Are you planning a trip to Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia? With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern cityscape, Jakarta has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in this Southeast Asian metropolis.
Here are some of the top activities to add to your Jakarta itinerary:
- Visit the National Museum: This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indonesian history and culture. The exhibits cover everything from prehistoric times to the present day, with artifacts ranging from ancient ceramics to traditional textiles. Don’t miss the impressive collection of Hindu-Buddhist art from Java and Bali.
- Explore Kota Tua: This historic district in central Jakarta is a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere of old Jakarta. You’ll find colonial-era buildings, museums, street food stalls, and plenty of photo opportunities. Highlights include the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum (dedicated to traditional puppetry), and the Fatahillah Square.
- Shop at Pasar Baru: If you love shopping, Pasar Baru is a must-visit destination. This bustling market is known for its textiles, clothing, and accessories, with everything from traditional batik to modern fashion. Be prepared to haggle for the best prices, and don’t forget to try some of the local snacks and drinks while you’re there.
About Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and is located on the northwest coast of Java Island. It is the largest city in Indonesia and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Here are some fun facts, must-try food, and must-try beverage when you visit Jakarta.
Fun Facts
- Jakarta was originally named “Sunda Kelapa” by the Sundanese people, and it was an important port for the Kingdom of Sunda in the 13th century.
- Jakarta was a Dutch colony from the 17th century until World War II, and it was known as “Batavia” during that time.
- Jakarta is home to the National Monument, which is a 433-foot tower that symbolizes Indonesia’s independence from colonialism.
- Jakarta is the most populous city in Southeast Asia, with over 10 million people living in the city and 30 million in the greater metropolitan area.
- Jakarta is prone to flooding due to its location in a low-lying area, and the city has built a massive sea wall to protect against rising sea levels.
Must Try Food
- Nasi Goreng: This is a classic Indonesian dish that consists of fried rice with vegetables, meat, and spices. It’s a staple food in Jakarta and can be found at almost any restaurant or street vendor.
- Sate: This is a popular street food in Jakarta that consists of skewered meat (usually chicken or beef) that is grilled over an open flame and served with peanut sauce.
- Gado-Gado: This is a vegetable salad that is served with a peanut sauce dressing. It’s a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
- Bakso: This is a meatball soup that is often sold by street vendors in Jakarta. It’s a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold day.
- Martabak: This is a sweet or savory pancake that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, cheese, or meat. It’s a popular snack in Jakarta that can be found at street vendors and restaurants.
Must Try Beverage
- Kopi Luwak: This is a unique coffee that is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by a civet cat. It’s a rare and expensive coffee that is considered a delicacy in Jakarta.
- Teh Botol: This is a sweetened iced tea that is sold in bottles throughout Jakarta. It’s a refreshing beverage that is perfect for a hot day.
- Bintang Beer: This is a popular beer in Indonesia that is brewed in Jakarta. It’s a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for a night out on the town.
- Es Kelapa Muda: This is a refreshing drink made from young coconut water and served over ice. It’s a popular beverage in Jakarta that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
- Jus Alpukat: This is an avocado juice that is sweetened with condensed milk and sugar. It’s a unique and delicious drink that is perfect for a mid-day snack.
Not To Miss
Monuments and Museums
- National Monument – Take a trip to the top of the tower to see a panoramic view of Jakarta.
- National Museum – Learn about the history and culture of Indonesia through the exhibits in this museum.
- Jakarta History Museum – Explore the history of Jakarta and see the colonial architecture of the building.
- Museum Wayang – Discover the art of puppetry in Indonesia and see a variety of wayang puppets.
- Museum Bank Indonesia – Learn about the history of money and banking in Indonesia.
Shopping and Entertainment
- Malls – Jakarta has many malls that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Some of the popular malls are Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, and Pacific Place.
- Ancol Dreamland – Visit this amusement park for thrilling rides and attractions.
- Dufan – Enjoy a day of fun at this theme park with rides and attractions for all ages.
- Nightclubs – Jakarta has a vibrant nightlife with many nightclubs to choose from. Some of the popular ones are Dragonfly, Immigrant, and Jenja.
- Jakarta Aquarium – See a variety of marine life at this aquarium located in Neo Soho Mall.
Cultural and Traditional
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – Explore the diverse culture of Indonesia through the miniature models of traditional houses and cultural performances.
- Fatahillah Square – Visit this historical square to see the colonial architecture and learn about the history of Jakarta.
- Glodok Chinatown – Experience the Chinese culture and cuisine in this vibrant neighborhood.
- Istiqlal Mosque – Visit the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and learn about the Islamic culture and religion.
- Ragunan Zoo – See a variety of animals, including orangutans, at this zoo located in South Jakarta.
Remember to plan your trip in advance and check the opening hours and admission fees for each attraction. With so many things to do in Jakarta, you will never run out of options for a fun and exciting trip.
Example Itinerary in 7 Days
If you’re planning to stay in Jakarta for a week, you might be wondering what to do.
Day 1: Old City and National Monument
- Start your day by visiting the Old City, also known as Kota Tua. This area is a glimpse into Jakarta’s colonial past and features Dutch-style architecture. Some of the attractions you can visit in Old City are:
- Jakarta History Museum
- Wayang Museum
- Fatahillah Square
- After exploring Old City, head to the National Monument, also known as Monas. This iconic landmark stands at 132 meters tall and offers a panoramic view of the city from the top. You can also visit the National History Museum located inside the monument.
Day 2: Thousand Islands
- Take a break from the city and head to Thousand Islands. This group of islands is located in the Bay of Jakarta and offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of the activities you can do in Thousand Islands are:
- Snorkeling
- Island hopping
- Relaxing on the beach
- There are various ways to get to Thousand Islands, but the most common is by taking a ferry from Ancol Marina.
Day 3: Shopping and Food
- Jakarta is known for its shopping and food scene, so spend a day exploring some of the best places to shop and eat. Some of the places you can visit are:
- Grand Indonesia Mall
- Plaza Indonesia
- Sarinah Department Store
- Jalan Sabang for street food
- Make sure to try some of Jakarta’s signature dishes such as nasi goreng, gado-gado, and sate.
Day 4: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, also known as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, is a cultural theme park that showcases the diversity of Indonesia’s culture and traditions. Some of the attractions you can visit in Taman Mini are:
- Museum of Indonesian History
- Traditional houses of Indonesia
- Bird Park
- You can easily spend a whole day exploring Taman Mini, so make sure to allocate enough time for the park.
Day 5: Art and Culture
- Jakarta has a vibrant art and culture scene, so spend a day exploring some of the best museums and galleries in the city. Some of the places you can visit are:
- Museum MACAN (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)
- National Gallery of Indonesia
- Art:1 New Museum
- If you have time, you can also catch a traditional dance or wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance.
Day 6: Ancol Dreamland
- Ancol Dreamland is a popular entertainment complex located on the coast of Jakarta. Some of the attractions you can visit in Ancol are:
- Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World) amusement park
- SeaWorld aquarium
- Atlantis Water Adventure water park
- Ancol is also a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the sea breeze.
Day 7: Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque
- End your week in Jakarta by visiting two of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque are located across from each other and offer a glimpse into Jakarta’s religious diversity. Some of the things you can do in Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque are:
- Learn about the history and architecture of the buildings
- Attend a religious service or ceremony
- Make sure to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting these places of worship.
Top Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Jakarta is from May to September, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
- Jakarta Points of Interest: Jakarta has many points of interest, from the historic Kota Tua district to the modern Indonesia Stock Exchange building. Be sure to check out the National Monument (Monas), the Istiqlal Mosque, and the Jakarta Cathedral.
- Antiques Shopping: If you’re looking for antiques, head to Jalan Surabaya in the Menteng district. This famous flea market is home to over 200 stalls selling everything from vintage cameras to traditional Indonesian puppets.
- Chinatown: Jakarta’s Chinatown (Glodok) is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food. Be sure to try the famous bakmi ayam (chicken noodles) and explore the many shops selling Chinese herbs and traditional medicines.
- Beaches: While Jakarta is not known for its beaches, there are some great options nearby. Head to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) for white sand beaches and clear waters, or visit the nearby city of Bogor for a day trip to the beautiful Puncak Pass.
- Nightlife: Jakarta has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Head to the trendy Kemang neighborhood for a night out, or check out the many rooftop bars offering stunning views of the city.
- Pasar Baru: Pasar Baru is a historic market in Central Jakarta, famous for its textiles and clothing. Be sure to bargain hard and explore the many alleys and side streets for hidden gems.
- Modern Indonesia: Jakarta is a modern city with many world-class shopping malls and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Grand Indonesia mall and the Pacific Place mall for upscale shopping and dining options.
- The Big Durian: Jakarta is often called the “Big Durian” after the famously pungent fruit. While the city may be overwhelming at first, it’s worth exploring for its unique blend of modernity and tradition.
By keeping these top tips in mind, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Jakarta.
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