Jakarta is a city of ten million people making the largest in all of Southeast Asia. With such a vast city, it stands to reason that there’s no shortage of things to do in Jakarta. It is a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Dutch and English histories, and an emerging destination for nightlife and shopping.
As one might expect from a city with such a rich history, you’re likely to find unique clashes of culture here. The city carries a strong sense of history, evidenced by its buildings and people.
But you won’t be stuck for what to do in Jakarta. It is also a modern city, embracing burgeoning entertainment and retail sectors, and driving new travel to Jakarta with resorts, theme parks, and commercial development.
With this in mind, our Jakarta itinerary looks to take in the best of many worlds within Jakarta. We get to explore the historical and cultural sides of the city, but also the fun and modern aspects that make it popular with new tourists.
We also enjoy a little bit of shopping and even some rock n’roll Jakarta-style. Here’s what you can do in Jakarta!
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If you are visiting Indonesia then there is a strong chance you’ll be passing through it’s capital, Jakarta. Unless perhaps you are purely here to visit Bali in which case you may not. There are two things to consider when planning an itinerary for Jakarta:
If you’re looking for long, sunny days and as little rainfall as possible, come between June and September. This is probably the best time to plan a Jakarta itinerary, as you’ll be able to enjoy all Jakarta’s offerings in their full capacities.
The rainy season can sometimes bring flooding in the lower-lying parts of the city. But even if you visit during the ‘wet season’ between October and May, you’re unlikely to ever be cold. Do bring a water proof jacket though.
The daily temperature will seldom drop below the high 60s Fahrenheit (15c), and rain is mostly intermittent, even in the rainy season. On many days the rain will actually be a welcome relief from the soaring subtropical temperatures.
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The second consideration is whether you’d prefer a slightly less busy time of year. In the month of Ramadan, the city slows down as people observe the holy month. Many businesses may close during prayer time, and some locals may leave the city to visit family for Eid.
On the other hand, some hotels have been known to offer discounted rates over this time, as tourism tends to slow down accordingly. Before visiting Jakarta, you may want to check when Ramadan will be observed.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of average conditions you can expect in Jakarta through the year, not taking into account the month of Ramadan, which follows the Muslim lunar calendar and changes every year. It should give some idea of When to visit Jakarta/
Average Temperatures | Chance of Rain | Crowds | Overall Grade | |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 28°C /82°F | Average | Busy | 🙁 |
February | 28°C / 82°F | Average | Busy | 😐 |
March | 29°C /84 °F | Average | Busy | 😐 |
April | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
May | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
June | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
July | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
August | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
September | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
October | 30°C / 86°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
November | 29°C / 84°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
December | 29°C / 84°F | Average | Busy | 🙁 |
Where to stay in Jakarta? The expats in Jakarta have nicknamed the city ‘Big Durian’, after a local fruit. Apparently, this is because they think of the city as being the New York of Indonesia.
Both cities are notorious for traffic, but Jakarta does not have the advantage of a subway system. With this firmly in mind, planning where to stay can help you save lots of time getting to where you’d like to go. Buses and taxis are plentiful, though walking can be a faster option for close-by activities at peak times.
The Sudirman Central Business District – SCBD for short – is basically the CBD of Jakarta. As such, it’s the most visited tourist area for entertainment, clubs, malls, hotels, and shopping.
Ancol is a popular seaside area and has several attractions in that area. The Sea World aquarium and water, eco and adventure parks make it a popular Jakarta itinerary item with families.
Kemang is a good option if you’re partial to nightlife spots. There are also lots of expats here, so you’re likely to find a good mix of entertainment, food and drink options. Ultimately, where to stay when planning a trip to Jakarta depends on your budget.
New apartment in complex | Best Airbnb in Jakarta
Completely renovated, modern and luxurious – this Airbnb is perfect for your first time in Jakarta if you want to stay close to Mangga Dua. The shopping mall is just moments away, and you’re also close to public transport options. Since the apartment is part of a complex, you can use the on-site pool and gym for free. When it comes to Airbnbs in Jakarta, it doesn’t get much better than this!
YELLO Hotel Harmoni | Best Budget Hotel in Jakarta
Starting at a little under $40 USD, you’d be hard-pressed to find a budget hotel at a better location. It offers direct access to the HXC mall, good food, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and very comfy beds. Of the hundreds of hotels in Jakarta, the Harmoni consistently rates in the top 20 for single and business travelers, despite being a budget hotel.
The Hermitage, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Jakarta
The 1920s touches at this art-deco boutique hotel in the Menteng district make it one of the most beautiful in all of Jakarta. Spacious rooms and a rooftop bar for those wonderful warm sunsets. If the on-site glass-top cafe or gastronomic bistro isn’t for you, the area is known for a vibrant live music scene, restaurants and cocktail bars to add to your to-do list.
Six Degrees Hostel | Best Hostel in Jakarta
It’s hard to find someone who’s had a bad experience at Six Degrees. Besides its convenient location, the key attraction is its rooftop garden and bar. Sunsets from here are quite an experience. The ultra-friendly staff will also arrange walking tours of the city and free use of the hostel’s bicycles. The mini-cinema, gym and free breakfast are the clinchers – making Six degrees the best value hostel in Jakarta.
The key to a great 2-day itinerary in Jakarta is balance. A little bit of everything on each of your 2 days in Jakarta is better than a one-day overload of one particular type of activity. Fortunately, Jakarta is big enough to try this approach, with similar but different options to satisfy all ages and interests.
Getting around a city as crowded as Jakarta can be challenging. As a rule of thumb: if it’s close enough to walk, that’s probably the best option anyway. But there are public and private transport options, like taxi cabs, which operate much like any other major city.
Motorcycle taxis or ojeks can be hailed like any conventional taxi. The upside is that you can negotiate a rate before you take the ride. In recent years, ojek co-ops have started using apps similar to Uber as well. Note that many Insurance companies do not cover you for any accidents that happen on motorbike taxi’s.
Slightly upgraded from that are trikes – a lot like the famous tuk-tuk from Thailand. These tend to be pretty efficient if your party is small enough to use them. For the most part, ojeks and trikes are good for short distances within the city.
Here’s a tip: If you can avoid taking the bus, do so. They’re generally a lot slower, and sometimes quite irregular. This might therefore interfere with any plans on your Jakarta itinerary.
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Istiqlal Mosque | Jakarta Catholic Cathedral | Monas Tower | Atlantis Water Adventure | Taman Anggrek Mall
We’ll start the Jakarta itinerary with some fascinating history and culture, and then onto some fun relief from the heat. We’ll end the day with a theme park excursion the whole family can enjoy, and we’ll even do some shopping on the way.
Day 1 / Stop 1 – Istiqlal Mosque
- Why it’s awesome: It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
- Cost: Free, but a $1 USD – $2 USD gratuity for your guide is expected
- Food nearby: Kantin Koperasi Istiqlal is ideal for a quick snack with a local flavor.
It’s only fitting to start our Jakarta itinerary here, as no Jakarta trip is complete without it. Istiqlal means ‘independence’, and the mosque was built to commemorate Jakarta’s independence.
This mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. The huge white dome of the Istiqlal Mosque that rises above the nearby treetops is impossible to miss. The mosque is an active house of worship, as well as school, but allows tourists to visit its second floor.
There are five floors in all. Four of them form balconies from which to observe the main area. A guide will offer to take you around to the areas in which you are allowed. Bear in mind that Islamic rules regarding footwear and clothing are observed which means dress respectfully. But a coverall gown will be provided if needed.
The mosque (or masjid) can host up to 120, 000 people, which is an incredible sight to witness. It is likely to be fuller on Fridays. Many dignitaries have visited the mosque, including US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Prince Charles.
The Istiqlal Mosque and adjacent Catholic Cathedral are two major Jakarta points of interest.
Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Jakarta Catholic Cathedral
- Why it’s awesome: A unique piece of European cultural history within Asia
- Cost: Free
- Food nearby: Miyama Japanese and Teratai Chinese restaurants
Here’s a piece of trivia worth knowing: The official name of the Catholic cathedral in Jakarta is Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga. Its official English name is St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.
The Cathedral with its distinctive gothic spires is the perfect second stop for our day one itinerary, as it is directly opposite from the Istiqlal Mosque. The proximity of the two buildings symbolizes the nation’s desire to celebrate both its diversity and unity.
The beautiful building was opened in 1901, but is still a very active church, as crowds attend masses – sometimes to overflowing. At other times, visitors are invited to take a look at the museum or the bookshop.
The museum is especially interesting, as it contains various artifacts and records that detail the legacy of Christian faith in the region. Most fascinating of all are the various old clerical robes and hats, documents, paintings, goblets, and other trinkets. They truly offer a glimpse into an important past for Indonesia.
In the catholic tradition, the church is adorned with various statues and symbols. Most notable are the key statues of Mary and a depiction of The Pietà.
Day 1 / Stop 3 – Monas Tower
- Why it’s awesome: Monas offers visitors a sense of what independence meant to the Indonesian people
- Cost: $1 USD
- Food nearby: Nasi Goreng Pak Kumis is great for a local-flavored snack.
We’re a short walk away from another one of the major Jakarta landmarks, so let’s stop by Monas National Monument to pay our respects to this nation. The monument project was initiated by Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, as a symbol of the nation’s independence. It was completed after his death in 1975.
This beautiful building stands an impressive 137 meters in Merdeka Square, and offers several points of visual and experiential interest. Start in the yard, where the walls bear relief sculptures of Indonesia’s most important historical events. Here you can trace the Majapahit Empire’s rise and fall, the arrival of the Dutch, the road to independence and beyond.
Push on into the Indonesian National History Museum and the Meditation Hall. The most impressive of the exhibits here are the copy of the original proclamation of independence and the gilded map of Indonesia.
For an additional thrill, you can access a viewing platform near the top of the tower. At 117 meters, it provides a breathtaking view of the city.
Day 1 / Stop 4 – Atlantis Water Adventure
- Why it’s awesome: It’s a welcome and cooling distraction on a hot day for all ages
- Cost: Weekdays $7 USD; Weekends $10 USD
- Food nearby: A variety of food stalls within the park
Time to add some fun and games to our Jakarta itinerary. Hop on a taxi and head north towards Danau Ancol, where we can enjoy the Atlantis Water Adventure water park. Remember to pack your swimming costume (naked swimming is not permitted), and take note that the park makes a point of saying it’s not just for kids.
The jewel in the water park’s crown is the Multistructure, a new eight-slide monster. But there’s also Crazy, the highest and longest slides in the park. Reckon you can do a 22 meter-high, 150 meter-long glide?
Our favorite is the Skybox. It’s a glass enclosure that flushes you down an 80-degree tube at 56km/h! It doesn’t last long, but the sensation will stay with you for a while.
Nine separate rides or pool areas can be found within the park, making it a great place in Jakarta to go waste a couple of hours or even an entire day.
Insider Tip: Be aware that the park does get crowded on weekends, so be sure to show up early or simply choose a weekday that suits you better.
Day 1 / Stop 5 – Taman Anggrek Mall
- Why it’s awesome: It’s the biggest mall in Jakarta, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia!
- Cost: Free
- Food nearby: Food court and many options
Let’s head back into the city, to the biggest mall in Jakarta to satisfy our shopping bug. The Mall Taman Anggrek (or “Orchid Garden Mall”) is a spectacular seven-floor experience that plays host to nearly 18 million shoppers per year – Definitely one of the major Jakarta attractions.
The mall itself is quite a sight. Sitting above the seven lower floors are seven residential towers, which can be seen from miles around. The mall itself contains around 400 stores, covering an impressive 360 000 square meters.
As with any modern mall, there’s a grand variety of shops to explore, from fashion to jewelry, electronics and more. There are 20 exhibition areas so something will always be happening at one of them.
Of special note is the mall’s ice rink! Yes, this mall has its very own ice rink attraction – ideal for when you need a break from exploring the 400 retail outlets.
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Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewJalan Surabaya Flea Market | Museum Wayang | Pasar Baru | Ancol Dreamland
Welcome to day two. We’ve got more shopping and unique cultural aspects of Jakarta to explore today. But there’s also a ton of fun to be had with a visit to an amusement park, and we will end your 2 day itinerary in Jakarta with some live music to rock to!
Day 2 / Stop 1 – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market
- Why it’s awesome: It’s like a fascinating walk through time
- Cost: Free, but you might buy a few things
- Food nearby: Local stalls for snacks and food
Let’s start the second day of our Jakarta itinerary by checking out the old-time goods at the most famous flea market in Jakarta. The Menteng flea market also goes by the names Jalan Surabaya, or Pusat Barang Antik.
Though it’s defined as a flea market, it’s actually a collection of stalls and shops that specialize in items that appeal to the antique collector. That said, you don’t really need to understand antiques to shop here – you can simply look for something you like.
The most important factor is your bargaining skills. Most market vendors will expect you to haggle (so make sure you know how to barter), and that’s fair because sometimes you’re taking their word for it that the item in question is indeed antique.
It’s all part of the fun, really. You can find items of furniture, curios, jewelry, trinkets, and even pottery. There may be several items from Indonesian and even Dutch history here. Whatever you might be seeking from a bygone age, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
There are a couple of stalls offering food if you’re on a break. You can lose a good couple of hours of your Jakarta itinerary just talking to the vendors and browsing through the goodies on offer. If you spend one day in Jakarta, be sure to spend it here.
Day 2 / Stop 2 – Museum Wayang
- Why it’s awesome: Explores a unique aspect of Indonesian culture
- Cost: $1 USD
- Food nearby: Cafe Batavia is a popular and highly-rated eatery nearby
The Museum Wayang – or puppet museum – may not be top of mind when thinking about places to visit in the city. But this guided tour is fascinating and dives deep into the culture of puppetry tradition in Indonesia.
UNESCO proclaimed Indonesian puppets as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, which gives you some idea of the cultural importance of these fascinating items. The guides are exceptionally informative, as they are puppeteers themselves.
Interestingly, the museum also displays Indian puppets. The traditional Wayang performances are based on Ramayana and Mahabharata of Indian mythology. If you’re lucky, there might be a performance or a puppet-making workshop taking place when you arrive.
The walk among life-size models is intriguing. The puppets are usually made of wood and buffalo hide and take months to make. If you’re totally in love by the end of the tour, stop by the souvenir shop and consider buying a puppet of your own. (Remember to bargain!)
Day 2 / Stop 3 – Pasar Baru
- Why it’s awesome: If you’re looking for the widest range of market goods to browse and buy, this is your place.
- Cost: Free
- Food nearby: Goku restaurant (vegetarian Indian) and Tropik (ice cream!) are highlights.
If you’re able to hold off eating up to now, you’ll be rewarded as you visit Pasar Baru, in Jakarta’s busiest locale. Some call Pasar Baru “Little India”, though it has several major cultural influences including Dutch and Chinese.
The main attraction is, of course, its market. Here you can find almost anything and everything, from materials (silk and satin) to clothes to electronics (cameras and radios).
But what makes it worth doing around lunchtime is the choice of street food you can try. Pop down alleyways and side streets, and you’ll find small eateries that serve fish, meat, noodles, and almost any locally-flavored snack you can think of.
An interesting side-note is that there are a few religious locations in the area that you can visit. One popular site is the Sin Tek Bio temple, built by Chinese farmers in the mid-1600s.
You’ll spend a few hours here, as the area is pretty big and there is lots to see and try.
Day 2 / Stop 4 – Ancol Dreamland
- Why it’s awesome: A broad selection of activities all in one area
- Cost: $2 USD per adult and per car at the main gate. Add Fantasy World from $15 USD, Sea World from $6 USD, and Atlantis from $9 USD per person. Some rides may cost extra.
- Food nearby: There are plenty of eateries and restaurants in the resort.
Time for a fully-designed tourist experience – we need at least one on this Jakarta itinerary. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (or Ancol Dreamland) is a resort that is specifically designed as a tourist attraction complete with shops, beaches, parks, and other recreational facilities.
You can enjoy a marina, more than 70 eateries, an art market, a gondola ride, a theme park, two beaches and more.
The Gondola ride is a cable car experience that is definitely a highlight, as you can see the surrounding area from above – a gorgeous sight, especially in the evening. Attached is a theme park, Dufan, which has more than forty rides including the roller coaster named Hallintar!
If you’re feeling really courageous, try the most notorious of the rides, the Tornado and Hysteria!
The kids will also enjoy the aquatic park SeaWorld, which includes alligator and shark pools. Beyond the aquatic theme, there’s also an eco-park to explore, offering green-themed edu-tours around Eco-Energy, Eco Care, Eco Nature, and Eco-Art.
A bonus is that some of the restaurants here are open 24 hours, so if you’re a late-night reveler, you’re good to go in Ancol.
Thousand islands | Gedung Kesenian | Museum Layang-Layang | War Cemetery | Kidzania
You lucky fish! If you’re wondering what to do in Jakarta for 3 days or maybe what to do in Jakarta for 4 days, there a few other offerings to consider. Here are a few more places to consider for a 3 day itinerary in Jakarta and beyond.
The Thousand islands
- Get out of the city hustle and bustle
- Tropical beaches to replenish the soul and the body
- It’s best to do over a weekend in Jakarta
If you do have more time beyond your 2-day itinerary in Jakarta, consider a boat ride out to explore a few of the literal thousand islands to visit in the Indonesian archipelago. A full weekend to sit on a beach and relax is ideal, but the boat ride only takes an hour or two.
Some say a classy beach resort is the best place to stay in Jakarta. Of the best are Pulau Bidadari, which is the closest, and Pulau Macan, which is popular with honeymooners and eco-tourists.
You can get to most of the islands by speedboat from the Marina Ancol resort for around $15 USD. Here’s a tip: If you want to opt for a slightly cheaper way to get to the islands try Kali Adem harbor in MuaraAngke. This is a fishing jetty, but you could score a cheap trip to an island from here, where privately or via ferry for $3-5 USD.
If you want to go from island to island once you’re there, several resorts will let you rent boats to island-hop. This would be another enviable addition to your Jakarta itinerary.
Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
- A feel of an old Euro-style theater
- Shakespeare’s Othello was the first-ever performance here
- The premiere concert hall in Jakarta
Take an evening out to attend a performance of an opera, play or symphony at this amazing old colonial-era theater.
This beautiful old theater was commissioned in 1821. Over the years, it has served many functions. For example, during World War II, the occupying Japanese army used it as a military headquarters for the region.
The building also served as a headquarters for groups during the Indonesian push for Independence. It has even been a university building. Today it serves as one of the city’s main opera houses and theaters. Hosting regular performances of classics and modern works.
Museum Layang-Layang
- Another most unusual museum to marvel in
- Kite making, ceramics and batik workshops on offer
- The founder and owner still works here as the main guide
By now you’ve realized that Indonesia has a fondness for puppets. It also has a special place reserved for kites, of all things. In the unusual but quaint Museum Layang-Layang, it is the latter that is celebrated.
In a traditional-looking house in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, Endang Ernawati opened this monument to a passion that seems unequaled. There are over 600 kites on display here, and some of them are incredibly unique.
Visitors usually marvel at the smallest (2 cm) and the largest (26 meters). But you’ll also find the strange, like a duo of kites that need to be flown together to produce a sound, not unlike a flute! You may also be intrigued to find the kite that is flown at a traditional wedding.
Among the other highlights is a giant 3D horse and cart, and bamboo and banana-tree leave constructed flyers. The museum hosts workshops specially for children where kids can make their own, and adults can paint theirs. All the while, the guide will offer interesting bits and pieces on the history of kites in Indonesian culture.
Jakarta War Cemetery
- A serene and respectful monument to War heroes
- Commissioned by the Commonwealth and Dutch authorities after World War II
- Gates opened upon request on weekdays
If you’re a cultural or historical tourist, the War Cemetery in the suburb of Menteng Pulo is a somber reminder of the devastation of World War II on the region and its people. It’s a definite item on any history buff’s Jakarta itinerary.
The cemetery contains the graves of Indonesian, Dutch and commonwealth (English, Indian, Pakistani and other) forces. It commemorates the soldiers lost during the Japanese invasion in 1942 and the subsequent re-taking of the region.
At the center of the cemetery stands the Cross of Sacrifice, which can be found in many Commonwealth war cemeteries around the world. The Dutch section of the cemetery contains a small chapel.
What makes a visit here so enriching is the many stories that can be learned from the plaques and stones, especially in the British section of the graveyard. There are around 1200 graves in all, including those belonging to POWs who died during the war, and even a few given to heroes of the Indonesian Revolution.
Kidzania
- A cutting-edge approach to edutainment and fun in a Kids Park is indeed possible
- Kids can learn about professions and how money works
- Adults can take a break at the food court
Kidzania in the CBD is a kids’ play park with a difference. It is designed to look and feel like a real city, and lets kids take on roles in real occupations. It taps into that children’ desire to roleplay, while simultaneously giving them basic life lessons as they navigate the ‘city’.
The park is divided into a number of scenes, themed by activity. There’s even a flight simulator! Each of the activities or scenarios – whether it be a car dealership, fire department, city parade or disco lounge – is designed to impart life skills.
Each kid is given ‘KidZos’ on entry, which they treat as money in Kidzania. On a smaller scale, the kids will also learn about a number of professions along the way.
Sadly, no over 16s can participate, but there is a food court and pizzeria to enjoy. Don’t worry about the kids as there is plenty of high-end security to make sure everyone remains safe within the enclosed park. If you bring kids, this is a MUST on your extended Jakarta trip itinerary.
It’s a good idea to check with travel authorities when traveling anywhere, and Jakarta is no different. The region is prone to volcanic activity and other natural threats, so it will reassure you to know if any such warnings are in effect.
Like in any major city, it’s best to err on the side of personal caution in Jakarta. Take care not to be too casual with valuables like cameras, wallets, and jewelry. If using crowded public transport, be aware of the threat of pickpockets.
Ask advice from your hotel or a trusted local desk about things like reputable taxi companies and fair rates. There are several unlicensed operators out there who are looking to overcharge you if they can. It’s not a good idea to ask for an unmetered quote from a taxi operator. Better to make sure the meter is running, and even then to make sure it’s a legit operator.
With so much traffic in the city, you’ll want to be extra vigilant when walking around on your vacation in Jakarta. Drivers aren’t always alert, and different ideas might apply to pedestrian safety.
Drinking tap water is not safe. Fortunately, bottled water is available almost everywhere. Keep in mind to ask about the ice in your establishment as well. If the ice is made directly from tap water, it’s best to avoid it.
For the most part Jakarta and Indonesia are safe destinations if you are sensible and heed local advice.
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If you have between two and eight hours to spare on your itinerary for Jakarta, a day trip is the perfect way to see a part of the city that interests you. This is also because most day trips from Jakarta are guided. You’ll get to experience the attraction as its intended. Here are five of the most fascinating on offer.
Jakarta: Like a Local Customized Guided Tour
What better way to explore a city than with a knowledgeable local? Take a walking tour through Jakarta’s coolest neighborhoods someone who can show you all the best-kept secret. The little things matter, like where to get the best food or knick-knacks, or how much to pay for what.
And the best part is that you can customize your tour according to what you want to see. The guide will meet you at your hotel, and you can specify where you’d like to go within the time you have. It’s a very personal approach to exploring the city that can leave a unique, lasting impression.
Jakarta: Bogor Cultural Tour with Botanical Gardens Visit
This is one of the longer day trips from Jakarta and will require one whole day to do. It’s a ten-hour excursion to the countryside and towards the city of Bogor. Among the stops will be the glorious botanical gardens, an authentic local gongsmith’s, and a puppet maker’s workshop.
The gongsmith visit is a notable highlight. It’s unusual, and shows visitors gong manufacturing techniques that have been used for hundreds of years.
Jakarta: 3-Hour Chinatown Guided Walking Tour
The biggest Chinatown in Indonesia offers a wealth of colorful sights, sounds, stories and food to experience first hand.
The expert guide starts the walking tour at a 19th-century house and takes you through the streets towards the traditional market. On the way, you’ll pass by and learn about Chinese art and calligraphy, religion and traditions at the temple, and even get your fortune told.
Jakarta: Old Batavia Guided Walking Tour
Jakarta’s fascinating Dutch Colonial history is explored in this three-hour walking and biking tour of what was then called Batavia. See how the Dutch East India Company’s presence here influenced the architecture and the culture.
For example, The Old Railway Station and The Jakarta History Museum are just two of the fascinating stops on this essential tour of Old Town Jakarta. Traditional Indonesian street food at the market stop will replenish the body. The bike is also included in the price of the tour.
Jakarta: Indonesia in Miniature Park Tour
Arrange for a pick up from your hotel for this one – it’s included in the service. The gorgeous representation of Indonesia is a beautifully designed walk-through of small islands and pavilions.
Each of these represents a province, complete with fascinating miniature artifacts that depict important aspects of the district. Best of all, you then get to take a breathtaking cable ride to see the whole park from above. The day finishes with a visit to the Museum of Indonesia, exploring the extraordinary culture and history of the region.
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Conclusion
If touring Jakarta forms part of a larger Indonesia itinerary, we hope this article has offered a little taste of everything the region has to offer. Jakarta is an eclectic combination of Southeast Asian and European colonial culture, history, and food; a melting pot ready for exploration and enjoyment.
Remember also that observing local values and customs will go a long way to helping you enjoy all the city’s many offerings. Here’s hoping that this itinerary is a great help to you on your trip to Jakarta.
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There is also a lot of good live music in Jakarta!
Excellent guide and tells a lot about Jakarta and how someone can use time to see the wonder of the city within a short time. It helps a lot and thank you.
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Best wishes,
Will