammad Husni Thamrin is a very famous figure in Indonesia for spearheading an effort to unite eight nationalist organizations. He played a pivotal role in national unity and independence during the Dutch-control era

Although M.H. Thamrin Museum is much smaller than the National Museum it still summarizes his lifelong contributions.

In front of the museum, there is a nice open outdoor area with a statue of Thamrin. 

58. Explore ceramic exhibits from Indonesia and around the world at the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics in Kota Tua.

The Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics is located in Kota Tua, right in the heart of the action. It directly faces Taman Fatahillah as it occupies the eastern side of the famous square. 

Like most buildings in Kota, the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics is located inside a nice Dutch colonial structure. Its facade is white with large pillars supporting the main entrance. 

As its name suggests this museum is tailored towards art lovers. It has a large selection of ceramics from Indonesia, but also from other countries as well. There are quite a number of paintings in the museum as well. 

Most of the museums in Kota Tua have outdoor courtyards. This is one of them. Therefore, if you are tired of looking around take a break and relax for a while outside. 

Jakarta History Museum and Museum Wayang (puppet museum) are within 2 minutes of this museum, so try to combine them during the same day if possible.

59. Visit Jakarta Planetarium.

An interesting thing to do in Jakarta is visiting Jakarta Planetarium. 

The planetarium is located in Cikini – an area of central Jakarta. This is the best spot in Jakarta to learn about space! It has a cool observatorium, theatre, and exhibits to check out while you are there.

It is more than just a sight to see, however. Jakarta Planetarium is an educational tourism facility that has astronomical simulation displays. Visitors are invited to explore the universe to gain great insight into its development and current status.

Jakarta Planetarium was originally founded by President Soekarno in 1964. 

The two closest KRL Commuter stations to the Planetarium are Cikini Station and Gondangdia Station .

This is the official website for Jakarta Planetarium if you want some additional information. Just keep in mind their website is in Bahasa Indonesian.

60. Watch an international IMAX blockbuster at Gandaria City Mall. 

Gandaria City Mall is a nice, large shopping center in Jakarta. It has a tonne of restaurants and lots of things to do for children. It is physically attached to Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel .

It also has a large IMAX cinema that is very popular when international blockbusters are released. 

Under most circumstances international movies are shown in English with Bahasa Indonesian subtitles for local viewers. There is a food court in Gandaria City that is also located on the top floor of the mall.

You can walk between the food court and the IMAX in less than 2 minutes. 

61. Discovery the role ‘youth’ played in Indonesian independence at Museum Sumpah Pemuda.

Museum Sumpah Pemuda is an unassuming museum in central Jakarta. It is also known as the ‘youth oath museum’ when translated to English. 

This museum is of particular interest to historians and Indonesians who are interested to learn more about the fight for Independence. This particular museum recounts the role youth played in this process. 

You can purchase your entrance ticket to Museum Sumpah Pemuda right at the front entrance. Once you are inside you can explore the exhibits and printed infographics. There is a small courtyard at the back of the museum with some statues and sculptures to check out. 

62. Find the underground bunker and learn about how the Indonesian Proclamation was signed at the Proclamation Museum.

The Proclamation Text Museum (aka Proclamation Museum) is a small, but an interesting place that is dedicated to recounting the steps made to sign Indonesia’s proclamation for Independence. 

The museum has several statues and some board rooms to remember the meetings that took place.

It is located in Menteng, Central Jakarta near many foreign embassies. 

One of the coolest ‘unknown’ features of the Proclamation Text Museum in Jakarta is that has an underground bunker in the backyard. Jakarta has been through some pretty dangerous times, so why not have a secret hiding place, right?

Reserve anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour to explore this small, but interesting museum.

63. Visit the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Mesjid Istiqlal.

One of the most interesting things to do in Jakarta is to visit the largest mosque in Southeast Asia – Mesjid Istiqlal (aka Istiqlal Mosque). 

In case you are wondering ‘Istiqlal’ is the Arabic word for ‘ independence’ . As such, this mosque was built to c ommemorate Indonesian independence. It opened to the public on February 22, 1978. 

It has always been an important religious monument in Jakarta. Istiqlal Mosque has been visited by some of the most famous world leaders of recent years. Some prominent visitors include Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Angela Merkel (among others). 

Istiqlal Mosque is prominently located beside Jakarta Cathedral and is minutes away from Merdeka Square and the Monas . 

64. Take the commuter to Pasar Senen Commuter Station and explore bustling Pasar Senen Market

Pasar Senen is one of Jakarta’s most popular and historic market areas. This is a great spot to find everything from Batik to sunglasses. Lots of wallets, handbags, watches and jewelry are found in Pasar Senen.

Despite its popularity amongst locals, relatively few foreigners even know Pasar Senen exists! 

There are a bunch of markets in Pasar Senen, but the two largest and most popular ones are:

• Pusat Senen Grosir
• Pasar Senen Blok III

To access these markets you can take the commuter train to Pasar Senen Station . Once you are at the station, simply walk across the road (to the west). You can’t miss them, and they are less than 5 minutes away!

There are also meat markets and fruit and vegetable markets to check out in this area. They offer excellent opportunities for ‘frontier’ travel photos.

65. Weave through traffic on the back of a moto using Go-Bike or GrabBike.

Thrill-seekers also want things to do in Jakarta, right? Well, a must-try for enthusiastic visitors to the city is to get on a moto and weave through traffic. 

GoJek and Grab are two very popular ride-sharing companies in Indonesia. You can get picked up by cars, but also by motos. 

Once you download the app, you can easily get picked up and go for a ride. The driver will arrive and have a helmet for you to wear. 

Try to go through one of Jakarta’s iconic areas like Bundaran HI. 

Even better, take a live video on the back of the bike to share on social media!

66. Take a walk through the ever-impressive Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta. 

Jakarta Cathedral is one of the most famous religious sites in all of Jakarta. 

Situated right in the middle of central Jakarta, Jakarta Cathedral is a symbol of religious unity in the largest Islamic country in the world. It is located directly across from Istiqlal Mosque .

Both religious venues even share parking spaces from time to time.

The interior of Jakarta Cathedral is beautiful and worthy of a visit for anyone tourist in the city. 

Its location is also ideal for sightseeing. As from the mosque next door, you can easily walk to the Monas, Pasar Baru , Taman Lapangan Banteng and the National Gallery from the cathedral.

67. Visit Taman Situ Lembang and Taman Ayodya and see which park has a nicer central lake. 

Taman Situ Lembang and Taman Ayodya are two parks in Jakarta. 

What else do they have in common?

Well, they both have outdoor gyms. They also have small lakes in the middle of them. 

Taman Situ Lembang is located in Menteng, Central Jakarta. Taman Ayodya is located in Blok M. 

Both of these parks are nice spots to capture water reflections with your camera.

To get to Taman Situ Lembang take the MRT to Bundaran HI Station .

To get to Taman Ayodya take the MRT to Blok M Station .

68. Get an amazing self-portrait painting (caricature) near this ‘unknown art market’ near Pasar Glodok in Jakarta

Some of Jakarta’s markets are completely undiscovered by tourists. And, this includes both local and international visitors!

There is a really cool painting market near Pasar Glodok. It is so low-key that there is no formal name associated with it . Regardless of how well-known it is, this market is really interesting. 

You will find a series of artisans set up with little painting stands. They offer all kinds of services but one of their specialties is self-portrait paintings. You can also ask them to convert a picture into a painting. They negotiate prices right on the spot and also inform you how long it will take. 

The GPS coordinates for this cool painting market are shown below:

-6.141970, 106.814589

  It is directly north of Pantjoran Tea house on the eastern side of Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan.

This is just another thing to do in Jakarta that most people simply don’t know about.

69. Shoot a bucket of golf balls at a driving range in Jakarta.

If you don’t have the time or the cash to play an entire round of golf in Jakarta the why not shoot a bucket of balls at a driving range instead?

This is also a great ‘date night’ idea. Many of the driving ranges in Jakarta serve cold beverages including beer, so it can easily become a cool social event. 

Most courses in the city have driving ranges. 

Pondok Indah Golf Club, for instance, has a popular one beside Pondok Indah Mall . They even have good restaurants that are right beside the driving range. 

Shooting golf balls is a healthy, stress-free activity that is fun for people of all ages.

70. Dive into an ice-cold pool and then dip into a steaming hot Jacuzzi at one of Jakarta’s best hotels. 

One of the added benefits of booking a 5-star hotel room in Jakarta is that many of them have great spa facilities. Let’s not forget about awesome service as well. 

Contrast therapy is not only relaxing, it is also healthy and a great way to relieve stress. This is the process of dipping into something cold (an ice water pool), followed by something warm (a jacuzzi).

Some of Jakarta’s most prestigious hotels have spa facilities that include both ice pools and warm jacuzzis. After a nice workout in the gym, try some contrast therapy to loosen your joints. Some tourists don’t even realize that hotels have these pools in Jakarta!

You can find excellent spa facilities at these hotels in Jakarta (just to name a few):

• Shangri-la Jakarta

71. Take the commuter south to Stasiun Universitas Indonesia to access one of the nicest green spaces in Jakarta – UI Park. 

Jakarta is not particularly well known for public parks and green spaces. But one of the largest and best outdoor spaces is called ‘UI Park.’ 

This is found on Universitas Indonesia (University of Indonesia) campus south of Jakarta. UI Park is one of the largest parks in and around Jakarta and a great place for morning runs. 

To get to UI park simply take the Yellow Line of the commuter system to Stasiun Universitas Indonesia . From the station, it’s a short walk to the park.  

72. Enjoy a local ‘kopi’ at one of Jakarta’s best social malls – Cilandak Town Square (aka Citos )  

Cilandak Town Square (or Citos for short) is a popular ‘social shopping and dining mall’ in Jakarta. One popular thing to do in Jakarta is to head to Citos for some food and drinks. 

The mall is oriented in such a way that it maximizes the number of restaurants to choose from. There are many coffee shops and a few bars as well. It is common to see expats and locals chatting over coffee ( kopi ) at Citos. 

Sometimes Cilandak Town Square is converted into a small venue during Friday or Saturday evenings.

To get to Citos from central Jakarta you can take the MRT to Fatmawati Station . From there, you can either walk or arrange a short ride to the mall. 

73. Get a tan at Ancol Beach. 

Ancol Beach, also known as Pantai Ancol, is one of Jakarta’s only beaches. It is located in Taman Impian Ancol. 

Although this is by no means the nicest beach you will find around Indonesia, it is a beach nonetheless.  You can get a tan here and also watch the sunset!

There are numerous restaurants within walking distance of Ancol Beach so make a day of it with your friends and family. Some people do swim here, but be prepared for murky water due to the busy boat traffic off the shoreline. 

74. Beat the heat and get wet with your friends and family at Waterbom PIK.

Waterbom PIK is a large waterpark located in North Jakarta. In case you’re wondering, ‘PIK’ stands for P antai I ndah K apuk.

This is a great thing to do in Jakarta if you love the water or you have an active family! The park consists of lots of twisty water slides and pools to beat Jakarta’s heat!

This is the official website for Waterbom PIK . The park is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily. Also keep in mind that it is much cheaper and less busy on weekdays as opposed to weekends. Therefore, if you have a day off during the middle of the week for some reason, this is a great place to visit in Jakarta. 

Before paying at the gate, be sure to check out their website because they often have promotions that much cheaper!

75. Explore Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Park

Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove is an interesting outdoor wildlife sanctuary that features numerous mangrove trees, as well as monkeys and a variety of birds . You might also hear it being called Taman Mangrove.

This park is situated in North Jakarta. 

If you are looking for something to do in Jakarta consider getting outdoors for a while at this park. The park consists of various walkways through mangrove trees and much more. They also offer boat rides and overnight accommodation facilities. 

According to their official website , they have everything from ‘honeymoon cottages’ to basic campsites. Just keep in mind that they do charge visitors to bring along a camera into this wildlife sanctuary, so don’t be surprised by this while you are there!

You can find reviews about this mangrove park in Jakarta in this TripAdvisor forum .

76. Visit Grand General Dr. A. H. Nasution Memorial Museum to see exhibits about the life, works & career of Great General Abdul Haris Nasution.

Grand General Dr. A. H. Nasution Memorial Museum does a nice job of recounting the life and career of Great General Abdul Haris Nasution.

Nasution was a prominent military leader. He was once the Indonesian Armed forces chief of staff.  One of the most interesting aspects of this museum is how it summarizes how he escaped capture and eventual assassination due to an alleged communist coup movement in 1965.

Unfortunately, his daughter was killed during this attack. 

The museum was originally the residence of Nasution and his family leading up to his death in 2000.  Currently, it has life-size statues to recount the savage attack on his family. Many of the rooms throughout the museum are still preserved.

This museum is located in Menteng, Central Jakarta. It is free of charge for visitors. 

If you want to learn more about Abdul Haris Nasution you can refer to this informative article . 

77. Recount the Brutal Assassination of General Ahmad Yani at the Sasmita Loka Ahmad Yani Museum.

Sasmita Loka Ahmad Yani Museum houses a collection from Ahmad Yani’s life. This tribute museum is situated in Central Jakarta. 

General Ahmad Yani lived from 1922 until 1965. He was a general and commander of the Indonesian Army. He was killed by members of the 30 September Movement during a home invasion. 

During this very same day in history, there were also other brutal assassinations throughout the city. 

Today, you can visit this museum and check out interesting artifacts that Ahmad Yani used throughout his life. Even his bedroom is still left intact for visitors to check out. Historians and Indonesian’s enjoy this museum and it recounts past events related to the 30 September Movement. 

78. Check out art exhibits or catch a world-class show at Ciputra Artpreneur in Kuningan.

Ciputra Artpreneur in Kuningan is art complex that is physically attached to Lotte Shopping Avenue and minutes from popular hotels such as the Ascott Kuningan and Raffles Jakarta .

One thing you might want to do in Jakarta is to combine a shopping trip to Lotte Shopping Avenue with a visit to Ciputra Artpreneur. 

This is both a modern art gallery but also a venue for cultural and artistic shows. According to their official website , it is a ‘museum, gallery and theatre’. You can capture orchestra shows here as well as choir performances. In other words, if you love art, this is a place to see various forms of it!

Within walking distance of Ciputra Artpreneur, you can also check out ITC Fatmawati and Mall Ambassador . These are both known for affordable electronics. 

79. Observe one of the best painting exhibits in Jakarta at Museum Basoeki Abdullah in south Jakarta.

Most of Jakarta’s museums are located close to the Monas in central Jakarta. But not all of them!

An interesting museum in south Jakarta is Museum Basoeki Abdullah . 

This museum is dedicated to Basoeki who was a famous Indonesian painter and figure. This was his home until he donated it to the local government. 

Currently, visiting Museum Basoeki Abdullah is one of the best things to do in Jakarta if you’re an art lover! The museum showcases many pieces of his works of art along with other paintings from other artists. 

Most days this museum is quiet which makes a great environment to admiring his works. 

You will also find other artifacts from Basoeki’s life such as his personal weapon collection. 

To get to Museum Basoeki you can take the MRT from central Jakarta to Cipete Raya MRT Station . You can either walk from there to the museum (15 minutes or so) or get a ride (taxi or private car/moto).

80. Visit Museum Joang ‘45 to learn about Indonesian history & the war of independence.

Museum Joang ‘45 summarizes the struggle for Indonesian Independence using a collection of objects and artifacts from Indonesian fighters. You will also find a collection of photographs, documents, and paintings which highlight the struggle around the 1945-1950s.

This is not one of Jakarta’s largest museums, but it does have a small cinema which shows old documentaries and films about Indonesian Independence. There is also a children’s play area, photo studio and souvenir shop.

Reserve anywhere from 30 minutes to 2-hours for your visit to Joang ‘45 museum.

It is easy to check out other points of interest such as Tugu Tani and The Museum of National Awakening from this museum. Just a few minutes away is Fraser Residence Menteng – a well priced and conveniently located hotel.

81. Play a round of golf at one of Jakarta’s world-class golf courses. 

Many people don’t associate the word ‘golf’ with ‘Jakarta’, but you may be surprised by the number and high quality of golf courses in Jakarta. There are numerous courses in Jakarta that range in length and difficulty.

A few things that you should know about courses in Jakarta is that you usually need to book a cart and get a caddy for your round! It is common for local caddies to guide you throughout your round. 

Some courses in Jakarta even offer night golf!

A good article that summarizes some of the best courses in and around Jakarta can be accessed here .

82. Visit Antara Museum in Pasar Baru to learn about mass media in Indonesia during the progression towards independence.

Museum Antara or Antara Museum is a two-story building right near Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta. 

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta, consider visiting this museum to learn more about how and when the Declaration of Indonesian Independence was broadcast around the world. This is the place where it was shared for the first time!

Currently, the ground floor of the museum is set up as a photo gallery with a cafe to relax. As you walk up the stairs inside, you transition into the museum section. You will find old news related machines like typewriters and fax machines that were used by the Antara news agency before. 

One of the convenient benefits of visiting Museum Antara is its proximity to Pasar Baru. You can walk to the market in 2 minutes from the museum. Therefore, when you are developing an itinerary for Jakarta , see these during the same day. This should cut down your time in traffic.

83. Visit Pasar Glodok (market) in Jakarta and then enjoy some traditional tea at Pantjoran Tea House.

Pasar Glodok is a large market in Chinatown Jakarta. It is a multistory structure that is loaded with all kinds of goods. It is surrounded by electronics malls in Glodok and is minutes away from bustling street markets like Petak Sembilan Market .

Many visitors that visit Chinatown in Jakarta also visit Pasar Glodok. 

It isn’t a new market by any means. It has low ceilings and many small vendors set up selling pretty much anything you can think of. It isn’t the cleanest market in the world!

Across the road from Pasar Glodok is Pantjoran Tea House . This is a popular spot for visitors to Jakarta to relax for a while over a drink or a meal when they are exploring Chinatown. 

Chinatown is busy and jammed with pedestrian traffic most of the time. Therefore, consider swinging by this tea house to enjoy some traditional Chinese delicacies after exploring Pasar Glodok. 

It is also possible to walk to Kota Tua from Pasar Glodok, so consider combining a trip to Chinatown and Kota Tua when you are designing your itinerary for Jakarta . 

84. Visit Dharma Bhakti Temple in Chinatown – the oldest one in all of Jakarta.

Dharma Bhakti Temple in Chinatown is the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta. It was built way back in 1650!

It is a Buddhist place of worship that is situated right in the heart of Chinatown. 

A popular thing to do in Jakarta is to walk throughout Petak Sembilan Market before making a visit to Dharma Bhakti Temple. The market naturally extends towards the temple, making it super easy to check out both of these during the same trip. 

This is a vibrant temple with rich colors. Be sure to bring your camera along for awesome photos in this area of Chinatown.

85. Capture awesome sea views and fresh seafood at Baywalk Mall Pluit. 

Baywalk Mall is a massive shopping complex located along the waterfront in the northern area of Jakarta. 

Unlike most other malls in Jakarta, it offers awesome views out towards the 1000 Islands . Baywalk Mall, as its name suggests, also has a nice ‘baywalk’ area, a botanical garden and a cool fishing village next door. 

You can have a great seafood meal right along the waterfront at Baywalk Mall as well. 

Don’t forget about shopping at the mall too. Although it is located in a nice area, there are lots of shops and services available. 

86. Explore Museum Layang-Layang Indonesia to learn about the history of kites in the country.

Museum Layang-Layang is a ‘niche’ museum in South Jakarta. It specializes in kites. Yeah that’s right, kites!

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta, a visit to this museum would surely be interesting. Not many of us have been to a museum solely dedicated to the fun hobby of flying kites. 

This is the first kite museum in Indonesia. The collection here consists of over 600 kites and the number continues to increase by the day. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking there are only Indonesian kites at this museum. You can find kites from various countries including Japan, China, the Netherlands, Vietnam and several other countries from around the world. 

Expect to see some massive kites as well. Megaray, for instance, is a famous kite that measures a whopping 9 x 26 meters!

Keep in mind that this museum is in South Jakarta. So you might want to take the MRT all the way to Fatmawati MRT Station and arrange a short drive from there. 

87. Take the commuter east to Tangerang Station and visit Boen Tek Bio Chinese Temple. 

A completely overlooked thing to do in Jakarta is to hop on the Brown Commuter Line to Tangerang Station . Once you arrive at Stasiun Tangerang you will be able to walk to cool markets and enjoy tasty street food. 

This is an activity that 99% of tourists to Jakarta have never done! This includes both Indonesian and foreign tourists.

Once you are in Tangerang you can also visit Boen Tek Bio Chinese Temple. This temple is situated at the corner of Jalan Bhakti and Jalan Cilame which is right in the heart of Pasar Lama – Tangerang ‘s old market hub. This is a bustling area worth checking out.

As you might have guessed, Boen Tek Bio Temple is Tangerang’s oldest temple. It was first constructed in 1684. It is an important landmark which also highlights Chinese settlement in Indonesia.

88. Enjoy the modernly designed outdoor area at Central Park Mall in Jakarta.

Central Park Mall is a popular shopping center east of central Jakarta. It is close to other malls like Neo Soho and Taman Anggrek .  

As its name suggests, this shopping center has an outdoor park that is nicely landscaped for visitors to enjoy with water fountains and gardens.

There are some nice restaurants that overlook the park, so it’s a nice spot for a romantic dinner date. If you stay at the Pullman Central Park Hotel you will also capture aerial views of greenery as well. 

Since Central Park Mall is close to other malls you can be sure to find what you’re looking for in this area of Jakarta.

89. Watch a live band play on a Friday or Saturday at the outdoor ‘Avenue of Stars’ at Lippo Mall Kemang.

Most of Jakarta’s mega-malls don’t have much outdoor space for guests to enjoy. 

Lippo Mall Kemang isn’t one of Jakarta’s largest malls, but it does have a nice design. 

It has a trendy outdoor area known as ‘Avenue of the Stars’ . This is an outdoor area surrounded by great restaurants and a few pubs. You can sit down, watch an entertaining live band while enjoying either local or international food. 

Beer lovers also love Avenue of the Stars . This is an ideal spot to sit with friends in a comfortable social environment. 

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta, consider Avenue of the Stars if you enjoy social environments with lots of people!

90. Explore Modern Santa Market to see the large selection of just about everything. 

Santa Modern Market is a quirky, market that offers guests specialty foods and eclectic goods. It is situated in South Jakarta, a few kilometers east of Museum Polri and Pasaraya Blok M .

An interesting thing to do in Jakarta is to go upstairs in Santa Modern Market and try some of the ‘start-up’ food vendors that are set up there. Although this was booming about 5 years ago, there are still some interesting snacks to try out. 

The bottom level of the market has more traditional goods that you would find at other markets throughout Jakarta. You might want to combine this market and Blok M into the same day when you are making your itinerary . 

91. Play outdoor badminton or futsal at Monument National Park in Central Jakarta.

One underrated thing to do in Jakarta is to mingle with locals. 

Futsal is a popular community sport in Jakarta. Many adults play in recreational leagues with friends and colleagues. 

Try to join a game at Monument National Park in Jakarta. The courts outdoors so do some planning ahead of time and bring some water and some sunscreen. But the best times to play are early morning or late afternoon onwards.

The futsal courts are located to the east of the Monas. You can easily walk to them from the National Monument in less than 3 minutes!

92. Buy a hilarious caricature of Donald Trump and other Famous World Leaders at this ‘Unknown Market’.

If you are looking for things to do in Jakarta head to the Pasar Baru area. There is a cool painting market that is really interesting yet 99% of tourists to Jakarta never see it!

This ‘unknown’ painting market is directly across from Gedung Kesenian Jakarta which is southeast of Pasar Baru. 

Here are the GPS coordinates to reach this market:

-6.166279, 106.834961

Although there are some landscape paintings here, the specialty is definitely caricaturing. According to Wikipedia , a caricature is a “rendered image showing the features of its subject in a simplified or exaggerated way through sketching, pencil strokes, or through other artistic drawings.” 

Traditionally, caricatures can be insulting or complimentary and can serve a political purpose. At this market the caricatures are hilarious. 

Don’t expect to only see Donald Trump here. They also have paintings of President Jokowi and other political figures like Barack Obama. 

If you are impressed with their work, consider getting one done of yourself or your travel group. 

This is just another fun thing to do in Jakarta. 

Since Pasar Baru Market is right across from this painting market, definitely try to see both during the same day.

93. Attend a cultural event at Bentara Budaya Jakarta.

Bentara Budaya is a cultural center located in Tanah Abang Central Jakarta. The center is located in interesting traditional buildings. There are often performances and exhibits here that are Indonesian focused. 

You can expect the food to be local as well. 

This is the official website for Bentara Budaya if you want to learn more about this cultural center in Jakarta.

94. Play outdoor badminton at Taman Langsat Park.

Taman Langsat is a public park that is located about 10 minutes from Blok M MRT Station and Plaza Blok M . It is directly across from Taman Ayodya and 1 minute from Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta . 

The park has lots of mature trees that create a lot of shade even during the peak afternoon hours. 

As you might have heard, Indonesians are passionate about badminton. Fortunately, Taman Langsat has an outdoor badminton court that you can use for free! Naturally, one of the biggest challenges of playing badminton outside is that the wind can move the shuttle around in the air. 

Since Taman Langsat has a lot of tree cover around the court, most of the wind gets blocked while you are playing. 

Aside from badminton, Taman Langsat is a great play to enjoy a morning run or walk. 

95. Check out Taman Puring Shoe Market.

Many of Jakarta’s markets have shoes for sale, but not the selection you can find at Pasar Taman Puring , otherwise known as Taman Puring Market . 

This is not one of Jakarta’s biggest markets, but it is a great place to find cheap shoes and sandals. As you might expect most of them are knock offs, but you can still find some shoes that are a great deal for the price. 

You can also find wallets, belts, hats, and sunglasses at Taman Puring Market, but the shoes are the specialty there. 

The market is named after the park it is adjacent to – Taman Puring.  

Consider visiting Pasar Mayestik , Gandaria City Mall and Blok M during the same day as Taman Puring Market to cut down your travel time in Jakarta.

96. Buy some gold at Cikini Gold Center.

Jakarta either has a mall or market to find anything. 

Cikini Gold Center is a specialist center for those looking for gold jewelry. Expect to find many jewelry shops here selling everything from wedding rings to necklaces. 

Despite its name, Cikini Gold Center also has shops selling local products such as batik. There is a local food court in this shopping center as well. 

This is the official website for Cikini Gold Center if you want to learn more about it.

97. Take part in Car-Free day in central Jakarta.

It was a brilliant idea when Jakarta first introduced car-free day in the city center . 

Currently, it is one of the best things to do in Jakarta. Every Sunday morning, thousands of participants make their way to central Jakarta to run, walk, jog, cycle and take part in free community exercise classes. 

Every visitor to Jakarta should take part in this event. 

One of the coolest things about car-free day in Jakarta is that it also transforms into a massive street market in certain areas. So, it not only improves health but also boosts the economy as well. 

Car-free Sunday usually begins really early in the morning and then finishes around 11 am. TransJakarta buses continue to operate during this entire time. The MRT is also one of the best ways to get to car-free day worry-free. 

Some of the best MRT Stations to get off at to get to car-free day include:

• Bundaran HI MRT Station
• Dukuh Atas MRT Station
• Benhil MRT Station
• Setiabudi MRT Station
• Istora MRT Station
• Senayan MRT Station

Car-free day has become an insanely popular family event in Jakarta. Therefore, expect large crowds in some areas like Bundaran HI and Senayan. 

98. Enjoy a spectacular Sunday Morning Brunch at Orient8 or Ice Mare at Hotel Mulia Jakarta.

Hotel Mulia Jakarta is known as the ‘king of brunch’ in Jakarta. The five-star hotel has multiple restaurants located on its lower ground level. 

Two of the best brunches in Jakarta are found at Orient8 and Ile Mare . These are two exceptional restaurants in Hotel Mulia . 

Why are they so popular and delicious?

One of the major reasons why these restaurants are so great is that they serve ‘very high-quality food’.  

Everyone hates a buffet that loads up on cheap dishes in the hope that patrons will get full without eating too much expensive food. 

Both Orient8 and Ile Mare serve very expensive fresh seafood and the best cuts of meat. Their selection and service are both phenomenal. 

And it gets better.

When you dine at these restaurants they also offer alcohol options as well. You can have all you can eat and all you can drink. 

Enjoying a five-star brunch is one of the best things to do in Jakarta if you are celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or Mother’s day. 

99. Enjoy personalized butler services at Raffles Jakarta.

Yeah that’s right. A personal butler. 

Raffles Jakarta has been considered the most luxurious 5-star hotel in the city for years. One of the main features that sets this property from the rest is the level of service and care that you will experience. 

It is common to see people celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries and engagements at Raffles Jakarta. You will also be glad to hear that it is physically connected to Lotte Shopping Avenue so you can shop without spending a second in traffic.

Things to do in Jakarta: Summary

Now that you have read the ultimate list of things to do in Jakarta it is now time to start planning your trip!

As you can see from the list above there is way more to do in Jakarta than most people think. This is often because people simply don’t know enough about the city. Places like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur speak more English and publish more tourism information in English which promotes more foreign tourists to go there. 

As you learn about Jakarta and experience the welcoming smiles throughout the city you will see a different side of the city. Traffic and air pollution remain challenging to overcome, but now with the MRT and new LRT Lines opening up, we all hope the future is bright for the largest city in Southeast Asia.

Keep in mind that traffic is the lightest throughout the city on Sunday when most people are not working. Try to fly into Jakarta during a non-peak time if you want to drive from the airport to the city center.

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2024 jakarta travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more for first-timers in indonesia.

Planning a trip to Jakarta, Indonesia for the first-time this 2024? I hope this Jakarta Travel Guide Blog with DIY itinerary, top things to do, tourist spots, expenses and budget for first-timers help you in planning your trip.

First-timers travel guide to jakarta indonesia 2024, top things to do in jakarta, tourist spots & places to visit.

1. Get acquainted with Jakarta’s Dutch colonial past in Kota Tua

Jakarta city museum, gereja sion, wayang museum, for hassle-free experience, you may avail the old batavia jakarta day tour ..

2. Explore Jakarta’s Chinatown

4. Bike around Fatahillah Square

5. Eat street food

6. Check out Merdeka Square and National Monument (Monas)

For hassle-free experience, you may avail a Jakarta City Tour (National Monument and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah) .

7. Visit the largest Muslim mosque in Southeast Asia

8. Sample satay and grilled meats

9. Marvel at the Jakarta Cathedral

10. Have a look-see of the West Irian Jaya Liberation Monument

WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS IN JAKARTA

Hotel aryaduta jakarta.

For budget travelers, you may also consider these budget hotels in Jakarta:

MaxOneHotels.com @ Platinum Hayam Wuruk Jakarta

Bold Hotel Jakarta

Find more hotels in jakarta from cheap hostels and budget hotels to the most luxurious hotels and resorts, by searching at agoda.com ..

HOW TO GET TO JAKARTA FROM MANILA PHILIPPINES?

By limousine, for ease and convenience especially when traveling with kids and senior citizens, i highly recommend booking a private airport transfer from soekarno–hatta international airport to your hotel in jakarta . this is also a good choice if you're arriving late at night. it's safe and convenient way of getting to or from the airport., jakarta travel guide blog.

INDONESIA VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINOS

Indonesia travel requirements.

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Covid-19 vaccine certificate or vaccination card showing proof of full dose and/or booster shot. Only fully-vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter Indonesia.
• Proof of return flight and hotel booking confirmation and payment of accommodation while in Indonesia.
• Download and register to PeduliLindungi app . You can download this on Google Play or Apple App Store.
• Registration to Electronic Custom Declaration . Save a printed / digital copy of the system-provided QR code.
• For more information and updated list of travel requirements, please check with your airlines.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN JAKARTA?

• CLICK HERE TO BUY A LOCAL 3G/4G SIM CARD
• CLICK HERE TO RENT A WIFI DEVICE

WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY JAKARTA?

How to get around jakarta.

SAMPLE JAKARTA DIY ITINERARY (3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS) WITHOUT TOURS

Day 1 - arrival in jakarta.

• 08:35 PM - Manila to Jakarta Flight via Cebu Pacific Air
• 11:50 PM - Arrival in Jakarta
• Pick-up your local SIM card at the airport
• Take a private airport transfer to your hotel in Jakarta
• Late check-in at the hotel

DAY 2 - JAKARTA LANDMARKS

• Depart from hotel
• Visit Jakarta Cathedral
• Cross the street to Istiqlal Mosque
• Sample on street food or have lunch
• Check out the street stalls around the mosque
• Walk to Irian Jaya Liberation Monument
• Walk to Merdeka Square
• Check out the dioramas at The National Monument History Museum
• Go up the National Monument (MONAS) and enjoy a 360 degrees view of the city
• Back at the hotel

DAY 3 - CHINATOWN TOUR

• Depart from the hotel
• Take a Go-jek or Grab car to Jakarta's Chinatown (Glodok)
• Check out the wet market at Petak Sembilan Traditional Market
• Visit Vihara Dharma Sakti
• Visit St. Maria de Fatima Church
• Visit Vihara Dharma Jaya Taosebio
• Go shopping at Chinatown Street Market
• Local dishes for lunch
• Back at the hotel, check out
• Souvenir shopping
• Proceed to the airport for your flight to Manila or to your next destination

For ease and convenience, I highly recommend that you avail a Private Jakarta City Tour or The Old Batavia Jakarta Day Tour .

SAMPLE DIY ITINERARY (3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS) WITH TOURS

• Late check-in in the hotel

DAY 2 - CHINATOWN AND JAKARTA LANDMARKS TOUR

Chinatown walking day tour.

• 09:00 am - Meet up with guide
• 09:30 am - Petak Sembilan Traditional Market
• 10:00 am - Vihara Jin De Yuan
• 10:30 am - Catholic Church St. Maria de Fatima
• 11:00 am - Vihara Toa Se Bio Temple
• 11:30 am - Tour ends

Jakarta Landmarks Tour

I suggest, you join the jakarta landmarks afternoon tour:.

• 01:00 pm - Meet up with tour group
• 01:30 pm - Jakarta Cathedral
• 02:00 pm - Istiqlal Mosque
• 02:30 pm - National Monument/Monas
• 04:00 pm - Tour ends

DAY 3 - JAKARTA OLD BATAVIA TOUR

Jakarta old batavia walking tour, i suggest, you join the morning tour:.

• 07:00 am - Early hotel check-out and leave bags at the hotel
• 09:00 am - Meet up with tour guide at Kota Tua Train Station
• 09:00 am - Historical Old Train Station
• 09:20 am - National Museum of Bank Indonesia
• 10:00 am - Museum Fatahillah
• 11:00 am - Puppet Museum
• 11:40 am - Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics
• 12:30 pm - Bike ride
• 01:00 pm - End of tour
• 02:00 pm - Souvenir shopping
• 05:00 pm - Go back to the hotel to pick-up bags
• 06:00 pm - Dinner
• 08:00 pm - Proceed to the airport for your flight to Manila or to your next destination

SAMPLE JAKARTA TRIP BUDGET AND EXPENSES FOR ₱ 7,700 PESOS

• You will be sharing the travel expenses with one travel buddy.
• You will be staying in a private room at MaxOneHotels.com @ Platinum Hayam Wuruk Jakarta for PHP 5,700 for 3 nights / 2 pax = PHP 2,850 per person.
• Booked room at MaxOneHotels.com comes with complimentary breakfast.
• Your budget for food is from 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (185 to 370 PHP) per meal for lunch and dinner per person.
• Local Sim Card - ₱ 371
• Private airport transfer to hotel - ₱ 974 / 2 pax = ₱ 487 per person
• TOTAL - ₱ 858.00 per person
• Chinatown Walking Day Tour via Klook - ₱ 701 per person
• Jakarta Landmarks Tour via Klook - ₱ 701 per person
• Monas entrance fee - PHP 70 per person
• Transportation - ₱ 400 / 2 = ₱ 200 per person
• Food (Lunch and Dinner) - ₱ 500 per person
• TOTAL - ₱ 2,172.00 per person
• Jakarta Old Batavia Walking Tour via Klook - ₱ 918 per person (Entrance fee and food included)
• Food (Dinner) - ₱ 300 per person
• Private airport transfer from hotel - ₱ 974 / 2 pax = 487 per person
• TOTAL - ₱ 1,905.00

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

• 3-nights Hotel Accommodation - ₱ 2,850.00
• Day 1 - ₱ 858.00
• Day 2 - ₱ 2,172.00
• Day 3 - ₱ 1,905.00

TOTAL EXPENSES - ₱ 7,785.00 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Jakarta-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expenses for snacks
• Tips or gratuities which is customary in Indonesian culture
• Budget for pasalubong , souvenirs and shopping expenses

JAKARTA TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

• Weather in Jakarta is most of the time hot and humid. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes , but not too revealing. Also, don't forget to bring light jacket, umbrella or raincoat for occasional rains.
• Since you'll be walking a lot during tours, wear comfortable shoes or sandals .
• When visiting places of worship such as mosques, do not wear tank tops (or other sleeveless shirts), see-through shirts, or shorts. Before traveling to Indonesia, be sure to pack your bags with clothes appropriate when visiting a mosque . For men, it is important to wear long trousers or pants, short-sleeved shirts are okay. Women should cover their hair and arms, ankle-length skirts or pants are required. Always take off your shoes before entering a mosque.
• In Indonesia, always use your right hand . For example, when paying for what you bought, or receiving the items you bought. The left hand is considered "unclean" and using it is also considered "disrespectful." Always use your right hand when dealing with the locals.
• Giving tips or gratuities are fairly a common practice in Indonesia. A reward of 5 - 10% of the total bill or of the total amount of service rendered is good enough. Sometimes, when eating in restaurants, service charge is already included, so you don't need to leave extra tip.
• The power plugs and sockets in Indonesia are of type C ("Euro" plug) and type F ("Schuko"). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Don't forget to bring a Universal Adapter Plug so you could charge your gadgets. If you forgot to bring one, ask the reception of your hotel if you could borrow an adapter plug.
• To save on travel expenses, I recommend booking discounted tickets, tours, and activities in Jakarta at Klook.com, join group tours, take the bus or the train, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels, and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos on flights from Manila to Jakarta .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 11, 2018 at 1:40am PDT

Where to go next?

I hope this first-timer's travel guide to jakarta will help you in planning an exciting and fun-filled indonesia adventure enjoy, have fun and safe travels, follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 1 comment :.

Thank You for this! cant wait for my first solo travel this year~!

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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9 Wisata Malam di Jakarta, dari Taman hingga Aquarium

Kompas.com travel jalan jalan, zeta zahid yassa,, ni nyoman wira widyanti.

Tim Redaksi

Zeta Zahid Yassa

Penulis ni nyoman wira widyanti.

Blok M termasuk daerah di Jakarta Selatan yang umumnya ramai pengunjung, terutama pada malam hari.

Di daerah ini, biasanya pengunjung akan nongkrong di Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu, berjalan-jalan di pusat perbelanjaan Blok M Square, berburu sushi di Papaya, menonton bioskop di Plaza Blok M, bersantap di M Bloc Space, atau berwisata kuliner di sudut-sudut Blok M.

Lokasinya yang strategis dekat dengan akses transportasi umum, seperti Stasiun Moda Raya Terpadu (MRT) dan Halte TransJakarta, membuat Blok M semakin diminati. 

Bagi yang ingin mengunjungi Blok M menggunakan transportasi umum, dapat menggunakan MRT dengan turun di Stasiun MRT Blok M. 

Selain itu, alternatif lainnya adalah dengan menggunakan bus Transjakarta dan turun di Halte Blok M. 

Baca juga: 5 Tempat Wisata Malam Gratis di Jakarta, Nongkrong di Blok M

2. Taman Ismail Marzuki

Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) di Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, merupakan pilihan yang tepat bila mencari tempat terbuka untuk berkumpul. 

Berlokasi di Jalan Cikini Raya Nomor 8, TIM memiliki area yang luas. Di dalam gedung perpustakaan, terdapat ruang terbuka kreatif yang menarik untuk dikunjungi.

Pada malam hari, pengunjung umumnya bisa menyaksikan berbagai kegiatan, seperti latihan menari, diskusi kelompok, atau membaca buku bersama-sama. 

Keunggulan lokasi TIM juga terletak pada akses transportasi umum yang mudah, yaitu dekat dengan Stasiun Cikini. 

Baca juga: Perpustakaan Jakarta di TIM: Cara Reservasi dan Daftar Jadi Anggota

3. Lapangan Banteng

Lokasi Monumen Pembebasan Irian Barat ini terletak di Jakarta Pusat, tidak jauh dari Gereja Katedral. 

Di Lapangan Banteng, pengunjung dapat menikmati berbagai kegiatan, mulai dari berolahraga hingga menonton pertunjukan air mancur menari. 

Selain itu, Lapangan Banteng juga sering digunakan sebagai lokasi penyelenggaraan berbagai acara, salah satunya Flona - Pameran Flora dan Fauna Indonesia. 

Dengan letaknya yang strategis di Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Lapangan Banteng jadi salah satu tempat favorit bagi masyarakat Jakarta untuk melepaskan penat dan bersantai. 

Baca juga: Panduan Lengkap ke Lapangan Banteng, Wisata Gratis di Jakarta Pusat

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Kompas Travel (@kompas.travel)

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U.S. reissues ‘do not travel’ warning to this popular South American destination for terrorism and kidnapping risk

• Updated: May. 22, 2024, 6:05 p.m. |
• Published: May. 22, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

The U.S. Department of State reissued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, the highest classification of travel warnings, due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws in Venezuela. Canva

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. Department of State is telling Americans to steer clear of this popular South American destination as the summer travel season kicks off.

The State Department reissued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory , the highest classification of travel warnings, due to “crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws” in Venezuela.

“Reconsider travel due to wrongful detentions, terrorism and poor health infrastructure,” the advisory continues.

Violent crimes such as kidnappings, armed robbery, carjacking and homicide are common in Venezuela. There is also a “high risk” that Americans could be wrongfully detained.

Political rallies, often against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, are common in the region and occur without notice. Maduro is seeking a third term in office in the country’s July elections.

Under Maduro’s tenure as president, millions of people have fallen into poverty and more than 7.7 million others have tried to flee the country, according to The Associated Press.

Here are a few of the precautions the State Department urges Americans to follow, if they decide to travel to Venezuela:

• Avoid all land border crossings into Venezuela on the Colombian border.
• Ensure you have a valid Venezuelan visa because visas are not available upon arrival.
• Be prepared for the high risk of indefinite detention without consular access.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization and a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones in case you are taken hostage.
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

You can find more guidance from the State Department while traveling in Venezuela and other high-risk areas here .

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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Air travel has gone to the dogs — literally. Here’s what to know about BARK Air

Rachel Treisman

BARK Air officially launched this week, completing its first flight from New York to Los Angeles on Thursday. It also flies to London and aims to add more routes in the coming months. Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

Flying with your dog in first class may sound like a far-fetched dream for many pet lovers. But a new boutique airline launching this week aims to make the “white paw experience” a reality.

BARK Air describes itself as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second.”

“BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival, to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience,” it said in an announcement last month .

Grounded: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Guaranteed Free Flights

BARK Air officially got off the ground on Wednesday afternoon, when its inaugural flight ferried six dogs of varying breeds — from Chihuahuas to a Golden Retriever — and 11 humans (both passengers and crew) from New York to Los Angeles.

The Very Important Pups were treated to chicken-flavored puppuccinos, special cupcakes and a shoe — on a platter — to snack on, according to BARK Chief of Staff Katharine Enos. She told NPR over email that there was “no drama on board.”

“Brooklyn (dachshund) and Eddy (golden) [were] friends and played and the little dogs took nice long naps most of the way,” she added. “After lunch it was nap time for everyone. No potty accidents on board or stolen food either! Everyone felt connected in the way we were obsessed with our dogs.”

Introducing BARK Air: A 100% totally real airline for dogs. We're dog people, and we are tired of there being no truly dog-friendly options when it comes to air travel. Now booking the best-in-class dog focused flight imaginable at https://t.co/eZqVYMC5W3 pic.twitter.com/bzcY2rSO4h — BARK (@bark) April 11, 2024

The airline is a subsidiary of BARK, the company behind dog-focused brands like the subscription service BarkBox. Co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker says he’s been working towards this idea for over a decade.

He was inspired by his late Great Dane Hugo, who traveled with him often but could never fit on a plane — like many non-lap dogs, Hugo would have had to fly in the cargo area rather than the cabin. (Meeker even flew from Florida to New York in a cargo crate to show how disorienting that experience can be, as part of Bark Air’s promotional campaign.)

Many airlines have tightened restrictions for emotional support animals on board in recent years. The logistics and cost of travel can be a highly emotional issue for many families who don’t want to leave their dogs behind when relocating, let alone vacationing, Meeker says.

“We don't think of ourselves as selling dog toys or seats on an airline,” Meeker told NPR in a phone interview. “We think of ourselves as selling awesome emotional experiences with your dog.”

Shots - Health News

The cdc issues new rules for bringing dogs into the u.s., aimed at keeping out rabies.

It’s also an expensive one: BARK Air flights between New York and LA cost $6,000 for one dog and one human (or one human and two dogs collectively under 50 pounds) in each direction, and one-way flights between New York and London go for $8,000.

Potential customers were quick to bemoan the cost, with one social media user joking that her pup would need to start selling “paw pics” to make it work.

Meeker acknowledged that “the price is high, and it’s too high.” But he said innovations, especially related to transportation, often become less expensive over time — and he hopes that will be the case with BARK Air, too.

“We have pretty clear ways of bringing those prices down if the demand is there, and that’s what we aim to do,” he added. “We want to make this affordable and accessible for as many dogs as possible.”

The airline aims to pamper passengers, both pups and people

The airline doesn't have dog size or breed restrictions but only allows humans over age 18 (or 126 in dog years). Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

On BARK Air, the drinks come in bowls, leashes replace seat belts, champagne is made of chicken broth and the bathroom is, well, anywhere.

“When they feel they need to go, they go,” Meeker said of the dog. “And then we clean up after them. And then we clean the plane between every turn.”

It’s one of the many unique perks — and logistical challenges — of an airline for dogs. BARK has partnered with a New York-based charter company called Talon Air, which provides the pilots, flight crew and plane, a Gulfstream V.

The jets accommodate 14 human passengers, but BARK is capping them at 10 to offer extra space. Meeker says it aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible for dogs, starting “even before the flight.”

BARK Air will do a “pup intake” to learn about the dogs’ temperament and preferences. On the day of the flight, humans are advised to show up an hour early to the terminal, where they’ll present their ID and walk straight onto the plane.

Do your kids want a dog? Science may be on their side

“And so what we've bypassed there is a busy commercial airport and a very rigid TSA environment, and treating the dog as just another piece of luggage,” Meeker said.

Dogs and humans get served their meals — and stow away their toys — before the flight takes off to avoid potential territorial disputes. Once in the air, dogs are offered perks like a spa treatment and blankets covered with pheromones for extra comfort. Meeker says the in-flight crew is trained in dog CPR and “fear-free behavioral practices.”

The airline has no dog size or breed restrictions, but humans must be over 18 (aka 126 in dog years). Once on board, humans are advised to keep their dogs leashed as much as possible and ask before approaching others’.

Meeker, who traveled with his dog on two recent test flights between Florida and New York, says people hoped the dogs would misbehave for purposes of the experiment — but they did anything but, even during moments of “pretty significant turbulence.”

“They calmed everyone down, they floated around, they'd take someone’s seat,” he said. “A strange dog, like, not your dog, would wander up, sit on the couch next to you, put their head in your lap, and it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ ”

He added, “I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but the dogs made it magical.”

Demand already appears to be taking off

BARK Air is partnering with charter company Talon Air to offer several flights per month. Some are already sold out for June and July. BARK hide caption

Meeker said the initial reaction to BARK Air’s launch has been “really overwhelming and positive.”

BARK Air is offering about four round-trip cross-country flights a month, with several already sold out for June and July. It’s already planning to expand its routes, starting with a New York to Paris trip beginning in the fall.

“About a third of people apparently buy their air travel six months in advance,” he said. “So we just published our schedule through the end of the year in order to serve that crowd better.”

The airline is soliciting requests for additional destinations, and Meeker said it received over 15,000 in the first week alone.

How to keep your pets cool and safe during a heat wave

They’ve heard from military families who are moving, people who travel for business and New Yorkers spending summers outside the city — all of whom want their dogs there too. Meeker also noted significant demand from snowbirds who want to go south with their dogs for the winter and many requests for flights in and out of Chicago.

“We're just processing that information and choosing the dates, and we're learning a lot,” he added.

He hopes the forthcoming data will allow the company to make more cost-effective decisions soon.

“We’re probably doing this the most expensive way we could, which is chartering a private plane from a private owner,” he explained.

The next step would be to make a longer commitment with the charter company, leasing the plane for a month or even a year to bring down costs. Even better would be buying and outfitting a plane. Meeker has his eye on a Boeing 747 model with a back half dedicated to cargo that could serve as an additional source of revenue.

He says this team already has a design that would feature private cabins with lay-flat beds, a central “dog park” and a bar, for dog and human socializing, respectively.

“That’s the dream,” he added. “But it’ll take a little bit of time to get there.”

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What’s Behind the Security Warnings for Pride Events

Citing the potential for terrorism, the State Department, F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security urged those attending L.G.B.T.Q. events to be vigilant. Here’s what to know.

By Derek M. Norman

This June, as many travelers make plans to attend Pride Month events around the world, including New York City’s giant parade on June 30, security concerns are casting a shadow on celebrations.

A travel advisory issued last week by the State Department advises U.S. citizens overseas to “exercise increased caution” at Pride celebrations, events and places popular with the L.G.B.T.Q. community because of the potential for terrorist attacks or acts of violence.

That advisory follows a joint public service announcement on May 10 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that describes an increased security threat against Pride events in the United States and elsewhere and warns that terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to target the gatherings.

Neither alert mentions any specific threats or locations, nor do they advise against traveling. Here’s what to know.

What prompted the warnings?

The State Department is aware, its alert said, of increased potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against the L.G.B.T.Q. community.

The F.B.I. and D.H.S. announcement pointed to a February 2023 anti-L.G.B.T.Q. article circulated online in pro-Islamic State circles. The ISIS messaging also encouraged followers to conduct attacks on “soft targets,” typically public places or events that are easily accessible.

Last June, the announcement said, the Austrian authorities foiled a plot to attack attendees at the Pride parade in Vienna with knives and a vehicle, arresting three people accused of being ISIS sympathizers.

The announcement also cited the eighth anniversary, on June 12, of the mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in which an attacker claiming allegiance to ISIS killed 49 people.

The efforts to inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride, are “compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other Western countries,” the announcement said.

How unusual is this?

Threats made against L.G.B.T.Q. people by terrorist organizations or their sympathizers are not uncommon.

Terrorist organizations can use such threats as a recruitment tool, allowing them to capitalize on shared prejudices, explained Colin P. Clarke, the director of research at the Soufan Group , a New York-based intelligence and security consulting firm.

“It’s another arrow in the quiver, and it allows groups to cast a wider net,” he wrote in an email. “Some potential recruits will be motivated by sectarianism, others by anti-Western propaganda, and yet others are motivated by homophobia. So, if it resonates, terrorist groups will use it as a form of incitement.”

The State Department maintains a web page with information tailored to L.G.B.T.Q. travelers, but a global security alert for Pride events is rare.

“The State Department’s recent worldwide travel advisory specifically targeting the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community is unlike any we’ve seen before, but it also aligns with the escalation of anti-L.G.B.T.Q.+ actions globally,” wrote John Tanzella, the president of IGLTA , an L.G.B.T.Q. travel network, in an email.

What should travelers do to stay safe?

“The first rule is to follow the advice and guidance of the Pride organization: They know their city and they know their event, and they will be working with police to keep you safe,” Steve Taylor, a board member of the European Pride Organizers Association and a leader of Copenhagen Pride , wrote in an email.

“Second, look out for each other,” he added. “Our eyes and ears are what will keep us safe. If something doesn’t look right, say something. And third, stick to the main events and make sure others know where you are going.”

In places like New York City, Pride event organizers are working with law enforcement and private security teams, as well as encouraging people to follow their safety guidance , which includes advice like having a buddy system and reporting any suspicious activity.

“There are bad actors,” said Sandra Perez, executive director of NYC Pride , the organization that sponsors the city’s Pride March, which drew 75,000 participants and about two million spectators last year, according to organizers. “What we know is we can’t allow their threats to kind of dictate our visibility.”

While people should always take safety seriously, she noted, there is also a power in the unity of showing up and celebrating.

When it comes to attendance at the march, Ms. Perez said, “The reality is, rain has sometimes a bigger impact than some of these other threats.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Derek M. Norman is a senior news assistant for the International section of The Times. More about Derek M. Norman

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Embracing humanity: A call to rethink refugee policies in Indonesia

Refugees do not choose to leave their homes; they are compelled to flee persecution, violence and conflict, often rooted in religious or ideological tensions.

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n recent months, the shores of Aceh in Indonesia have seen a steady influx of boats carrying refugees, contributing to the existing population of displaced individuals in the country. Once regarded as a safe haven for Rohingya refugees, Aceh has now adopted a stance of aloofness, treating these refugees as outsiders rather than fellow humans in need of compassion and support. 

According to United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Indonesia currently hosts 13,458 refugees from 51 different countries, with around 8 percent of these being Rohingya refugees. Most of the rest are from Afghanistan.

Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia has become a critical transit point for refugees, owing to its vast archipelago consisting of 17,000 islands and an extensive coastline spanning 99,000 kilometers that provides ample opportunities for boat entry.

However, this transient status has turned into a prolonged limbo for many refugees, with some being stranded in Indonesia for up to eight years, and others living in the country for over 15 years with no prospects of resettlement.

Why does the resettlement process to the destination take years? Well, let us just leave the question for the UNHCR and state members to answer. 

While it is understandable that Indonesia, like other nations, harbors concerns about the strain refugees may place on limited resources, it is imperative to view this issue through a lens of shared humanity and moral responsibility. Refugees do not choose to leave their homes; they are compelled to flee persecution, violence and conflict, often rooted in religious or ideological tensions.

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Indonesia has long been a crucial transit point for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries. However, as a nation that did not ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia's treatment of refugees has often been characterized by restrictions and limitations that hinder their integration and ability to lead dignified lives. The current policy framework, which prohibits refugees from accessing education, employment and social security benefits, reflects a pragmatic but arguably inhumane approach.

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AAA forecasts nearly 44M travelers for Memorial Day weekend: See best times to travel

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, which means people will be flooding highways and airports this weekend looking to get away for some rest and relaxation.

The American Automobile Association is projecting nearly 44 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, which is defined by the organization as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a news release. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."

The organization projects over 38 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, over 3.5 million will travel by air and nearly 2 million will travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains.

The 38 million drivers is the highest number for Memorial Day since AAA began tracking data in 2000 and is up 4% compared to last year. The 3.5 million air travelers is an increase of nearly 5% over last year and, according to AAA, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

When is Memorial Day?: Here's when the holiday falls and what to know about its history.

Best, worst times to travel for Memorial Day weekend

Drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters, AAA said, citing data from transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Drivers going back home Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, in the news release.

Here's a breakdown of the best and worst times to travel by car depending on which day you are traveling:

Thursday, May 23

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best travel time: After 7 p.m.

Gas prices continue to decrease heading into Memorial Day weekend

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen four cents since last week, to $3.60. The primary reasons are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel, according to the organization.

“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in a news release. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”

This Memorial Day weekend, drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was about $3.57.

"Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks," AAA said in the news release, while also noting that prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway.

The wildcard remains the cost of oil, according to the organization, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].